The Department of Cooperative Governance (DCoG), through the National Disaster Management Centre (NDMC), is inviting South African students to apply for the External Bursary Programme for the 2026 academic year.
Bursary Application Closing Date: 30 September 2025
This bursary opportunity is aimed at students pursuing qualifications in Disaster Management, Fire Technology, or Fire Engineering at a recognised public higher education institution in South Africa.
Fields of Study Covered
The NDMC bursary will fund full-time studies in the following:
- Undergraduate
- Postgraduate Diploma / Advanced Diploma
- Master’s programmes
in:
- Disaster Management
- Fire Technology
- Fire Engineering
(Note: Certificate courses and PhD qualifications will NOT be funded.)
Who Can Apply? (Eligibility Criteria)
General Requirements
Applicants must:
- Be South African citizens
- Have applied, been accepted, or registered for a full programme at a recognised public higher institution in South Africa
Undergraduate / Postgraduate Diploma / Advanced Diploma Students
You must submit:
- Certified copy of valid South African ID
- Certified copy of Matric Certificate
- Most recent academic results or transcript (minimum average of 60%)
- Proof of application / acceptance / registration for a full programme in Disaster Management or Fire Technology / Fire Engineering
Master’s Students
You must submit:
- Certified copy of valid South African ID
- Certified copy of Matric Certificate
- Most recent academic transcript (minimum average of 65%)
- Brief CV (maximum 2 pages)
- Master’s research proposal aligned to one of the 16 Priority Thematic Areas View here
- Proof of application / acceptance / registration
What the Bursary Covers
- 100% tuition fees (including registration)
- Research allowance for Master’s students (capped at R11,000)
How to Apply for the NDMC Bursary 2026
Applications must be submitted online only via the official portal:
Click here to apply for the NDMC Bursary 2026
Important:
- Incomplete applications, emailed applications, late submissions, or password-protected/corrupted documents will not be considered.
- Only successful applicants will be contacted.
Enquiries
General Bursary Enquiries:
- Email: bursary@ndmc.gov.za
- Tel: 012 848 4614 / 28 / 54
ICT-related Enquiries:
- Email: bursary@ndmc.gov.za
- Tel: 012 848 4631 / 76
Final Thoughts
The NDMC bursary programme is a valuable opportunity for students passionate about disaster management and fire safety. If you meet the requirements, make sure to submit your application before the deadline.