The MMEG Bursary 2027 is currently open to eligible women studying at selected South African universities. Officially known as the Margaret McNamara Education Grants (MMEG) South Africa Programme, the opportunity provides education grants to women who are already registered at eligible universities and who meet MMEG’s academic, enrolment, nationality and other requirements.
Applications for the 2027 academic year close on 14 September 2026 at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Standard Time. The South Africa Programme can support students across different fields of study, including certificate, undergraduate, graduate and postdoctoral studies, provided the applicant meets the programme requirements.
Unlike many South African bursaries aimed at students entering university, the MMEG grant is designed for women who are already registered at an eligible institution. This makes checking your university, current registration status and remaining study period particularly important before applying.
MMEG Bursary 2027 – Quick Overview
| Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Programme | MMEG South Africa Programme |
| Provider | Margaret McNamara Education Grants (MMEG) |
| Academic year | 2027 |
| Status | OPEN |
| Opening date | 15 May 2026 |
| Closing date | 14 September 2026 at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Standard Time |
| Target applicants | Eligible women aged 25 and older |
| Study levels | Certificate, undergraduate, graduate and postdoctoral studies |
| Study mode | Full-time or part-time, subject to the South Africa Programme requirements |
| Institution | Selected eligible South African universities |
| Grant amount | Up to US$8,000 for the South Africa Programme |
| Application method | Online through the MMEG application system |
Is the MMEG Bursary 2027 Open?
Yes. The MMEG Bursary 2027 is currently open for applications.
The MMEG South Africa Programme accepts applications annually from 15 May to 14 September, with the application deadline falling at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Standard Time. For the 2027 academic year, applicants should therefore submit their completed applications by 14 September 2026.
MMEG Bursary 2027 status: 🟢 OPEN
- Opening date: 15 May 2026
- Closing date: 14 September 2026 at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Standard Time
- Academic year: 2027
- Application: Online
- Programme: South Africa Programme
- Grant funding: Expected to be disbursed in February 2027
MMEG states that applicants must submit a complete application with all required documents. Incomplete applications are not considered, so applicants should not wait until the final day to prepare their references and supporting documents.
What Is the MMEG Bursary?
The MMEG Bursary is more accurately described by the organisation as the Margaret McNamara Education Grants programme. MMEG is a nonprofit public charity that provides education grants to women from developing and middle-income countries.
The organisation’s mission is focused on supporting women through education, particularly women who intend to contribute to improving the lives of women and children in developing countries.
The South Africa Programme has operated for many years and supports women studying at selected South African universities. MMEG reports that its South Africa Programme has supported women from African countries across a wide range of disciplines.
How Much Is the MMEG Grant?
The current MMEG FAQ states that grants of up to US$8,000 are available through the South Africa Programme.
The amount you receive is not necessarily a fixed Rand amount. MMEG states that grant amounts may vary depending on exchange rates and the availability of funds.
For this reason, applicants should not rely on a converted Rand figure published on another bursary website. The actual Rand value can change with the exchange rate.
MMEG also asks applicants to prepare an estimate of their financial situation and expected expenses in Rand as part of the application.
Who Can Apply for the MMEG Bursary?
The MMEG South Africa Programme has specific eligibility requirements. Meeting the minimum requirements allows you to apply, but it does not guarantee that you will receive a grant because MMEG uses a competitive selection process.
- You must identify as a woman.
- You must be at least 25 years old at the application deadline.
- You must be a national of a country included on MMEG’s eligible-country list.
- You must already be registered at an eligible accredited university and programme.
- Your programme must be delivered in person; exclusively online programmes are not eligible.
- For the South Africa Programme, you may study full-time or part-time, but part-time applicants must take at least two courses per semester or term.
- You must remain enrolled for at least one full academic semester after receiving the grant.
- You must plan to graduate no later than three years after receiving the MMEG grant.
- You must meet the South Africa Programme’s university requirements.
- You must not be related to a World Bank Group, International Monetary Fund, Inter-American Development Bank staff member, spouse, retiree or MMEG Board member as specified by MMEG.
Important: Being accepted by a university is not the same as being registered. MMEG specifically requires applicants to be registered when applying.
Can Part-Time Students Apply for the MMEG Bursary?
Yes. Part-time students can apply to the South Africa Programme, provided they are taking at least two courses per semester or term and meet the other eligibility requirements.
