Postgraduate study in South Africa is expensive — and funding options become even scarcer at Master’s and PhD level.
That’s why the NERSA Bursary 2026 matters right now, especially for students who want to build a future in the country’s energy sector.
This bursary isn’t for everyone. It’s aimed at academically strong postgraduate students who are serious about research, regulation, and shaping how South Africa manages electricity, gas, and petroleum pipelines in the years ahead.
What Is NERSA — and Why Its Bursary Matters
The National Energy Regulator of South Africa (NERSA) is an independent public entity tasked with regulating three critical industries:
- Electricity
- Piped gas
- Petroleum pipelines
In practical terms, NERSA helps decide how energy prices are set, how infrastructure is regulated, and how the country balances affordability with long-term sustainability. These decisions affect households, businesses, and the broader economy.
Because this work requires highly specialised skills, NERSA invests in developing future experts through postgraduate funding. The NERSA Bursary Programme is part of that long-term strategy — supporting students whose research aligns directly with the regulator’s mandate.
This makes the bursary particularly relevant for students who want their studies to connect to real policy and regulatory work, not just academic theory.
Read More information about the bursary here: NERSA bursary 2026
Who the NERSA Bursary Is For in 2026
Unlike many undergraduate bursaries, the NERSA Bursary 2026 is strictly for postgraduate study.
NERSA will consider applications from students who plan to study toward a:
- Master’s degree, or
- PhD
The field of study must be relevant to energy regulation, particularly within electricity, piped gas, or petroleum pipeline industries. While NERSA does not publish a fixed list of degrees, strong applications usually come from backgrounds such as:
- Engineering (electrical, mechanical, industrial, chemical)
- Energy studies or energy economics
- Law (especially energy or regulatory law)
- Public policy, economics, or infrastructure-related research
Importantly, applicants must already have formal acceptance from a South African University or University of Technology for the 2026 academic year.
What the NERSA Bursary Covers
The NERSA bursary is needs-based, meaning the total value is determined through a financial means test. While the exact amount may differ from student to student, the bursary can cover key study-related costs, including:
- Registration fees
- Tuition fees
- Accommodation
- Prescribed textbooks or a laptop
This level of coverage can significantly reduce the financial pressure that often comes with postgraduate study — especially for students from previously disadvantaged backgrounds.
Eligibility Requirements You Must Meet
Before applying, it’s important to be realistic. NERSA applies its criteria strictly, and applications that don’t meet all requirements are unlikely to be considered.
To qualify for the NERSA Bursary 2026, you must:
- Be a South African citizen
- Be accepted for a Master’s or PhD in 2026
- Study at a recognised South African university or university of technology
- Have a strong academic record
- Show clear potential for postgraduate success
- Come from a previously disadvantaged background
- Demonstrate financial need
- Not be receiving any other bursary funding
- Show interest in pursuing a career in the energy sector
NERSA is not simply funding degrees — it is investing in future professionals who can contribute meaningfully to the energy regulatory space.
How to Apply for the NERSA Bursary
There is no application form for this bursary. Instead, applicants must submit a complete set of documents using one of the approved submission methods.
Application Methods (Choose One)
- Email: bu*******@*******rg.za
(Use the subject line: “NERSA Bursary 2026”) - Post:
Human Resources Department
National Energy Regulator of South Africa
PO Box 40343
Arcadia
Pretoria
0007 - Hand Delivery:
NERSA Offices
Kulawula House
526 Madiba Street
Arcadia
Pretoria
Applications must be marked for the attention of Ms Lena Rankhumise or Mr Nkanyiso Magwaza.
Documents You Must Submit
Your application will only be considered if all required documents are included:
- Certified copy of your South African ID
- Certified full academic record of your highest qualification
- University acceptance letter (on official letterhead)
- Your dissertation topic and abstract
- A motivational letter (±500 words) explaining why you deserve the bursary
- Certified copies of parents’ or guardians’ IDs
- Household proof of income (payslips, affidavit if unemployed, or grant/pension proof)
Missing documents are one of the most common reasons applications are rejected — double-check everything before submitting.
NERSA Bursary Closing Date
12 February 2026
Late applications are not accepted. If you plan to apply, aim to submit well before the deadline to avoid last-minute issues.
Is the NERSA bursary available for undergraduate students?
No. The bursary is strictly for Master’s and PhD studies.
Can I apply if I already have another bursary?
No. Applicants must not be in receipt of any other bursary funding.
Does NERSA fund studies outside South Africa?
No. You must study at a South African university or university of technology.
PLEASE FIX THE PICTURE , NEED TO BE MINIMUM OF 1200 PX WIDE
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