National Disaster Management Centre (NDMC) External Bursary 2027

The National Disaster Management Centre (NDMC)—a branch of the South African Department of Cooperative Governance (DCoG)—is accepting applications for its 2027 External Bursary Programme.

Designed to build public sector and industrial capacity in emergency response and disaster prevention, this initiative fully funds academic studies in critical safety and risk mitigation disciplines.

Quick Overview                       Details

Sponsoring Agency                National Disaster Management Centre (NDMC / DCoG)

Academic Year                         2027

Eligible Fields                           Disaster Management, Fire Technology & Fire Engineering

Study Levels                              Undergraduate, Advanced Diploma, PGDip & Master’s Degrees

Closing Date                              30 September 2026 at 23:59

Application Mode                      Online Portal Only (Desktop/Laptop Required)

Funding Package Breakdown

The NDMC bursary provides direct institutional funding to ensure academic coverage, alongside additional allowances for advanced research:

• 100% Tuition & Registration: Full coverage of official university registration and annual tuition fees paid directly to the institution.

• Master’s Research Allowance: Up to R11,000 allocated specifically for research expenses aligned with national disaster priorities.

Important Exclusions: The NDMC bursary does not cover student accommodation, monthly meal stipends, textbook purchases, or daily transportation costs. Applicants must arrange alternative funding for general living expenses.

Eligible Qualifications & Academic Standards

The bursary covers studies at accredited public higher education institutions in South Africa across four specific qualification tiers:

1. Undergraduate Degrees (BSc / BTech): Requires a minimum overall academic average of 60%.

2. Advanced Diplomas & Postgraduate Diplomas (PGDip): Requires a minimum overall academic average of 60%.

3. Master’s Degrees (MSc / MTech): Requires a minimum overall academic average of 65%.

Note: Certificate courses and Doctoral (PhD) qualifications are strictly excluded from this funding framework.

Minimum Entry Requirements

Candidates must satisfy all criteria below to be considered for an award:

• Citizenship: Must be a South African citizen.

• Academic Threshold: Must meet the minimum grade requirements (60% for UG/PGDip/Adv Dip; 65% for Master's).

• Institutional Status: Must be registered, accepted, or hold proof of application at a recognized South African public university.

• Disability Inclusion: Persons living with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.

Required Documentation & Submission Guidelines

All supporting materials must be clearly scanned and uploaded in unencrypted formats (no password-protected PDFs):

Standard Applicant Checklist:

• Certified copy of South African ID.

• Certified copy of National Senior Certificate (Matric).

• Latest official academic transcript or statement of results.

• Official proof of application, acceptance, or university registration.

Additional Requirements for Master’s Applicants:

• Curriculum Vitae (Maximum 2 pages detailing academic/work background).

• Master’s Research Proposal strictly aligned with one of the NDMC’s 16 Priority Thematic Areas.

How to Apply (Step-by-Step)

1. Access Portal via PC: Open the official NDMC Bursary Portal on a desktop or laptop computer (the portal does not support mobile phones or tablets).

2. Account Creation: Register an applicant profile and log in.

3. Document Attachment: Complete all required form fields and attach certified supporting files.

4. Final Submission: Submit before the deadline on 30 September 2026.

Official Contact Information:

• General Enquiries: bursary@ndmc.gov.za | Tel: 012 065 1022 / 012 065 1021

• Technical/ICT Support: helpdesk@ndmc.gov.za | Tel: 012 065 1019