MacMillan Foundation Bursaries 2027

Who can apply

• Be South African citizens.
• Be Black as defined under South Africa’s B-BBEE Codes.
• Be female.
• Be able to complete the degree before reaching 35 years of age.
• Be studying or planning to study towards a postgraduate Architecture degree.
• Study at an accredited South African university.
• Have a strong academic record.
• Have no previous criminal record.
• Demonstrate financial need.
• Submit a complete application before the closing date.
• Failure to meet all the requirements may result in the application not being considered.
• Applicants must have a strong academic record.
• Satisfactory progress in the current qualification.
• Strong performance in Architecture-related modules.
• Ability to manage postgraduate studies.
• Potential to complete the programme successfully.
• The advert does not specify a minimum academic average.

Documents you will need

• Completed MacMillan Foundation Bursary Application Form 2027.
• Certified copy of the South African identity document.
• Latest academic results.
• Proof of the current university account.
• A statement showing whether university fees are paid or outstanding.
• One recommendation letter from a lecturer.
• Declaration of outstanding debt from previous studies, where applicable.
• Declaration or affidavit confirming financial independence from parents, where applicable.
• Additional supporting documents such as a CV or Architecture portfolio, where relevant.
• Missing compulsory documents may result in disqualification.

How to apply

Applications are submitted directly to MacMillan Foundation - we do not collect applications. Read the eligibility criteria, prepare your supporting documents, then complete your application on the official page.

Full details

The MacMillan Foundation invites eligible Black South African female students to apply for the Postgraduate Architecture Bursary Programme for the 2027 academic year.

Bursary Application Closing Date: 01 November 2026

Bursary Location: Accredited universities across South Africa

MacMillan Foundation Bursary Programme 2027

The MacMillan Foundation is offering financial assistance to Black female students pursuing postgraduate qualifications in Architecture during the 2027 academic year.

The bursary aims to support previously disadvantaged women who demonstrate strong academic potential but lack sufficient financial resources to continue their studies.

Funding will be awarded for one academic year and paid directly to the successful recipient’s university after the required registration and fee documents have been submitted.

Bursary Programme Overview

Bursary provider: MacMillan FoundationProgramme: MacMillan Foundation Bursary 2027Field of study: Postgraduate ArchitectureAcademic year: 2027Funding duration: One academic yearTarget group: Black South African female studentsStudy institution: Accredited South African universityClosing date: 01 November 2026Application method: Email

Field of Study Covered

The MacMillan Foundation Bursary will fund studies towards a:

• Postgraduate degree in Architecture

Applicants must already be studying or intend to register for an eligible postgraduate Architecture qualification at an accredited university in South Africa.

The information provided does not indicate that undergraduate Architecture programmes or qualifications outside Architecture will be funded.

Purpose of the Bursary

The bursary programme aims to assist previously disadvantaged women who:

• Demonstrate strong academic performance.
• Have been admitted to postgraduate Architecture studies.
• Have limited financial resources.
• Show potential to succeed in the Architecture profession.
• Require financial assistance to continue their studies.

The bursary supports transformation and increased participation of Black women within the Architecture sector.

What the MacMillan Foundation Bursary Covers

The bursary will provide funding for one year of study.

Payments will be made directly into the account of the successful student’s academic institution after submission of:

• Proof of registration; and
• An official academic tax invoice from the university.

The information provided does not specify the bursary’s maximum value or confirm whether it covers expenses such as:

• Accommodation
• Textbooks
• Study equipment
• Meals
• Transport
• Personal allowances

Applicants should therefore not assume that these costs will be covered unless confirmed by the MacMillan Foundation.

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must meet all the following requirements:

Failure to meet all the requirements may result in the application not being considered.

Citizenship Requirement

Applicants must be South African citizens.

A certified copy of a valid South African identity document must be submitted with the application.

Applicants should ensure that the identity document is clear, readable and correctly certified.

Age Requirement

Applicants must be able to complete their postgraduate Architecture qualification before turning 35.

The requirement is based on the expected date of qualification completion rather than only the applicant’s age at the time of application.

Applicants should confirm that the planned duration of their programme allows them to meet this condition.

Academic Requirements

Applicants must have a strong academic record.

The latest academic results should demonstrate:

The advert does not specify a minimum academic average.

University Requirement

Applicants must study or intend to study at an accredited university in South Africa.