Which Universities Qualify for the MMEG Bursary?
The MMEG South Africa Programme is not available at every South African university. Applicants must already be enrolled at one of the universities included on MMEG’s current eligible-university list.
- Cape Peninsula University of Technology
- Central University of Technology
- Durban University of Technology
- University of Fort Hare
- Mangosuthu University of Technology
- Nelson Mandela University
- North-West University
- Rhodes University
- Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University
- Sol Plaatje University
- Stellenbosch University
- Tshwane University of Technology
- University of Cape Town
- University of Johannesburg
- University of KwaZulu-Natal
- University of Limpopo
- University of Mpumalanga
- University of Pretoria
- University of the Free State
- University of the Western Cape
- University of the Witwatersrand
- University of Venda
- University of Zululand
- Vaal University of Technology
- Walter Sisulu University
Always check MMEG’s current university list before submitting your application because eligibility is determined by the programme’s official list.
What Fields of Study Does MMEG Fund?
MMEG does not restrict the South Africa Programme to a short list of conventional fields such as engineering, accounting or medicine. The programme supports women across a broad range of academic disciplines.
MMEG’s recent South Africa grantees have studied areas including public health, medicine, anthropology, economics, engineering, sociology and science. This demonstrates the broad disciplinary range of the programme.
Certificate, undergraduate, graduate and postdoctoral students can be eligible, provided they satisfy the programme’s registration, university and other requirements.
What Does the MMEG Grant Cover?
MMEG states that its grants may be used for expenses incurred during the course of a grantee’s studies, except for past-due fees.
- Academic expenses
- Academic supplies
- Living expenses
- Transportation
- Travel
- Research and fieldwork
- Childcare
MMEG does not describe the South Africa grant as a standard package of fixed benefits such as tuition plus accommodation plus a monthly stipend. The amount and use of the grant should therefore be understood in the context of the applicant’s approved educational expenses and MMEG’s programme rules.
Documents Required for the MMEG Application
Preparing the MMEG application requires more than simply uploading an ID and academic record. MMEG has a detailed application checklist and states that all required documents must be submitted for an application to be considered complete.
- Identification with a photograph and date of birth.
- Most recent official proof of university registration.
- Most recent official university transcripts, reports or academic records.
- Visa or study-permit documentation where applicable.
- A second passport page where applicable for dual citizenship.
- A personal statement explaining your story, studies, experiences and future plans and their connection to your commitment to women and children in developing countries.
- An estimate of your financial situation, including expected living expenses and your strategy for meeting your funding needs.
- A thesis summary where applicable, including the objective, methodology, findings and relationship to your career goals.
- Two reference letters.
Reference Letters
MMEG requires two references. One referee must be a faculty member at your current university. The second may be another person who can vouch for your character and work, but cannot be a family member.
At least one referee must have known you for at least one year. You should therefore contact your referees and obtain their consent before entering their details into the application.
How to Apply for the MMEG Bursary
The MMEG application is submitted online through the organisation’s application system. Applicants should select the South Africa Programme when completing the application.
Step 1: Check that you qualify
Before creating an application, confirm your age, gender, nationality, university, registration status, study mode and expected graduation date. In particular, make sure that your university appears on MMEG’s current South Africa Programme list.
Step 2: Prepare your supporting documents
Obtain your official registration confirmation and latest academic records before starting the application. Also arrange your two references in advance because the referees will receive instructions through the online system.
Step 3: Select the South Africa Programme
When completing the application, select South Africa Programme where the form asks you to choose the programme. MMEG states that if the South Africa Programme does not appear, it may be closed to new applications.
Step 4: Complete the application in your own voice
Pay particular attention to the personal and motivation sections. MMEG wants applicants to explain their own experiences, future plans and commitment to improving the lives of women and children in developing countries.
Step 5: Submit all required information before the deadline
Check the application carefully before submitting it. MMEG states that incomplete applications are not considered and that failure to submit all required documents by the closing time results in ineligibility.
Important MMEG Application Rule About AI
Do not use generative AI to write your MMEG application essays.
MMEG explicitly states that applicants certify that the essays they submit were written independently and without using a generative AI tool. The organisation says AI-generated applications will be disqualified.
This means you should use your own experiences, achievements, goals and personal voice when answering the essay questions. Do not copy an essay from another applicant or ask an AI system to write the application responses for you.
How Does the MMEG Selection Process Work?
