The South African National Blood Service (SANBS) Bursary is now open for applications for 2026 academic year. The bursary empowers SANBS to bridge critical skills gaps in transfusion medicine. This is achieved by nurturing passionate young talents to sustain a robust, innovative blood supply chain in South Africa.
About the South African National Blood Service (SANBS)
SANBS was formed in 2001 from the merger of seven regional blood centers in South Africa. This resulted in a SANBS that operates as an independent non-profit powerhouse under the National Health Act. It ensures a safe, sufficient blood supply for hospitals nationwide—except in the Western Cape Province. There are more than 100 donation centers and a team of 2,700 operated by the SANBS. The global standard requires that more than 3,000 units of blood are processed daily. SANBS is adhering to this standard in testing, storage, and distribution.
The bursary initiative directly supports SANBS’s mission to deliver trusted blood products and services to every patient with world-class efficiency, affordability, and quality. Furthermore, it opens doors for South Africa’s youth in careers that contribute to the sector.
Fields of Study
SANBS invites applications from students pursuing 2nd or 3rd-year undergraduate studies in the Bachelor of Health Sciences degree. Studies must be undertaken on full-time bases with Immunohematology as an elective module.
You must study in any of accredited South African universities offering the approved qualification.
Expenses Covered by the SANBS Bursary Programme
This is a partial financial support package. It covers the following expenses:
- Up to R40,000 for tuition and registration fees
- R8,000 book and study material allowance
- A monthly stipend of R3,500
- R2,200 per month for on-campus or approved accommodation
- Experiential training through SANBS vacation work
Eligibility Criteria – Who Must Apply?
The SANBS invites you to submit your application for 2026 if you meet this selection criteria:
- South African citizen
- Preferably under 30 years old
- Currently in your 2nd or 3rd year of a Bachelor of Health Sciences, with Immunohematology as an elective
- At least 65% performance average in your previous year of study
- Enrolled or conditionally accepted for full-time 2026 studies at a recognized South African university
- Total household income not exceeding R600,000 per annum
- Not holding any other full bursary or sponsorship for the same studies
- Students from disadvantaged backgrounds, first-generation university attendees, or those with disabilities will be prioritised
How To Apply?
Apply now by following steps below:
- Download the SANBS Bursary Application Form 2026 from the SANBS site
- Complete the form
- Compile and scan these essentials (certified copies, dated within 3 months):
- South African ID document
- Latest academic transcripts or results
- Proof of enrollment or conditional acceptance letter from your institution
- Parental/guardian income proof (payslips, affidavits, or SASSA grants)
- A compelling motivational letter (up to 500 words: Why blood transfusion science? Your vision for SANBS’s mission)
- Current CV showcasing academic achievements, extracurriculars, or volunteer work in health
- Email the form and supporting documents as a single PDF titled “SANBS Bursary Application 2026” to Bursaries@sanbs.org.za
Closing Date
19 December 2025.
Successful shortlists will be notified by mid-February 2026. Interviews will potentially follow after that. Apply now before the closing date.
Bursary Contact Information
If you run into problems while trying to complete your application, drop an email to Bursaries@sanbs.org.za for assistance. Never contact SANBS about this bursary after the closing date.
Missed The Deadline?
If you missed the deadline for the SANBS Bursary, simply browse other bursaries still open for applications. Alternatively checkout other Medicine Bursaries and Scholarships available in South Africa.