Key Facts
- Status
- Check Provider for Dates
- Provider
- Field of Study
- Study Level
Eligibility Requirements
- South African citizen
- Accepted (or intending to register) for a Masters or PhD degree at a South African university or university of technology
- Field of study relevant to the regulation of electricity, piped-gas or petroleum pipelines
- Strong academic record and demonstrated research/academic potential
- From a previously disadvantaged background and in genuine financial need
- Not already in receipt of another bursary
Documents Needed
- Certified copy of ID
- Full certified tertiary academic record
- University acceptance letter on institutional letterhead
- Dissertation/thesis topic and abstract
- Motivational letter (approximately 500 words)
- Certified copies of parents'/guardians' IDs
- Proof of household income (payslips, affidavit if unemployed, or proof of grant/pension)
About Nersa Bursary
The National Energy Regulator of South Africa (NERSA) is the independent regulator responsible for regulating the electricity, piped-gas and petroleum pipelines industries in South Africa. Its External Bursary Scheme forms part of NERSA's long-term human capital development strategy, funding Masters and PhD study in fields relevant to its regulatory mandate in order to build technical, economic and regulatory capacity in the energy sector.
Funding Details
The bursary can cover registration fees, tuition fees, accommodation, and prescribed books or a laptop. The exact amount awarded is determined by a financial means test rather than being a fixed sum for every recipient.
Where You Can Study
Open to students accepted at any South African university or university of technology for postgraduate study relevant to NERSA's regulatory mandate.
About The National Energy Regulator of South Africa (NERSA)
NERSA (the National Energy Regulator of South Africa) regulates South Africa's electricity, piped-gas, and petroleum pipelines industries, setting tariffs and licensing conditions for the energy sector. Based in Arcadia,…
View full provider profile →- Address
- Kulawula House, 526 Madiba Street, Arcadia, Pretoria, 0083
- Phone
- 012 401 4600
- info@nersa.org.za
Fields of Study & Who Can Apply
The bursary is aimed at South African citizens who have been accepted onto a Masters or PhD programme at a South African university or university of technology in a field relevant to electricity, piped-gas or petroleum pipeline regulation. Preference is given to applicants from previously disadvantaged backgrounds who can demonstrate genuine financial need and are not already receiving other bursary funding.
Application Procedure
Apply directly with the provider using the official application link below, before the closing date.
Questions about this application?
Contact The National Energy Regulator of South Africa (NERSA) directly:
Last verified:
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this bursary for undergraduate students?
No. The NERSA External Bursary Scheme is restricted to postgraduate study — Masters and PhD level only.
Is there an application form?
No standard application form is used. Applicants submit the required documents directly by email, post or hand delivery, as listed above.
When does the 2027 cycle open?
NERSA had not published 2027 intake dates as of August 2026. The most recently confirmed cycle was for 2026 and closed on 12 February 2026 (some third-party listings cite an earlier January 2026 date — applicants should treat the official NERSA advert as authoritative once published). Check nersa.org.za or email bursaries@nersa.org.za for the next call for applications.
