NERSA is offering postgraduate bursaries for Master’s and PhD students in energy-related fields for the 2026 academic year, covering tuition, accommodation, and study resources.
The National Energy Regulator of South Africa has opened applications for its Postgraduate Bursary Programme for the 2026 academic year, aimed at supporting South African Master’s and PhD students whose studies align with the country’s electricity, piped-gas, and petroleum pipelines sectors.
This bursary forms part of NERSA’s long-term commitment to developing scarce and critical skills needed to strengthen energy regulation, policy development, and sector sustainability in South Africa.
About the Bursary Provider
NERSA is an independent public entity established to regulate South Africa’s electricity, piped-gas, and petroleum pipelines industries. Its role is to ensure that energy services are provided efficiently, reliably, and at fair prices while balancing the interests of consumers, industry participants, and the broader economy.
Beyond regulation, NERSA actively invests in capacity building through initiatives such as postgraduate bursaries, supporting the next generation of energy specialists, researchers, and regulators.
Fields of Study Supported by the Bursary
The bursary is available to postgraduate students pursuing Master’s or PhD studies in disciplines linked to NERSA’s regulatory mandate. These include, but are not limited to:
Electricity regulation and energy systems
Piped-gas regulation
Petroleum pipelines regulation
Energy economics and policy
Other relevant energy-related and regulatory fields
Applicants’ research areas must clearly demonstrate relevance to South Africa’s energy sector and regulatory environment.
What the NERSA Bursary Covers
The bursary provides financial assistance toward essential academic expenses, which may include:
Registration fees
Tuition fees
Accommodation costs
Prescribed textbooks or a laptop
The final value of the bursary is determined through a financial means assessment, taking into account the applicant’s household income and financial circumstances.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet all of the following requirements:
Be a South African citizen
Be registered or accepted for a Master’s or PhD qualification for the 2026 academic year
Be accepted at a South African university or university of technology
Have a strong and consistent academic record
Demonstrate clear academic potential
Come from a previously disadvantaged background
Demonstrate financial need
Not be in receipt of any other bursary funding
Show a genuine interest in pursuing a career in the energy sector
Applicants who fail to meet any of these requirements will not be considered.
Application Submission Methods
NERSA does not require a formal application form. Applicants must submit the required documents using one of the approved submission methods.
Applications may be submitted by email, post, or hand delivery and must be clearly marked for the attention of Ms Lena Rankhumise or Mr Nkanyiso Magwaza.
All supporting documents must be clear, complete, and properly certified where required.
Required Supporting Documents
Applicants must submit the following documents as part of their application:
Certified copy of a South African ID
Certified copy of the full academic record for the highest qualification completed
Official university acceptance letter
Proposed dissertation or research topic with a brief abstract
Motivational letter of approximately 500 words
Certified copies of parents’ or guardians’ ID documents
Proof of household income, such as payslips, affidavits, or proof of grants or pensions
Incomplete applications may be disqualified.
Closing Date
The closing date for the NERSA Postgraduate Bursary Programme 2026 is 12 February 2026.
Contact Details
Applicants who require further information may contact NERSA directly:
Contact persons: Ms Lena Rankhumise or Mr Nkanyiso Magwaza
Telephone: 012 401 4600
Email: bursaries@nersa.org.za
Conclusion
The NERSA Postgraduate Bursary Programme 2026 offers a valuable opportunity for academically strong South African students to pursue advanced studies in energy-related fields while contributing to the future of the country’s energy regulation landscape. By supporting Master’s and PhD research aligned with national priorities, this bursary helps build the expertise needed to ensure a secure, fair, and sustainable energy system for South Africa.
