The National Disaster Management Centre (NDMC) has opened applications for its 2027 External Bursary Programme, offering South African students an opportunity to receive substantial financial support for studies in Disaster Management and Fire Technology/Fire Engineering.
The bursary programme is aimed at developing a pipeline of skilled professionals who can contribute to South Africa’s capacity to prevent, prepare for, respond to, and recover from disasters and emergencies. It is open to eligible students pursuing selected undergraduate and postgraduate qualifications at recognised public higher education institutions.
Applications must be submitted online by 30 September 2026, making early preparation essential for prospective applicants.
What the NDMC Bursary Supports
The 2027 NDMC External Bursary Programme supports students enrolled in, accepted into, or applying for eligible programmes at recognised public higher education institutions.
Supported study levels include:
- Undergraduate programmes in Disaster Management or Fire Technology/Fire Engineering
- Postgraduate Diplomas in Disaster Management or Fire Technology/Fire Engineering
- Advanced Diplomas in Disaster Management or Fire Technology/Fire Engineering
- Master’s programmes in Disaster Management or Fire Technology/Fire Engineering
The programme is particularly relevant to students seeking careers in disaster risk reduction, emergency management, fire safety, resilience planning, disaster preparedness, and related public-sector and professional fields.
What the Bursary Covers
Successful applicants will receive 100% tuition fee support, including registration costs.
However, applicants should carefully note that the bursary does not cover all costs associated with studying. Accommodation, meals, books, and travel expenses are excluded from the tuition support.
Eligible Master’s students may also qualify for a research allowance of up to R11,000, subject to the applicable requirements and conditions.
This additional research support can provide valuable assistance to postgraduate students undertaking approved research in areas relevant to the NDMC’s priorities.
Who Is Eligible to Apply?
The bursary is specifically intended for South African citizens who meet the academic and programme requirements.
Applicants must be studying or intending to study an eligible qualification in Disaster Management or Fire Technology/Fire Engineering at a recognised public higher education institution.
The minimum academic requirements vary according to the level of study.
Undergraduate, Postgraduate Diploma and Advanced Diploma applicants must have achieved a minimum 60% academic average.
Master’s applicants must have achieved a minimum 65% academic average and are required to submit a research proposal aligned with the NDMC’s priority thematic areas.
Students with disabilities are explicitly encouraged to apply, reinforcing the programme’s commitment to broader access to educational opportunities.
Academic Requirements and Research Focus
Master’s applicants should pay particular attention to the research component of the application. In addition to meeting the required academic average, candidates must demonstrate that their proposed research aligns with the NDMC’s priority thematic areas.
A well-developed research proposal is therefore an important part of a competitive Master’s application. Prospective applicants should ensure that their proposed research clearly demonstrates relevance to disaster management, risk reduction, emergency preparedness, fire safety, resilience, or other priority areas identified by the NDMC.
Application Process
Applications for the 2027 bursary programme must be submitted online through the designated NDMC bursary application platform.
Applicants should ensure that all required supporting documentation is prepared, complete, legible, and submitted before the deadline.
The NDMC has highlighted several application conditions that prospective applicants should take seriously. Incomplete applications will not be considered, while applications submitted by email, after the closing date, or containing password-protected or corrupted documents will also be excluded from consideration.
Applicants are therefore encouraged to avoid waiting until the final day to submit their applications.
Important Deadline
The closing date for the NDMC 2027 External Bursary Programme is 30 September 2026.
With the deadline approaching, eligible students should begin preparing their documentation as early as possible. This is particularly important for Master’s candidates who need to prepare a research proposal that aligns with the NDMC’s priority areas.
Key Bursary Details
Programme: NDMC 2027 External Bursary Programme
Sponsor: National Disaster Management Centre
Nationality: South African citizens
Study levels: Undergraduate, Postgraduate Diploma, Advanced Diploma and Master’s
Fields: Disaster Management and Fire Technology/Fire Engineering
Tuition support: 100% tuition fees, including registration
Master’s research allowance: Up to R11,000
Minimum average: 60% for Undergraduate, Postgraduate Diploma and Advanced Diploma; 65% for Master’s
Study institutions: Recognised public higher education institutions
Application deadline: 30 September 2026
Apply online at onlinebursary.ndmc.gov.za
Closing date: 30 September 2026
Apply early and submit all required documents. Incomplete, emailed, late, password-protected, or corrupted applications will not be considered.
Enquiries
Bursary queries: bursary@ndmc.gov.za | 012 065 1022/1021
ICT support: helpdesk@ndmc.gov.za | 012 065 1019
An Opportunity to Build South Africa’s Disaster Resilience
The NDMC 2027 External Bursary Programme represents an important investment in developing professionals equipped to address South Africa’s growing disaster risk and emergency management challenges.
By supporting students in specialised fields such as Disaster Management and Fire Technology/Fire Engineering, the programme contributes to building technical expertise capable of strengthening disaster preparedness, response, recovery, and resilience.
Eligible South African students are encouraged to take advantage of the opportunity, carefully review the requirements, prepare complete supporting documentation, and submit their applications before 30 September 2026.
