Student Funding

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University of Mpumalanga (UMP) registered students have the opportunity to apply for various bursaries to enable them to study at the University. All categories of University student funds, which include scholarships, bursaries and loans, are administered and managed by the Student Financial Aid team, which ensures their efficient disbursement to students.

The University of Mpumalanga through the Student Financial Aid (SFA) team in the Finance division administers and manages all categories of University student funds, which include scholarships, bursaries and loans, to ensure their efficient disbursement to students.

Our role is to assist our students with the coordination of funding, between the University and the Funders. UMP also offers institutional bursaries such as the Vice Chancellor Scholarship and the Council bursary. Our students are encouraged to apply for various funding opportunities.

SFA is responsible for the provision of financial assistance to eligible students and for providing a treasury service to student governance structures through the sub-divisions of Student Financial Aid, and Administration.


External Bursaries

Direct funding application

When funding becomes available funders advertise these opportunities, through the year, through various platforms. Students are invited to apply through the medium indicated by the Funder. Application submissions are assessed and evaluated by funders based on their own criteria and the information provided by the student.

Application for funding does not guarantee any funding to students. Funders will communicate with successful recipients. Student must then make this funding known to SFA submitting a promissory letter or some form of proof of funding. SFA will then do verifications before treating the student as funded for registration and allowances purposes.  
 

Applications managed by UMP

Some Funders through a memorandum of understanding/agreement commit funds to the University, with funding criteria and the University must then nominate suitable bursars through an application and evaluation process.

This process is managed in line with the Student Financial Aid policy. 

 

Below are some of the Funders who fund UMP students;

FUNDER INFORMATION

NSFAS bursary

NSFAS (National Student Financial Aid Scheme)
NSFAS is a government entity under the Department of Higher Education, Science and Technology established according to the NSFAS Act (Act 56 of 1999) to provide financial support to disadvantaged students who wish to further their studies at public universities or TVET colleges.

General Enquiries: +27 (0) 860 067 327
Email: info@nsfas.org.za
Apply online at: http://www.nsfas.org.za

2023 NSFAS Funding Application
 

NSFAS 2023 Appeals

If you have been rejected by NSFAS, you may appeal, this is a request to review a decision not to fund a student who applied for NSFAS funding. The NSFAS Appeals Policy makes provision for students whose funding has been rejected, to submit an appeal application (depending on budget availability). The appeal must be done on NSFAS students' portal (NSFAS website). See link NSFAS appeals process.

Propensity Letter - NSFAS Appleas

Funza Lushaka bursary
The Funza Lushaka Bursary is a multi-year programme to promote teaching as a profession. Bursaries are available to enable eligible students to complete a teaching qualification.

For a full description of the Funza Lushaka Priorities offered by DBE and to apply, please visit the website at: www.funzalushaka.doe.gov.za
 

Vice- Chancellor’s Scholarship

The Vice- Chancellor’s Scholarship Programme awards special financial and developmental support for students who demonstrate exemplary levels of academic performance, who prove themselves as role a models and leaders amongst their fellow students and in their communities, and who show a high level of commitment to and passion for developing and improving the lives of those in their communities.

These scholarships will be awarded to entering and existing undergraduate students for the duration of their study programme. Continuation of the scholarship from one year to the next will depend on recipients maintaining their achievements and performance in the areas of academic study, student and personal leadership, and community engagement.

The scholarships are intended to cover tuition fees, accommodation and meals, textbooks, as well as a laptop. In addition recipients of the Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarship will participate in programmes specifically designed to enhance their leadership and personal development as well as being allocated a mentor to guide and steer them during their years of study at UMP.

Administration of funding is guided by the Administration of funding is guided by the POLICY ON VICE-CHANCELLOR’S SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAMME.
 

DSI CSIR Interbursary Support Programme

Eligibility Guidelines
Value Added Activities
 

Other Funders include, but are not limited to;

  • DD MABUZA FOUNDATION
  • DEPARTMENT OF COOPERATIVE GOVERNANCE
  • EHLANZENI DISTRICT MUNICIPALITY
  • EMALAHLENI LOCAL MUNICIPALITY
  • ETDP SETA
  • GREATER TZANEEN MUNICIPALITY
  • GAUTENG CITY REGIONAL AGENCY
  • LIBUYILE COMMUNITY/MTHAYIZA
  • LIBUYILE FARMING
  • MAKHUDUTHAMAGA LOCAL MUNICIPALITY
  • MINING DEVELOPMENT AGENCY
  • MPUMLANGA DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATIONS
  • MOSES KOTANE INSTITUTE
  • NATIONAL RESEARCH FUND
  • NATIONAL SKILLS FUND
  • NATIONAL YOUTH DEVELOPMENT AGENCY
  • SERVICE SETA
  • THEBE FOUNDATION
 

Funding criteria, and application processes with opening and closing dates can be found on the respective websites of Funders.