Pharmaceutical Society of South Africa (PSSA)/ FPE Bursaries

Who can apply

• You must be a South African citizen
• You must have completed Matric
• You must be studying full-time towards a BPharm qualification
• You must be entering your 2nd, 3rd or 4th year of study in 2027 (the bursary will NOT fund 1st year students)
• You must be studying at a recognised tertiary institute in South Africa
• You must be a PSSA student member (membership is free for students – apply here)
• You must have completed an undergraduate qualification
• You must be studying full-time towards a postgraduate (Masters or Doctoral) Pharmacy qualification
• You must read and agree to the terms and conditions of the bursary (page 2 and 6 of the application form)
• You must be a PSSA student member (find out about the membership fees and complete the membership application form)

How to apply

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

Full details

Pharmaceutical Society of South Africa (PSSA) Bursaries 2027

WHAT FIELDS OF STUDY DOES THE PSSA BURSARY COVER?

The Pharmaceutical Society of South Africa invites students to apply for bursary funding, for the 2027 academic year.

Funding is made available through the Foundation for Pharmaceutical Education (FPE), and is aimed at Pharmacy-related studies (Undergraduate and Postgraduate). The bursary is administered by the PSSA.

• The Undergraduate bursary will be awarded to BPharm students.
• The Postgraduate bursary is for studies towards Pharmacy related subjects, at Masters and Doctoral level.

IS THE PSSA BURSARY RENEWABLE EACH YEAR?

The bursary is awarded for 1 academic year at a time, and candidates must submit a new application each year for a bursary renewal.

Undergraduate bursaries will be awarded based on the following: students financial circumstances; academic achievements and other financial assistance received.

Postgraduate bursaries will be awarded based on the following: project viability and academic potential (which counts for 60%) and financial need (which counts for 40%).

WHAT ARE THE ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA FOR THE PSSA 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):

Undergraduate bursary:

Postgraduate bursary:

HOW CAN I APPLY FOR THE PSSA BURSARY?

Applications must be submitted online at:

• PSSA Bursary Application 2027 (Undergraduate)
• PSSA Bursary Application 2027 (Postgraduate): applications are currently CLOSED and will reopen in May 2027.

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

WHAT DOCUMENTS MUST I SUBMIT FOR THE PSSA BURSARY?

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

• ID document (certified copy)
• Full tertiary academic record/ transcript (certified copy)
• Motivational letter from a pharmacy lecturer
• Financial declaration (proof of parents/ guardians/ household income: certified copy of payslips if employed; balance sheet if self-employed; affidavit if unemployed or working within the informal sector; proof of pension if applicable) (signed by the applicant and person responsible for your financial support) (see the application form for more info)

NOTES ABOUT THE PSSA BURSARIES

• Certified copies of documents must be submitted - do NOT submit original documents.
• The bursary will NOT cover any existing loans or outstanding student debts.
• Applicants will receive an email confirmation once their application has been received.
• Shortlisted candidates will be contacted - if you do not receive any feedback, please accept that your application was not successful.
• The final decision will be made by the Committee - no correspondence will be entered into regarding the decision.
• Postgraduate candidates must read the Guidelines for award of the SAAHIP post-graduate bursary (.pdf) before applying

WHEN IS THE CLOSING DATE FOR THE PSSA BURSARY?

• Undergraduate bursary: 5 October 2026.
• Postgraduate (Masters/ Doctoral) bursary: applications are closed and will reopen in May 2027.

(Applications submitted after these dates 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 Pharmaceutical Society of South Africa directly:Contact Person: Ms Nitsa Manolis (FPE Administrator)Tel 012 470 9562Email: [email protected]

WHAT DOES THE PHARMACEUTICAL SOCIETY OF SOUTH AFRICA (PSSA) DO?

The Pharmaceutical Society of South Africa (PSSA) is the country’s oldest professional organisation representing pharmacists and the pharmacy profession. Its origins can be traced back to 1885, when a small group of pharmacists gathered in King William’s Town (now Qonce) to establish a professional network for the industry. Over the following decades, regional pharmaceutical societies were established across South Africa, eventually leading to the creation of the Pharmaceutical Society of South Africa in 1946 through the unification of these organisations.

Today, the PSSA is dedicated to advancing the pharmacy profession by promoting high standards of professional practice, ethical conduct, continuing professional development, and lifelong learning. The Society works closely with pharmacists, pharmacy support personnel, educators, researchers, healthcare organisations, and policymakers to improve pharmaceutical care and encourage the safe and effective use of medicines. Through advocacy, education, professional networking, and member support, the PSSA continues to strengthen the role of pharmacists in delivering quality healthcare and improving patient outcomes throughout South Africa.

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Sources

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