MMEG describes its selection process as highly competitive. Applications are first screened to confirm that candidates meet the minimum requirements and that their applications are complete.
MMEG says selection committees then review applications through multiple stages. Applications are assessed for factors including academic excellence, financial need, personal narratives, career trajectories, references and plans to create positive change in communities.
Semi-finalists are interviewed virtually by members of the selection committee before finalists are recommended to the MMEG Board for approval.
Therefore, meeting the minimum eligibility requirements does not guarantee that you will receive the grant.
What Happens After You Apply?
MMEG’s South Africa selection process takes place after the application period closes. Semi-finalists may be contacted for an interview as part of the selection process.
MMEG indicates that successful South Africa Programme applicants are notified around the end of the year, while the grant funding is disbursed in February. Applicants should therefore monitor the contact details they provide in their application and pay attention to communications from MMEG.
MMEG Bursary 2027 Closing Date
The MMEG Bursary 2027 closing date is 14 September 2026 at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Standard Time.
Applications submitted after the official closing time will not be accepted. Because the application requires university records, financial information, personal statements and two references, it is advisable to start well before the deadline.
MMEG Bursary Contact Details
- Programme: MMEG South Africa Programme
- Email: southafrica@mmeg.org
- Official organisation: Margaret McNamara Education Grants
Applicants should read the official MMEG eligibility information, application checklist and FAQ before contacting the organisation with questions.
Frequently Asked Questions About the MMEG Bursary
Is the MMEG Bursary 2027 open?
Yes. The MMEG South Africa Programme is accepting applications for the 2027 academic year. Applications close on 14 September 2026 at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Standard Time.
Who qualifies for the MMEG Bursary?
Eligible applicants must identify as women, be at least 25 years old at the application deadline, come from an eligible country, already be registered at an eligible institution and programme, and meet the South Africa Programme’s study and graduation requirements.
How much does the MMEG Bursary pay?
MMEG’s current FAQ states that grants of up to US$8,000 are available through the South Africa Programme. The actual grant amount may vary according to exchange rates and available funds.
Does MMEG fund undergraduate students?
Yes. Undergraduate students can be eligible, but applicants must already be registered at an eligible university and must satisfy the other MMEG requirements.
Does MMEG fund postgraduate students?
Yes. MMEG accepts eligible graduate and postdoctoral applicants as well as certificate and undergraduate students.
Can part-time students apply for MMEG?
Yes. Part-time students can apply to the South Africa Programme if they are taking at least two courses per semester or term and satisfy the remaining requirements.
Does MMEG fund all fields of study?
The programme supports a broad range of academic disciplines rather than restricting funding to a narrow list of fields. Recent South Africa grantees have studied areas including medicine, public health, economics, engineering, sociology and science.
Which universities are eligible for the MMEG South Africa Programme?
MMEG has a specific list of eligible South African universities. These include universities such as UCT, Wits, University of Pretoria, Stellenbosch University, University of Johannesburg, University of KwaZulu-Natal, University of the Western Cape and other institutions listed in the programme requirements.
What documents are required for MMEG?
Applicants need identification, proof of official registration, academic records and other documents where applicable. They must also provide personal information, a financial estimate, thesis information where applicable and two reference letters.
Can I use AI to write my MMEG application?
No. MMEG requires applicants to certify that their essays were written independently without using generative AI and states that AI-generated applications will be disqualified.
When is the MMEG Bursary 2027 closing date?
The MMEG Bursary 2027 closing date is 14 September 2026 at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Standard Time.
Is the MMEG grant a normal bursary?
MMEG officially describes the programme as an education grant. South African students commonly search for it as the MMEG Bursary, so both terms are used when discussing the opportunity.
Other Bursaries to Consider
If you do not qualify for the MMEG Bursary, or if you want to apply for additional funding opportunities, browse Grads24’s General Bursaries South Africa category for other bursaries available to South African students.
You can also explore bursaries by your field of study and check the latest bursaries that are currently open before their application deadlines.
Official MMEG Sources and Verification
The information in this article is based primarily on MMEG’s official eligibility and application information, application checklist, FAQ, programme information and selection-process documentation.
Last verified: 24 August 2026
Because application requirements and grant information can change, applicants should confirm the latest information on the official MMEG website before submitting their application.
Important: This page is an independent Grads24 information resource and is not the official MMEG website.