South African Institute of Intellectual Property Law (SAIIPL) invites South African students to apply for the Bursary Programme 2026.
Bursary Application Closing Date: 31 March 2026
Bursary Location: South Africa
About the Bursary Provider – SAIIPL
The South African Institute of Intellectual Property Law (SAIIPL) is a professional body representing practitioners in the field of Intellectual Property (IP) law. The organisation promotes high standards of expertise and ethical practice in areas such as trade marks, copyright, and patent law, while also contributing to the development of South Africa’s IP legal framework.
About the SAIIPL Bursary Programme 2026
SAIIPL is inviting students to apply for its bursary programme for the 2026 academic year.
A total of 4 bursaries will be awarded to students studying LLB or LLM degrees, with a strong interest in Intellectual Property Law.
Bursaries will be allocated as follows:
- 2 bursaries: Patent Law
- 2 bursaries: Trade Mark and/or Copyright Law
Bursary Value
Each bursary is valued at R70 000.
The funding may be used towards outstanding tuition fees for the academic year.
Programme Objectives
This bursary programme aims to:
- Support previously disadvantaged students
- Develop future legal professionals in IP law
- Promote careers in trade mark, copyright, and patent law
- Strengthen South Africa’s intellectual property sector
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Must be a South African citizen or permanent resident
- Must be between 18 and 30 years old
- Must be studying towards an LLB or LLM degree
- Must be registered at a recognised South African university
- Must have strong academic potential
- Must be eligible for admission as an attorney in South Africa (in terms of the Legal Practice Act)
- Must have completed at least one WIPO course (e.g. DL001) and provide proof
- Must have a strong interest in Intellectual Property Law, including:
- Trade Marks
- Copyright
- Patents
- Designs
- Indigenous Knowledge
- Plant Breeders’ Rights
- Geographical Indicators
- Trade Secrets
- Must demonstrate financial need
Required Supporting Documents
Applicants must submit the following documents:
- Certified copy of ID or passport
- Certified academic transcripts for all years of study
- Proof of registration for the current or upcoming academic year
- Proof of residence
- Proof of financial need (household income)
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Motivational letter (maximum 500 words) including:
- Interest in IP Law
- Whether applying for Patent or Trade Mark bursary
- Career aspirations in IP law
- Consent to an open and honest interview and publication thereof
- Letter of recommendation (optional)
- For Patent bursary applicants: proof of qualification to enrol for Patent Examinations
How to Apply
Click here to apply for SAIIPL Bursary South Africa 2026: saiipl@saiipl.co.za
Email address: saiipl@saiipl.co.za
Subject line: SAIIPL Bursary 2026
Attention: Ms Michelle Macguire
There is no application form. Applicants must submit all required documents via email.
Selection Process
Shortlisted candidates will be contacted by 31 July 2026.
If you do not receive feedback by this date, consider your application unsuccessful.
Closing Date
The closing date for applications is 31 March 2026.
Late applications will not be accepted.