The National Energy Regulator of South Africa (NERSA) invites South African postgraduate students to apply for the NERSA Bursary Programme for the 2026 academic year.
Closing Date: 12 February 2026
This bursary targets Master’s and PhD students whose studies align with South Africa’s electricity, piped-gas, and petroleum pipelines sectors, supporting the development of scarce skills critical to the country’s energy future.
About the Bursary Provider – NERSA
NERSA is an independent public entity responsible for regulating South Africa’s electricity, gas, and petroleum pipeline industries. Its mandate is to ensure fair pricing, reliable energy supply, and sustainable development, while balancing the interests of consumers, industry, and the broader economy.
Through transparent regulation and capacity-building initiatives such as bursaries, NERSA plays a key role in supporting South Africa’s transition to a secure, efficient, and sustainable energy system.
About the NERSA Bursary Programme – Fields Covered
NERSA is offering bursaries for the 2026 academic year to support postgraduate studies (Master’s and PhD) in fields aligned with its regulatory mandate, including studies related to:
- Electricity regulation and energy systems
- Piped-gas regulation
- Petroleum pipelines regulation
- Other energy-related and regulatory disciplines
More About the NERSA Bursary – Coverage & Value
The bursary provides financial support for the following expenses:
- Registration fees
- Tuition fees
- Accommodation
- Prescribed books or a laptop
The total value of the bursary will be determined through a financial means test, based on the applicant’s financial circumstances.
Eligibility Requirements for the NERSA Bursary
Applicants must meet all of the following minimum requirements:
- Be a South African citizen
- Intend to study towards a Master’s or PhD degree in 2026
- Be accepted at a South African University or University of Technology
- Have a strong academic record
- Demonstrate potential for academic success
- Be from a previously disadvantaged background
- Be in financial need
- Not be in receipt of any other bursary funding
- Show interest in pursuing a career in the energy sector
Failure to meet any of the above criteria will result in disqualification.
How to Apply for the NERSA Bursary 2026
Students who meet the eligibility criteria must apply using only one of the methods below.
👉 Click here to apply for the NERSA Bursary 2026
Application Methods
1. Email Application
Email your application to:
📧 bursaries@nersa.org.za
Email subject line: NERSA Bursary 2026
2. Postal Application
Send applications to:
The National Energy Regulator of South Africa
Human Resources Department
PO Box 40343
Arcadia
Pretoria
0007
3. Hand Delivery
Deliver applications to:
NERSA Offices
Kulawula House
526 Madiba Street
Arcadia
Pretoria
0007
📌 Applications must be marked for the attention of Ms Lena Rankhumise or Mr Nkanyiso Magwaza.
📌 No application form is required – applicants must submit the required documents only.
Documents Required (Compulsory)
Submit clear and complete copies of the following documents:
- Certified copy of South African ID
- Certified copy of full tertiary academic record (highest qualification completed)
- University or University of Technology acceptance letter (official letterhead)
- Proposed dissertation topic and abstract
- Motivational letter (±500 words) explaining why you should be awarded the bursary
- Certified copies of parents’ or guardians’ ID documents
- Proof of household income (latest payslips, affidavit if unemployed, or proof of grant/pension)
⚠️ Incomplete applications may be disqualified.
Closing Date for the NERSA Bursary
12 February 2026
Late applications will not be accepted. Applicants are strongly advised to apply well before the closing date.
Contact the Bursary Provider
For enquiries related to the NERSA Bursary Programme:
- Contact Persons: Ms Lena Rankhumise / Mr Nkanyiso Magwaza
- Tel: 012 401 4600
- Email: bursaries@nersa.org.za
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