The NDMC Bursary 2027 is inviting qualifying South African students to apply for funding to study Disaster Management, Fire Technology or Fire Engineering at public higher education institutions. Applications close on 30 September 2026.
The Department of Cooperative Governance (DCoG), through the National Disaster Management Centre (NDMC), has opened applications for its 2027 NDMC Bursary Programme. The opportunity is aimed at qualifying students who intend to pursue studies in disaster management, fire technology or fire engineering at recognised public higher education institutions in South Africa.
The bursary presents an opportunity for students interested in careers that contribute to disaster risk reduction, emergency preparedness, fire safety, disaster response and related areas to receive financial support while pursuing their qualifications.
Applicants should take note that the new closing date is 30 September 2026 at 23:59. Students who meet the requirements are encouraged to complete their applications before the deadline and ensure that all required supporting documents are correctly prepared and uploaded.
NDMC Bursary 2027 Study Areas
The NDMC bursary is specifically focused on qualifications that support the development of skills in Disaster Management and Fire Technology/Fire Engineering.
The programme is available to students pursuing the following levels of study:
- Undergraduate programmes
- Postgraduate Diplomas
- Advanced Diplomas
- Master’s full programmes
The bursary does not cover certificate programmes or PhD qualifications.
Eligible qualifications must be offered by a recognised public higher education institution in South Africa. Prospective applicants should therefore confirm that their institution and programme meet the requirements before submitting an application.
Academic Requirements
Academic performance is an important component of the NDMC Bursary application.
For Undergraduate, Postgraduate Diploma and Advanced Diploma applicants, the bursary system requires applicants to have a minimum academic average of 60% based on their most recent academic results.
Applicants applying for Master’s programmes must achieve a minimum average of 65%.
Students should submit their most recent academic results, statement of results or academic transcript as part of their supporting documentation. The academic record should clearly demonstrate that the applicant meets the relevant minimum requirement.
Meeting the minimum academic threshold does not necessarily guarantee selection, as applications may be assessed against the programme’s overall eligibility and selection criteria.
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Documents Required
Applicants are required to submit several supporting documents through the NDMC Bursary Management System. Preparing these documents in advance can help students avoid delays or incomplete submissions.
The required documents include:
- Certified copy of a South African Identity Document
- Certified copy of the Matric Certificate
- Most recent academic results, statement or transcript
- Proof of application, acceptance or registration at a recognised public higher education institution
- Brief Curriculum Vitae, maximum two pages, for Master’s applicants only
- Master’s Research Proposal based on one of the NDMC’s 16 Priority Thematic Areas
Master’s applicants therefore have additional requirements compared with undergraduate and diploma-level applicants.
The research proposal must align with one of the 16 Priority Thematic Areas identified by the NDMC. Applicants should carefully review the official research agenda before preparing their proposals to ensure that their proposed research falls within an eligible thematic area.
NDMC Bursary Application Process
Applications are submitted through the official NDMC Bursary Management System.
Prospective applicants can access the application system and create an applicant profile before completing the required information and uploading their supporting documents.
The NDMC has specifically warned applicants that the application system does not support mobile devices, including Android and Apple devices. Applicants should therefore use a suitable computer or other supported desktop device when completing the online application.
This is an important requirement because attempting to complete the application from an unsupported mobile device could create technical difficulties during the submission process.
Applicants should also ensure that documents are properly certified where certification is required, clearly scanned and uploaded in the requested format. Before submitting the application, students should check that all required information and documents have been included.
Important Deadline
The updated closing date for the 2027 NDMC Bursary is:
Closing Date: 30 September 2026 at 23:59
Applications submitted after the deadline may not be considered. Students are therefore encouraged not to wait until the final day, particularly because technical problems, missing documents or difficulties with the application system could prevent a successful submission.
Who Should Apply?
The opportunity is particularly relevant to South African students pursuing careers connected to disaster management, fire technology and fire engineering.
Students who are already studying an eligible qualification, as well as qualifying applicants seeking admission or registration at a recognised public higher education institution, should review the bursary requirements carefully.
Master’s applicants should pay particular attention to the research requirements because their proposal must correspond with one of the NDMC’s 16 Priority Thematic Areas.
How to Apply for the NDMC Bursary 2027
Eligible students can access the NDMC Bursary Management System online and complete the application form.
Applicants should use a desktop or laptop computer, as the system does not support Android or Apple mobile devices. They should also make sure that all supporting documents are ready before starting the application.
The application system provides access to the official 2027 Bursary Advertisement, which contains additional information about the opportunity and should be reviewed by applicants before submission.
With the application deadline set for 30 September 2026 at 23:59, eligible students have an opportunity to apply for financial support toward their 2027 studies in fields that play an important role in South Africa’s disaster resilience, emergency management and fire safety sectors.
Applicants should rely on the official NDMC bursary system and advertisement for the latest requirements and application instructions.
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