The application should clearly identify:

• The university’s name.
• The postgraduate Architecture programme.
• Current year of study.
• Expected registration date.
• Expected completion date.
• Tuition fees for the 2027 academic year.

The final bursary award will depend partly on proof of tuition fees from the university.

Financial Need

The programme is intended for academically capable students who lack sufficient financial resources.

Applicants may need to provide information showing:

• Outstanding university fees.
• Household financial circumstances.
• Current university account balance.
• Existing bursaries or financial support.
• Financial independence from parents, where applicable.
• Debt relating to previous studies, where applicable.

All financial information should be accurate and supported by the required declarations or documents.

Selection Process

Applications will be evaluated according to factors such as:

• Eligibility.
• Academic performance.
• Financial need.
• Quality and completeness of the application.
• Supporting documentation.
• Recommendation from a lecturer.
• Suitability for the bursary programme.
• Availability of funding.

The final award will depend on:

• The applicant’s final academic results; and
• Proof of tuition fees from the university.

Successful recipients will be required to enter into a bursary agreement with the MacMillan Foundation.

Application Outcome

Successful candidates are expected to be contacted by 03 December 2026.

Applicants who have not received feedback by that date should consider their applications unsuccessful.

Only successful or shortlisted applicants may receive direct communication.

Required Supporting Documents

Applicants must submit the following documents:

Missing compulsory documents may result in disqualification.

Lecturer Recommendation Letter

Applicants must obtain one recommendation letter from a lecturer.

The letter should ideally confirm:

• The applicant’s academic ability.
• Commitment to Architecture.
• Participation in academic activities.
• Professional conduct.
• Potential to succeed in postgraduate study.
• Suitability for financial support.

Applicants should request the letter early enough to avoid missing the deadline.

Architecture Portfolio

A portfolio is listed as a possible additional supporting document.

Where included, the portfolio may demonstrate:

• Architectural design projects.
• Technical drawings.
• Concept development.
• Design-process work.
• Academic projects.
• Research interests.
• Digital modelling or rendering skills.
• Creative and technical ability.

The portfolio should be concise, professionally organised and relevant to the postgraduate Architecture programme.

Document Size Limit

Application documents must not exceed:

10MB

Applicants should combine documents carefully or compress PDF files without making the text difficult to read.

Documents should not be password-protected.

How to Apply for the MacMillan Foundation Bursary 2027

Applicants must download and complete the official bursary application form.

Click here to download the MacMillan Foundation Bursary Application Form 2027

Completed applications and supporting documents must be emailed to both addresses below:

Primary email: [email protected] email: [email protected]

Click here to apply for the MacMillan Foundation Bursary 2027

Applicants must use the following email subject line:

MacMillan Foundation Bursary 2027

Both email addresses should be included when submitting the application.

Application Email Checklist

Before sending the email, ensure that:

• The application form is fully completed.
• The application form is signed where required.
• All compulsory documents are attached.
• The documents are clear and readable.
• The total attachment size does not exceed 10MB.
• Both application email addresses are included.
• The correct subject line is used.
• The applicant’s contact information is current.
• The application is submitted before the deadline.

Bursary Application Closing Date

Applications close on 01 November 2026.

Applications submitted after the closing date will not be accepted.

Applicants should submit early to allow time to resolve missing documents or email attachment problems.

Bursary Enquiries

Questions about the bursary programme may be directed to the MacMillan Foundation:

Email: [email protected]: 012 665 0937

Applicants should include their full name and mention the MacMillan Foundation Bursary 2027 when making enquiries.

Important Application Advice

Applicants should confirm that:

• They are South African citizens.
• They meet the bursary’s demographic requirements.
• They will complete the degree before turning 35.
• They are pursuing postgraduate Architecture studies.
• Their university is accredited.
• Their academic results are included.
• Their university account statement is attached.
• Their lecturer recommendation is attached.
• Relevant financial declarations are included.
• Their ID copy is certified.
• The completed form is attached.
• The total email attachment size is below 10MB.
• The application reaches both email addresses by 01 November 2026.

Final Award Conditions

Successful applicants should note that:

• The bursary is awarded for one academic year.
• Funding will be paid directly to the university.
• Proof of registration must be submitted.
• An official university tax invoice must be submitted.
• Final results will be considered.
• Recipients must sign a bursary agreement.
• Funding is not automatically renewed for additional years unless confirmed by the foundation.

Frequently asked questions

Sources

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