SAIMI Bursary 2027, Requirements & Application

Key facts

Status: Applications closed Closed 5 December 2025
Provider: SAIMI
Study level: Postgraduate, Undergraduate
Academic year: 2027
Last checked: September 2026

The 2026 round of the Tu Nhlumayo Merit Bursary closed on 5 December 2025 at 23:59, for studies completed by March 2027.

Written by Keagan HendricksStaff Writer (Unisa Alumnus)

Reviewed & verified by Naledi KhumaloSenior Admissions and Bursaries EditorVerified

No open round · the last round we could find closed on 5 December 2025 Recent rounds opened in October or November with a closing date in early December, so expect the same for 2027. Latest update ↓

The South African International Maritime Institute (SAIMI), based at Nelson Mandela University in Gqeberha, was established in 2014 to build skills for the country’s maritime economy. Its bursary programme, funded through the National Skills Fund, supports students in maritime-related fields, and its flagship award, the Sindiswa Carol ‘Tu’ Nhlumayo Merit Bursary, is reserved for Black women.

About the SAIMI Bursary

The Sindiswa Carol ‘Tu’ Nhlumayo Merit Bursary provides:

A full academic bursary covering tuition fees and textbooks.
Subsidised accommodation and meal allowances, at rates set by the National Skills Fund.
Attendance at SAIMI-hosted conferences and selected maritime events.
Opportunities to join maritime and science organisations such as WISTA South Africa.

Qualifying fields include maritime studies, shipping and logistics, marine engineering and naval architecture, oceanography and marine science, maritime law, port and harbour management, fisheries and aquaculture, and the other qualifications on SAIMI’s published list.

SAIMI Bursary eligibility requirements

Black female South African citizen.
In the final year of an undergraduate degree, or in Honours, Master’s or PhD study, in a maritime-related field at a South African institution.
An average of at least 65%.
No historical debt at the institution.
Studies that will be completed within the funded period.

How to apply for the SAIMI Bursary

Check the list of qualifying qualifications and download the correct application form (undergraduate; Honours and Master’s; or PhD) from saimi.co.za/article/bursaries.
Complete the form and attach certified copies of your ID, academic record, proof of registration, a fee statement and proof of household income.
Email the application to bursary@saimi.co.za before the closing time. Late applications are not considered.

SAIMI Bursary closing date

The 2026 round closed on 5 December 2025. Expect the 2027 round to close in early December 2026.

Contact details

Email: bursary@saimi.co.za or info@saimi.co.za
Telephone: 041 504 4038
Website: www.saimi.co.za

Maritime students should also apply to Transnet, the South African Maritime Safety Authority and the Transport Education and Training Authority. See our government bursaries page.

FAQs

1. When does the SAIMI bursary close for 2027? +

The 2026 round of the Sindiswa Carol 'Tu' Nhlumayo Merit Bursary closed on 5 December 2025 at 23:59. SAIMI had not published the 2027 call when we checked; based on recent cycles, expect it in October or November 2026 with a closing date in early December 2026.

2. Who qualifies? +

Black female South African citizens in the final year of an undergraduate degree, or in Honours, Master's or PhD study, in a maritime-related field, with an average of at least 65%, no historical debt, and studies that will be completed within the funded period.

3. Which fields count as maritime? +

Maritime studies, shipping and logistics, marine engineering and naval architecture, oceanography and marine science, maritime law, port and harbour management, fisheries and aquaculture, and related qualifications on SAIMI's list.

4. What does it cover? +

A full academic bursary for tuition and textbooks, subsidised accommodation and meal allowances set by the National Skills Fund, and attendance at SAIMI conferences and maritime events, with membership opportunities in organisations such as WISTA South Africa.

5. How do I apply? +

Download the undergraduate, Honours and Master's, or PhD application form from saimi.co.za, complete it and email it with certified documents to bursary@saimi.co.za before the closing date.

6. What is SAIMI? +

The South African International Maritime Institute, based at Nelson Mandela University in Gqeberha and established in 2014 to develop skills for the maritime economy.

Update note (checked September 2026): the 2026 round of the Tu Nhlumayo Merit Bursary closed on 5 December 2025 at 23:59, for studies completed by March 2027. SAIMI had not published the 2027 call when we checked. Recent rounds opened in October or November with a closing date in early December, so expect the same for 2027. The details below are from the 2026 round.

This round is not open right now. Check the provider’s own site for the next round.

Visit the provider’s website

Student funding in numbers

2025811 011students funded by NSFAS580 000 at universities, 231 000 at TVET colleges, on a budget of R48.7 billion.

20261 026 091students approved for NSFAS funding609 403 first-year applicants qualified and 416 688 continuing students met the progression criteria, out of 893 847 applications.

2027 projectedR53.4bnbudgeted for NSFASThe allocation rises from R48.7 billion in 2025 to R51 billion in 2026 and R53.4 billion in 2027. Student numbers for 2027 are not published yet.

Figures from the Minister of Higher Education’s Budget Vote of 3 July 2025 and the NSFAS statement of 2 January 2026. NSFAS is the largest funder, not the only one – we track the rest.