Margaret McNamara Education Grants (MMEG) 2025/2026

Applications Open: 

May, 2025/2026

Closing Date: 

September, 2025/2026

Bursary Details: 

The Margaret McNamara Grants (MMEG) are aimed at providing financial assistance to women from developing countries in order to help them pursue their education. 

South African women enrolled part time or full time at the following universities are invited to apply:

  • University of the Witwatersrand
  • University of Cape Town
  • University of Stellenbosch
  • University of Pretoria
  • University of the Free State

Closing date: 14 September 2025/2026. 

Candidate Requirements: 

  • Be a self-identifying woman, and at least 25 years old at time of application deadline;
  • Be a national of a country listed on the MMEG Country Eligibility List (except for the Trinity Washington University program);
  • Be enrolled (not just accepted) at an accredited academic institution when submitting application; and plan to be enrolled for a full academic term after award of the grant by the Board;
  • Not be related to a World Bank Group, International Monetary Fund or Inter-American Development Bank staff member or spouse;
  • already be enrolled part time (minimum of 2 courses per semester or term) or full time at one of the universities listed below:
    • University of the Witwatersrand
    • University of Cape Town
    • University of Stellenbosch
    • University of Pretoria
    • University of the Free State
  • be enrolled for at least one more academic term (the term between January to July 2025/2026)
  • Applicants applying from eligible countries other than South Africa must hold a study permit for South Africa.
  • Applicants should be born before September 15, 1996 to be eligible to apply.

How to Apply: 

Click Here To Register & Apply


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Did you know : International Scholarships 2024

There are several international scholarships available for South Africans to study abroad. Here are a few examples:

  1. Mastercard Foundation Scholarship Program: This program provides fully funded scholarships to study at selected universities in Africa, Europe, and North America. It is open to African students, including South Africans, who are committed to giving back to their communities.
  2. Commonwealth Scholarships: The Commonwealth Scholarship Commission offers scholarships for postgraduate study in the UK for citizens of Commonwealth countries, including South Africa. The scholarships cover tuition fees, travel costs, and a living allowance.
  3. Fulbright Foreign Student Program: The Fulbright program offers scholarships for South Africans to study at U.S. universities for a Master’s or PhD degree. The scholarship covers tuition, travel, living expenses, and health insurance.
  4. Erasmus+ Programme: The Erasmus+ programme offers scholarships for South Africans to study in Europe for a Master’s or PhD degree. The scholarship covers tuition fees, travel, and living expenses.
  5. Australia Awards Scholarships: The Australian government offers scholarships for South Africans to study at Australian universities. The scholarship covers tuition fees, travel costs, and a living allowance.

These are just a few examples of the many international scholarships available to South Africans. It is important to research the eligibility requirements and application deadlines for each scholarship program.