MMEG Bursary South Africa 2026

If you are a woman aged 25 or older, studying at a South African university, and planning to pursue higher education, the MMEG Bursary is the best opportunity to secure funding for your studies.  This guide will help you walk through the MMEG Bursary, including its qualification requirements, fields and expenses covered, as well as the application process. Hence, keep reading to gain a comprehensive understanding of the MMEG Bursary South Africa 2025.

Overview of MMEG

The Margaret McNamara Education Grants (MMEG) is a non-profit public charity that has been supporting education since 1981. MMEG empowers women from developing countries by offering education grants that help build their personal futures as well as the future of their communities. The organization follows the example of Margaret McNamara, who believed in education and equal rights for women.

MMEG Bursary South Africa 2026

The MMEG Bursary is a financial aid program designed for eligible female students pursuing higher education in South Africa. MMEG is encouraging female students to submit their applications for the 2026 academic year. Here’s what you need to know about the MMEG Bursary South Africa 2026, before submitting your application.

What Does MMEG Bursary Cover?

The MMEG Bursary is open to all fields of study and can be used for Certificate, Undergraduate, Graduate, or Postdoctoral programs at selected universities. Women from other eligible countries included in the MMEG Country Eligibility List are also welcome to apply.

MMEG offers financial support that can go up to US$7,000 (around R126,000 in South African currency). However, the exact amount you might receive can be higher or lower depending on how much money MMEG has available and exchange rates. The grant will be distributed in February 2026.

Candidates who are shortlisted will receive a phone call for an interview 2 to 3 months after the application deadline. The final results will be published on the MMEG website in December 2025.

Who Qualifies for the MMEG Bursary?

Applicants must satisfy the bursary requirements before applying. If any applicants fail to satisfy the requirements, their application will not be considered. The following are the MMEG Bursary eligibility requirements:

• Applicant must be a South African citizen. Applicants from other eligible countries listed on the MMEG Country Eligibility List may also apply.
• If you are from an eligible country other than South Africa, you must have a study permit to study in South Africa.
• You must be a woman and identify as female.
• Applicants need to be at least 25 years old by the application deadline.
• Applicant must be officially enrolled in a Certificate, Undergraduate, Graduate, or Postdoctoral program.
• You must be registered for in-person studies at one of the accredited universities in South Africa listed below:
  • Walter Sisulu University
  • Vaal University of Technology
  • University of Zululand
  • University of Venda
  • University of the Witwatersrand
  • University of the Western Cape
  • University of the Free State
  • University of Pretoria
  • University of Mpumalanga
  • University of KwaZulu-Natal
  • University of Johannesburg
  • University of Cape Town
  • Tshwane University
  • Stellenbosch University
  • Sol Plaatje University
  • Sefako Makgatho Health Science University
  • Rhodes University
  • North-West Unversity
  • Nelson Mandela University
  • Limpopo University
  • Fort Hare University
  • Mangosuthu University of Technology
  • Durban University of Technology
  • Central University of Technology
  • Cape Peninsula of Technology
• You must be enrolled full-time or part-time, taking at least 2 courses each semester or term.
• After receiving the bursary, you should plan to be fully enrolled for a full academic term.
• Applicant must be enrolled for at least one more academic term after getting the MMEG grant in December (between January and July).
• Applicants should plan to graduate within 3 years of receiving the bursary.
• You must not have any family relationship with staff members, spouses, retirees, or board members of the International Monetary Fund, World Bank Group, Inter-American Development Bank, or MMEG.

How Do I Apply for the MMEG Bursary?

You can apply through the online platform from the comfort of your home. Here’s how you can apply for the bursary program:

• Applications can be submitted on the MMEG Bursary application platform.. Register for an account on this website. After registering, simply log in.
• Complete the form and submit clear copies of the following documents:
  • Photo ID (required if you are a South African citizen).
  • Passport with photo (needed if you are studying outside of your home country).
  • Study permit or visa page with your current passport (for foreign students).
  • Second passport page with photo (if you have dual citizenship).
  • Official proof of university registration (not just an acceptance letter), printed on the institution’s letterhead.
  • Most recent academic reports and transcripts, printed on the institution’s letterhead.
  • A summary of your personal story, your studies, and how your experiences and future plans relate to your commitment to helping women and children in developing countries.
  • A short paragraph about your financial situation for the year, how you will pay for your costs, and your estimated expenses in Rand.
  • A summary of your thesis (if you have one), including its goals, methods, and results, and how it fits your career plan. If you don’t have a thesis, explain how your studies connect to your future work or volunteer goals.
  • You need two reference letters:
    • One from a university faculty member
    • Another from someone who knows your character (not a family member).
    • One referee must have known you for two semesters. The letters must include the referees’ email addresses so they can receive a link to submit their recommendation. Get permission from the referees before sharing their information.
    • If you are selected, Embark will contact you. If your referee doesn’t get the email, ask them to check spam or contact MMEG.

(It is best to submit documents in PDF, JPEG, or PNG format.)

Closing Date: 14 September 2025

Wrap Up

The MMEG Bursary application is open for the 2026 academic year, so apply as soon as possible to secure financial support for your studies. Make sure to apply before the closing date, or your application will not be considered.