Students who are passionate about the maritime industry and are eager to chart a successful course within the industry will be pleased to learn about the South Africa International Maritime Institute Bursary.
This comprehensive bursary program empowers young South Africans, particularly those from previously disadvantaged backgrounds, to pursue maritime-related studies and contribute meaningfully to the sector’s growth.
About the South Africa International Maritime Institute Bursary
Established in 2014, SAIMI is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting excellence and sustainability within the South African maritime sector.
Recognizing the serious need for skilled professionals, SAIMI established the bursary program in 2018 to nurture future generations of maritime leaders. The bursary aims to:
- Increase access to maritime education: By alleviating financial barriers, the bursary enables talented students to pursue maritime qualifications without financial constraints.
- Promote diversity and inclusion: The program specifically targets students from previously disadvantaged groups, fostering a more representative and inclusive maritime workforce.
- Enhance skill development: The bursary focuses on qualifications in critical maritime fields, ensuring a skilled workforce equipped to meet the industry’s evolving demands.
South Africa International Maritime Institute Bursary Application Form
Applying for the SAIMI Bursary is a straightforward process. All applications must be submitted online through the dedicated bursary portal on the SAIMI website.
The portal opens and closes according to the annual bursary cycle. As of January 29, 2024, the 2024 application period has already closed.
But once applications open again, you will be required to have a few documents attached to your application form.
They are usually different depending on your level of qualification.
Undergraduate students:
- ID document (certified copy)
- Matric certificate, if completed Matric (certified copy)
- Most recent results, if currently in Matric (certified copy)
- Academic transcript, if currently studying (certified copy)
- Provisional letter of acceptance from tertiary institution (on institutions letterhead)
- Official quotation for tuition fees and textbooks, if already registered (on institutions letterhead) (if you have not registered, you must submit this after registration)
- Parents or guardians ID documents or death certificate if deceased (certified copies)
- Parents or guardians proof of household income (payslips if employed, affidavit if unemployed, proof of pension or grant if applicable)
- Motivational letter (maximum 500 words)
Honours and Masters students:
- ID document (certified copy)
- All relevant qualifications and academic transcripts (certified copies)
- Provisional letter of acceptance from tertiary institution (on institutions letterhead)
- Official quotation for tuition fees and textbooks, if already registered (on institutions letterhead)
- Parents or guardians ID documents or death certificate if deceased (certified copies)
- Parents or guardians proof of household income (payslips if employed, affidavit if unemployed, proof of pension or grant if applicable)
- Motivational paper on an important research topic. (.pdf) (maximum 800 words)
You must have your completed form and supporting documents submitted via email to: [email protected]. (Use the words “SAIMI Bursary 2024” in the email subject line).
The South Africa International Maritime Institute Bursary Requirements
To be eligible for the South Africa International Maritime Institute Bursary, you must meet the following criteria:
- South African citizenship: Only South African citizens can apply for the bursary.
- Age: Applicants must be between 17 and 25 years old at the time of application.
- Gender: The bursary is currently open to female students only.
- Previously disadvantaged background: Applicants must come from a previously disadvantaged, designated group as defined by the Black Economic Empowerment Act of 2003.
- Academic qualifications: Applicants must be in Matric (Grade 12) or have completed Matric and be accepted into a full-time maritime-related undergraduate qualification at an accredited tertiary institution in South Africa.
- Financial need: Applicants must demonstrate financial need and be unable to afford the full cost of their studies without the bursary.
The South Africa International Maritime Institute Bursary Closing Date
As mentioned previously, the 2024 application period for the SAIMI Bursary has closed. The 2024 acdemic year application cycle ended on 17 November 2023.
Please visit the SAIMI website for updates on the 2025 application dates, which are typically announced in the latter half of the year.
For any inquiries regarding the South Africa International Maritime Institute Bursary, you can contact the SAIMI office through email at [email protected] or by telephone: 041 504 40382791.