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Postgraduate Bursaries and Opportunities

The Wits School of Economics and Finance (SEF) seeks to fund meritorious students who do not have the financial means to study full-time towards SEF postgraduate programmes. The bursaries will cover full tuition. 

SEF bursaries
1 x Masters of Economic Science/ MCom Economics
1 x MCom Applied Development Economics
1 x MCom Business Finance
3 x MCom Inequality Studies
1 x PhD for proposals submitted in the following research areas: Migration, Inequality and Subjective Wellbeing
Eligibility criteria

To be considered for a SEF bursary, you must:

  • Have been formally accepted into SEF’s Masters programme 
  • Have obtained an average of 70% in the most recent completed year of study
  • Produce evidence of financial need through affidavit indicating household income
Applying for a SEF bursary

SEF is currently receiving applications from students who commence their studies in 2024. Interested individuals are invited to submit applications as soon as they receive official acceptance into a SEF Masters programme. Applications will be processed in the order they are received. 

If you meet the eligibility criteria above, you can submit an application by sending the below documents to the relevant course coordinator indicated besides list of available bursaries. Please indicate SEF bursary - [Year, Programme] in the subject line. All documents sent must be in PDF format. Each attachment should not exceed 2MB in size.

  • A copy of the information page on your ID/ passport for International students.
  • A certified academic transcript/ results slip of your latest results.
  • A copy of the official acceptance letter into the Wits Masters programme for the year 2024. The letter must:
    • Be addressed to the applicant.
    • State the degree which the applicant has been accepted to study.
  • International students: A copy of a valid study permit or visa OR proof of application. 
  • Certificate of financial need (NSFAS) or equivalent.
  • A detailed CV/ Resume of not more than 2 pages single-sided. 
  • A letter of motivation.
  • Two reference letters (of not more than 3 pages each) addressing the applicant’s demonstration of character and skills. 
Closing date

Applications close 24 January 2025 (for 2025 intake). Only successful candidates will be contacted.

NRF Full-time Honours Bursary Applications

Honours students who have a 65% average in major subjects are encouraged to apply for the NRF's full-time Honours bursaries for fees only, using the NRF online portal.

There is also information and a link to these bursaries under the Wits Bursaries portal at: /study-at-wits/financial-aid-and-scholarships-administration/ 

Genesis Educational Foundation Trust (GEFT)

The Genesis Educational Foundation Trust (GEFT) bursary is the educational arm of Genesis Analytics. The Trust looks to award 3 - 5 bursaries to talented young candidates for the academic year of 2024. Ideal candidates aim to pursue their postgraduate qualifications in the overarching fields of Economics or Public Health; or their related disciplines at a recognised South African university.

The purpose of the GEFT bursary is to provide financial assistance to those students looking to study postgraduate degrees - namely at Honours or Masters level, and with a focus on the following disciplines: 

  • Economic Science, 
  • Applied Economics, 
  • Development Economics, 
  • Behavioural Economics, 
  • Health Economics 

The applications close on Tuesday, 31 August 2023.  

Should there be any questions, please email recruitment@genesis-analytics.com

Or apply directly on the GEFT bursaries page here - https://bit.ly/2W52gxc 

Postgraduate Funding Portal

The Postgrad Funding Portal, which is comprehensive and supplements existing information, is a database of scholarships, bursaries and other funding opportunities available to postgraduate students. Click here for more information.

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