Building a career in disaster management, fire technology or fire engineering can start right now with the NDMC External Bursary Programme, which is open for the 2027 academic year.
What is the NDMC Bursary 2027?
The National Disaster Management Centre (NDMC), part of the Department of Cooperative Governance, is offering an external bursary that fully funds tuition and registration fees for eligible South African students. The bursary focuses on studies that support disaster risk reduction and fire‑related fields.
Who can apply?
- South African citizens only.
- Students enrolled, accepted or about to enrol at a recognised public higher‑education institution.
- Study programmes in Disaster Management, Fire Technology or Fire Engineering.
- Applicable levels: Undergraduate, Postgraduate Diploma, Advanced Diploma and Master’s degree (certificate programmes and PhDs are excluded).
- Minimum averages: 60 % for Undergraduate, Postgraduate Diploma and Advanced Diploma; 65 % for Master’s applicants.
What will you receive?
- 100 % coverage of tuition fees and registration costs.
- For Master’s students, a research allowance of up to R11 000.
- Note: accommodation, meals, books and travel expenses are not covered.
How to apply – step by step
- Gather the required documents:
- Certified copy of your South African ID.
- Certified copy of your Matric certificate.
- Latest academic transcript or results showing the required average.
- Proof of application, acceptance or registration at your institution.
- For Master’s applicants only: a two‑page CV and a research proposal aligned with one of NDMC’s 16 priority themes.
- Use a computer (the portal does not work on phones or tablets).
- Visit the official application portal: NDMC Bursary Application System.
- Create an account and fill in all personal and academic details.
- Upload the certified documents in the required formats.
- Review every entry, then submit before the deadline.
Tips to improve your chances
- Start preparing documents early; certified copies can take time to obtain.
- Double‑check that your average meets the minimum threshold before uploading results.
- Make sure your research proposal clearly matches one of NDMC’s priority thematic areas.
- Use a reliable internet connection and a desktop or laptop to avoid technical problems.
- Submit the application well before 30 September 2026 23:59 – late or incomplete applications will be rejected.
Final checklist before you click “Submit”
- South African citizenship confirmed.
- Programme field is Disaster Management, Fire Technology or Fire Engineering.
- Academic average meets the required 60 % or 65 %.
- Institution is a recognised public university or college.
- All required documents are certified and ready to upload.
- Master’s applicants have both CV and research proposal prepared.
- Application submitted before the deadline.
The NDMC encourages students with disabilities to apply. This bursary offers a solid step toward a career in disaster and fire management, but remember that it only covers tuition and registration. Plan for any additional costs ahead of time.
Check the official NDMC announcement and the application portal for the most accurate and up‑to‑date information.