National Disaster Management Centre (NDMC) Bursary

Who can apply

• You must be a South African citizen
• You must be currently in Matric or have completed Matric
• You must be studying or intend on studying a qualification within one of the fields of study listed above (Undergraduate, Postgraduate Diploma, Advance Diploma or Masters studies – the bursary will NOT fund Certificate courses and PhD qualifications)
• You must have applied/ been accepted/ or registered to study at a recognised public institution of higher learning in South Africa
• Undergraduate, Postgraduate Diploma, Advance Diploma applicants: you must have achieved a minimum overall average of 60% in your most recent results
• Masters applicants: you must have achieved a minimum overall average of 65% in your most recent results
• Students with disabilites are encouraged to apply

How to apply

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

Full details

National Disaster Management Centre (NDMC) Bursary South Africa 2027

WHAT FIELDS OF STUDY DOES THE NDMC BURSARY COVER?

The Department of Cooperative Governance (DCoG), through the National Disaster Management Centre (NDMC), is inviting students to apply for their bursary programme, for the 2027 academic year.

Bursaries will be awarded for Undergraduate, Postgraduate Diploma, Advance Diploma or Masters studies, within the following fields:

• Disaster Management
• Fire Technology
• Fire Engineering

WHAT EXPENSES DOES THE NDMC BURSARY COVER?

The bursary award will cover the following expenses: full registration fees and full tuition fees.

Masters students will also receive a resources allowance of up to R11 000.

The bursary will NOT provide cover for accommodation, meals, books and travel fees.

WHAT IS THE SELECTION PROCESS FOR THE NDMC BURSARY?

Successful candidates will be contacted - if you do not receive any feedback, please regard your application as unsuccessful. Bursary recipients will be required to sign a bursary contract with DCoG, through the NDMC.

WHAT ARE THE ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA FOR THE NDMC BURSARY?

Applicants must satisfy the following minimum entry criteria before applying (please note that failure to satisfy all the requirements will lead to your application not being considered):

HOW CAN I APPLY FOR THE NDMC BURSARY?

Applications must be submitted online at: NDMC Bursary Application 2027

Applicants will be required to Register an Account before they can Login and apply.

Note: the online application process is not available on mobile devices (android or apple).

Enter “www.zabursaries.co.za” in the field asking how you heard about the NDMC bursary.

WHAT DOCUMENTS MUST I SUBMIT FOR THE NDMC BURSARY?

Submit clear copies of the following supporting documentation along with your application (the submission of these documents is compulsory - if any items are missing, your application may be disqualified):

• ID document (certified copy)
• Matric certificate (certified copy)
• Proof of application/ acceptance/ registration at a public tertiary institution (on institutions letterhead)
• Most recent academic results, if currently studying (on institutions letterhead)
• Master’s applicants: short Curriculum Vitae (highlighting previous and current employment and academic qualifications where applicable) (max 2 pages)
• Masters applicants: research Proposal on one of the 16 Priority Thematic Areas

WHEN IS THE CLOSING DATE FOR THE NDMC BURSARY?

30 September 2026 (at 23:59).

(Applications submitted after this date will not be accepted - please apply before the closing date to ensure your application is considered.)

HOW CAN I CONTACT THE BURSARY PROVIDER?

For any queries related to this bursary programme, please contact the National Disaster Management Centre (NDMC) directly:

General bursary queries:

• Tel: 012 065 1022 / 012 065 1021
• Email: [email protected]

ICT-related queries:

• Tel: 012 065 1019
• Email: [email protected]

WHAT DOES THE NATIONAL DISASTER MANAGEMENT CENTRE (NDMC) DO?

The National Disaster Management Centre (NDMC) is part of the Department of Cooperative Governance (DCoG) and plays a key role in coordinating disaster management activities across South Africa.

The Centre works to strengthen an integrated and coordinated approach to disaster management, with a strong focus on reducing disaster risks, prevention, preparedness and mitigation. It works with government institutions, statutory bodies, communities and other stakeholders to improve the country’s ability to prevent and respond to disasters.

The NDMC is also responsible for administering the Fire Brigade Services Act, which supports the regulation and coordination of fire services in South Africa. Its broader vision is to contribute towards an integrated disaster management and fire services system that helps protect communities and improve resilience to emergencies.

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