ABOUT THE BURSARY PROVIDER

Founded in 1981, Margaret McNamara Education Grants (MMEG) is a public, non-profit organization. By giving them educational funding, MMEG empowers and supports women in underdeveloped nations, helping them shape both their own and their nation's futures.

Margaret McNamara, who aimed to advance gender equality and education, serves as an inspiration for the organization. As the spouse of the fifth president of the World Bank, Margaret utilized her position to promote these aspects of development initiatives. In honor of her significant efforts, Margaret was awarded the Medal of Honor, the highest civilian honor in the United States, prior to her passing.

FIELDS COVERED

The prize can be used for a certificate, undergraduate, graduate, or post-doctoral degree at designated universities. If their nation is listed as aneligible country for MMEG, international female students may also apply.

Helping women from developing nations to continue their education and enhance the lives of women and children in these nations is the aim of the MMEG award. One of the few groups that offers financial aid and scholarships exclusively to women is MMEG.

BURSARY COVERAGE AND SELECTION

A grant of up to US$7,000 (about R126 000) is offered by MMEG; however, grants may differ based on funding availability and exchange rates. In February 2026, the grant funds will be disbursed.

Within two to three months following the application deadline, shortlisted individuals will be called for a telephone interview. Results will be posted on the MMEG website in December 2025.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

Before applying, candidates must meet the following minimal standards; if you don't meet them all, your application won't be taken into consideration.

• You must be a citizen of South Africa, while citizens of the following nations may also applyList of Countries Eligible for MMEG
• If you are applying from a nation that is qualified but not South Africa, you must have a study permit for South Africa.
• You have to identify as female
• At the time of the application deadline, you must be at least 25 years old.
• To pursue a certificate, undergraduate degree, graduate degree, or post-doctoral studies, you must be formally enrolled.
• You must be enrolled in one of the following recognized South African universities in order to study in person: Cape Peninsula University, Central University of Technology, Durban University of Technology, Mangosuthu University of Technology, Fort Hare University, Limpopo University, Nelson Mandela University, North-West University, Rhodes University, Sefako Makgatho Health Science University, Sol Plaatje University, Stellenbosch University, Tshwane University, University of Cape Town, University of Johannesburg, University of KwaZulu-Natal, University of Mpumalanga, University of Pretoria, University of the Free State, Western Cape, University of the Witwatersrand, University of Venda, University of Zululand, Vaal University of Technology, Walter Sisulu University
• You must be enrolled in a minimum of two courses per semester or term, either full-time or part-time.
• The goal is to be enrolled full-time for the entire academic term following the bursary.
• After the MMEG grant is awarded in December, you have to continue your studies for at least one more term (January–July 2026).
• You must intend to graduate no later than three years following the bursary award.
• No employee, spouse, retiree, or member of the MMEG Board may be linked to you through the International Monetary Fund, World Bank Group, or Inter-American Development Bank.

APPLICATION PROCESS FOR THE MMEG BURSARY

Submit your application online via2026 Bursary Application

Together with your online application, send in clear copies of the following supporting material:

• If you are a citizen of South Africa, please provide a photo ID.
• Passport with picture (if you're studying abroad)
• Page of a current passport including a study permit or visa (relevant to foreign candidates)
• If a person has two citizenships, their photo appears on the second passport page.
• Evidence of a university's formal registration (not an acceptance letter) (on the letterhead of the institute)
• Current transcripts and academic reports (on the letterhead of the institution)
• A brief overview of your thesis that covers its purpose, methods, and conclusions as well as how it ties to your professional objectives, if any (If not applicable, explain how your present coursework aligns with your long-term volunteer or professional objectives.)

 submitting these documents is required; failing to do so could result in your application being rejected

Two letters of recommendation:

• One letter of recommendation from a member of your university's faculty and one from a person who can attest to your moral conduct (who cannot be a relative)
• You must have known at least one referee for two semesters or longer.
• In order for the referees to be contacted and given an email link from Embark Online to submit their recommendations, the reference letters must contain their email addresses (you must have the approval of both references before putting forth their details).
• Embark will get in touch with the candidate if they are selected. (If your referee has not received an email from Embark, ask them to check their spam folder, make sure their pop-up blocker is off, or send an email to MMEG asking for a specific link.)

Note: PDF, JPG, or PNG files are preferred for submission.

CLOSING DATE: At 11:59 p.m. Eastern Standard Time on September 14, 2025.

GET IN TOUCH WITH THE BURSARY PROVIDER

Please get in touch with MMEG directly if you have any questions about this bursary program:
Email:southafrica@mmeg.org

For more bursary opportunities go toview more bursaries