The NMU/ AIDC Postgraduate Bursary is offered by Nelson Mandela University (NMU) in partnership with the Automotive Industry Development Centre (AIDC).
It provides financial aid to deserving students who wish to contribute to the growth of these important sectors.
About the NMU/ AIDC Postgraduate Bursary
The NMU/ AIDC Postgraduate Bursary aims to support Master’s and Doctoral students passionate about advancing the fields of Automotive Engineering and Manufacturing.
This initiative recognizes the strategic importance of these sectors for the Eastern Cape province and South Africa as a whole.
By providing financial assistance, the bursary empowers talented individuals to pursue their academic goals and contribute to the future of the automotive industry.
Benefits of the NMU/ AIDC Postgraduate Bursary:
- Full tuition coverage: The bursary covers the full cost of tuition fees for the chosen postgraduate program.
- Stipend: Students receive a monthly stipend to cover living expenses associated with their studies.
- Research support: The bursary provides support for research activities and materials related to the student’s chosen field.
- Industry exposure: Bursary recipients gain valuable experience through potential internship opportunities with partner organizations within the automotive industry.
NMU/ AIDC Postgraduate Bursary Application Form
The application process for the NMU/ AIDC Postgraduate Bursary is straightforward. Here’s what you need to know:
- Application Deadline: Applications for the 2024 bursary cycle are currently closed. However, keep an eye on the NMU website and other trustworthy websites like this one for updates on the opening of the 2025 application cycle, which typically occurs in mid-year.
- Application Form: The application form is available online on the NMU website.
- Supporting Documents: Prepare the following documents to submit with your application:
- Certified copies of your academic transcripts and degree certificate(s).
- A detailed research proposal outlining your intended area of study.
- Two academic reference letters.
- A motivational letter expressing your interest in the bursary and your career aspirations.
- Submission: Submit your complete application form and supporting documents electronically through the NMU email to: [email protected] (Use the words “NMU/ AIDC Bursary 2023” in the email subject line).
It is important to note that incomplete applications or applications submitted after the deadline will not be considered.
The NMU/ AIDC Postgraduate Bursary Requirements
To be eligible for the NMU/ AIDC Postgraduate Bursary, you must meet the following requirements:
- Citizenship: Be a South African citizen or a permanent resident of South Africa or a member state of the Southern African Development Community (SADC).
- Academic Qualification: Possess a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Science, or a related field with a minimum average of 65%.
- Field of Study: Be enrolled or planning to enroll in a Master’s or Doctoral program in Automotive Engineering or Manufacturing at Nelson Mandela University.
- Financial Need: Demonstrate financial need and the inability to self-fund your postgraduate studies.
Additional Considerations:
Preference may be given to students who:
- Show exceptional academic potential and research ability.
- Align their research interests with the priorities of the automotive industry.
- Demonstrate a commitment to contributing to the socio-economic development of South Africa.
The NMU/ AIDC Postgraduate Bursary Closing Date
As mentioned previously, the application deadline for the 2024 bursary cycle has passed. However, the next application window is expected to open in mid-2024.
I’ll encourage you to visit the NMU website and subscribe to their newsletter for updates on the opening of the 2025 application cycle.
For further inquiries about the NMU/ AIDC Postgraduate Bursary, please contact the NMU Financial Aid Office at [email protected].