The National Disaster Management Centre (NDMC) has opened applications for its 2027 External Bursary Programme, giving qualifying South African students an opportunity to receive funding for studies in Disaster Management or Fire Technology / Fire Engineering.
The Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA) announced the opening on September 1, 2026. Applications close on September 30, 2026.
The bursary is available for students who have applied for, been accepted into, or are already registered for eligible programmes at a recognised public higher education institution in South Africa.
Quick Answer
Who Can Apply for the NDMC Bursary 2027?
Applicants must be South African citizens and must be studying, or planning to study, an eligible qualification at a recognised public higher education institution in South Africa.
The bursary covers the following study levels:
Undergraduate programmes
Postgraduate Diploma programmes
Advanced Diploma programmes
SCHOLARSHIPS
NDMC Bursary 2027 Opens for South African Students — Apply by Sept. 30
Sep 1, 2026
Sep 1, 2026
10 min read
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Updated:
The National Disaster Management Centre (NDMC) has opened applications for its 2027 External Bursary Programme, giving qualifying South African students an opportunity to receive funding for studies in Disaster Management or Fire Technology / Fire Engineering.
The Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA) announced the opening on September 1, 2026. Applications close on September 30, 2026.
The bursary is available for students who have applied for, been accepted into, or are already registered for eligible programmes at a recognised public higher education institution in South Africa.
Quick Answer
Detail | Information |
Bursary | NDMC External Bursary Programme 2027 |
Country | South Africa |
Fields | Disaster Management; Fire Technology / Fire Engineering |
Study levels | Undergraduate, Postgraduate Diploma, Advanced Diploma and Master's |
Tuition support | 100% tuition fees, including registration |
Master's research allowance | Up to R11,000 |
Undergraduate minimum average | 60% |
Master's minimum average | 65% |
Applications opened | September 1, 2026 |
Closing date | September 30, 2026 |
Application method | Online |
Official application portal |
Who Can Apply for the NDMC Bursary 2027?
Applicants must be South African citizens and must be studying, or planning to study, an eligible qualification at a recognised public higher education institution in South Africa.
The bursary covers the following study levels:
Undergraduate programmes
Postgraduate Diploma programmes
Advanced Diploma programmes
Master's programmes
The qualification must be in:
Disaster Management, or
Fire Technology / Fire Engineering
The NDMC's online application system states that certificate courses and PhD qualifications are not eligible for this bursary programme.
Students with disabilities are also encouraged to apply.
Academic Requirements
The minimum academic requirement depends on the applicant's study level.
Undergraduate, Postgraduate Diploma and Advanced Diploma
Applicants must have a minimum academic average of 60% based on their latest academic results or transcript.
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Master's Applicants
Master's applicants need a minimum academic average of 65%.
They must also submit a research proposal that aligns with one of the NDMC's priority research themes.
What Does the NDMC Bursary Cover?
Successful applicants receive:
100% of tuition fees
Registration fees
Qualifying Master's students may also receive a research allowance of up to R11,000.
However, the bursary does not cover:
Accommodation
Meals
Books
Travel expenses
Students should therefore plan separately for living and study-related costs that fall outside tuition and registration.
Documents Required
Applicants should prepare their supporting documents before starting the online application.
The NDMC application system lists the following documents:
Undergraduate, Postgraduate Diploma and Advanced Diploma Applicants
Certified copy of a valid South African ID
Certified copy of Matric certificate
Latest academic results, statement or transcript
Proof of application, acceptance or registration at a recognised public higher education institution
Master's Applicants
Master's applicants should prepare:
Certified copy of a valid South African ID
Certified copy of Matric certificate
Latest academic transcript showing at least a 65% average
Proof of application, acceptance or registration
Brief CV of no more than two pages
Master's research proposal aligned with one of the NDMC priority thematic areas
Applicants should make sure uploaded documents are clear and accessible.
CoGTA warns that incomplete applications, emailed applications, late applications, password-protected documents and corrupted files will not be considered.
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How to Apply for the NDMC Bursary 2027
Applications must be completed online.
Visit the official NDMC Bursary Application System at https://onlinebursary.ndmc.gov.za/.
Complete the online bursary application.
Upload all required supporting documents.
Check that each document opens correctly and is not password protected.
Submit the application before September 30, 2026.
Applicants are encouraged to apply early instead of waiting for the final day.
NDMC Bursary 2027 Closing Date
The official closing date is:
September 30, 2026
Applications submitted after the deadline will not be considered.
Students should also avoid assuming that an incomplete application saved on the portal counts as a completed submission. Make sure the full application and all required documents are submitted before the deadline.
Who Should Consider Applying?
The bursary is particularly relevant to South African students preparing for careers in areas such as:
Disaster risk reduction
Emergency and disaster management
Municipal disaster management
Fire safety
Fire engineering
Fire services
Disaster preparedness and response
Disaster recovery and resilience
The NDMC says the programme is intended to help build professional capacity in disaster risk reduction and emergency management in South Africa.
Contact NDMC About the Bursary
For bursary-related questions:
Email: bursary@ndmc.gov.za Telephone: 012 065 1022 / 012 065 1021
For technical problems with the online application system:
Email: helpdesk@ndmc.gov.za Telephone: 012 065 1019
Applicants should use official NDMC and CoGTA contact details and should be cautious of anyone asking for payment in exchange for a bursary placement.
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Frequently Asked Questions
When do NDMC Bursary 2027 applications close?
Applications close on September 30, 2026.
Is the NDMC bursary fully funded?
The bursary covers 100% of tuition fees, including registration. It does not cover accommodation, meals, books or travel.
Can Master's students apply?
Yes. Master's applicants must have at least a 65% academic average and submit a research proposal aligned with an NDMC priority thematic area.
Does the bursary cover undergraduate students?
Yes. Eligible undergraduate students in Disaster Management or Fire Technology / Fire Engineering can apply if they meet the academic and other requirements.
What average do undergraduate applicants need?
Undergraduate, Postgraduate Diploma and Advanced Diploma applicants need a minimum 60% academic average.
Can PhD students apply?
No. The NDMC online application system states that PhD qualifications are excluded from this bursary programme.
Where do I apply?
Applications are submitted through the official NDMC bursary portal:
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