South African National Blood Service (SANBS)

About the South African National Blood Service

The South African National Blood Service (SANBS) is an independent, not-for-profit organisation. It collects, tests, processes and distributes blood and blood products in eight of South Africa's nine provinces. The Western Cape is served separately by the Western Cape Blood Service. SANBS was formed in 2001 when seven regional blood transfusion services merged into one national body. It now supplies more than a million blood products a year to hospitals and patients.

SANBS does not work for shareholder profit. It recovers its costs through fees for its products and services. Safe blood depends on skilled laboratory staff who test every donation and match blood to patients. These skills are scarce, so the organisation has a clear reason to fund students. Donors give blood at clinics and mobile drives, and the laboratories then screen each unit for safety before it reaches a ward.

How SANBS supports students

The SANBS bursary is aimed at students who study a Bachelor of Health Sciences with immunohaematology, the science of blood transfusion, as an elective. Published information says about ten bursaries are awarded each year. The funding has been described as covering tuition fees up to R40,000 a year, study materials up to R10,000 a year, and part of accommodation costs. It also includes a monthly stipend of R3,500 for ten months. These amounts may change, so check the current terms.

The bursary also includes work-integrated learning. Students spend time in SANBS laboratories and see how blood is tested and managed in real life. For many students, that hands-on experience is as valuable as the money, because it builds confidence and practical skills.

What to know before applying

Listings say applicants should be South African citizens in their second or third year of a Bachelor of Health Sciences. An average of 65% or more in the previous year of study is required. Preference may go to applicants younger than 30. Always read the latest advert, because the year of study and the rules can change. Since not every university offers immunohaematology as an elective, confirm that your degree includes it before you apply.

The most recent round reported closed at the end of January 2025. Applications and questions go through the contact details on the official SANBS bursary form. Check the SANBS website for the current round, the form and the documents to submit. Public information does not confirm a bonded work-back period. However, the laboratory placement gives SANBS a close look at each student, which can lead to job opportunities. Ask SANBS to explain any employment conditions in writing before you accept an award.