South African students studying Disaster Management, Fire Technology or Fire Engineering can apply for the National Disaster Management Centre External Bursary Programme 2027.
The bursary covers 100% of tuition fees, including registration, for qualifying undergraduate and postgraduate students at recognised public higher education institutions. Master’s students may also qualify for a research allowance of up to R11,000.
Applications close on 30 September 2026.
Which fields are funded?
The NDMC bursary supports qualifications directly connected to disaster risk reduction, emergency management and fire services.
Eligible study areas include:
- Disaster Management
- Fire Technology
- Fire Engineering
Students may be studying towards an Undergraduate qualification, Postgraduate Diploma, Advanced Diploma or Master’s degree.
The programme is designed to build specialist skills needed for disaster preparedness, emergency response and fire-risk management in South Africa.
Who can apply?
Applicants must be South African citizens who have applied for, been accepted into or are already registered for an eligible programme at a recognised public higher education institution.
The academic requirements depend on the level of study.
Students applying for an Undergraduate qualification, Postgraduate Diploma or Advanced Diploma need a minimum academic average of 60%.
Master’s applicants need at least a 65% academic average and must submit a research proposal aligned with the NDMC’s priority thematic areas.
Students with disabilities are encouraged to apply.
What does the bursary cover?
Successful applicants receive full support for tuition and registration fees.
The bursary covers:
- 100% of tuition fees
- Registration fees
It does not cover:
- Accommodation
- Meals
- Books
- Travel
Students should therefore plan separately for living and study costs that fall outside tuition and registration.
What support is available for Master’s students?
Qualifying Master’s students may receive a research allowance capped at R11,000.
The additional funding can support approved research expenses linked to the student’s postgraduate work.
Master’s applicants also need to make sure their research proposal fits within the NDMC’s priority research areas.
What can you study in Disaster Management?
Disaster Management focuses on reducing risks, preparing for emergencies and coordinating responses when disasters occur.
Students may develop knowledge in areas such as:
- Disaster risk assessment
- Emergency planning
- Disaster preparedness
- Community resilience
- Disaster response coordination
- Recovery planning
- Risk reduction
- Public-sector emergency management
These skills can be used by government departments, municipalities, emergency services, humanitarian organisations and private-sector risk teams.
What does Fire Engineering involve?
Fire Engineering applies engineering and scientific principles to fire prevention, protection and safety.
The field can involve areas such as:
- Fire protection systems
- Building safety
- Fire-risk assessment
- Emergency evacuation planning
- Fire detection and suppression systems
- Industrial fire safety
Fire Technology can also prepare students for technical and operational roles involving fire prevention, emergency response and safety systems.
These qualifications can support careers in emergency services, engineering firms, municipalities, industrial operations and occupational safety.
Which careers can the bursary support?
Graduates may pursue careers across government, emergency services, safety and risk management.
Potential career directions include:
- Disaster Management Officer
- Disaster Risk Reduction Specialist
- Emergency Management Practitioner
- Fire Safety Officer
- Fire Protection Specialist
- Fire Engineer
- Emergency Planning Officer
- Municipal Disaster Management Practitioner
- Risk and Resilience Specialist
- Emergency Response Coordinator
Postgraduate study can also support research, policy and specialist advisory careers.
What academic performance is required?
Undergraduate, Postgraduate Diploma and Advanced Diploma applicants need an academic average of at least 60%.
Master’s applicants need at least 65%.
These thresholds mean applicants should check their latest academic results before starting the application.
Master’s candidates also need to prepare an appropriate research proposal, so they should allow enough time to ensure their proposed topic meets the programme requirements.
How do you apply?
Applications must be submitted through the NDMC online bursary application system.
Apply for the NDMC External Bursary Programme 2027
Applicants should upload all required documents in the correct format and make sure every file can be opened.
Incomplete applications will not be considered.
Applications submitted by email, submitted late, protected by passwords or containing corrupted files will also be excluded.
When do applications close?
Applications close on 30 September 2026.
Students should submit early enough to correct any document or technical problems before the deadline.
For bursary enquiries, applicants can contact bursary@ndmc.gov.za or call 012 065 1022 / 012 065 1021.
Technical problems with the application system can be directed to helpdesk@ndmc.gov.za or 012 065 1019.
The programme provides a specialised funding opportunity for students who want to build professional careers in disaster risk management, emergency management, fire technology and fire engineering.
