The National Energy Regulator of South Africa (NERSA) invites eligible South African postgraduate students to apply for the NERSA Bursary Programme for the 2026 academic year.
Closing Date: 12 February 2026
This bursary is aimed at Master’s and PhD students whose studies align with South Africa’s electricity, piped-gas, and petroleum pipelines sectors, supporting the development of scarce skills critical to the country’s energy future.
About the Bursary Provider – NERSA
NERSA is an independent public entity responsible for regulating South Africa’s electricity, gas, and petroleum pipeline industries. Its mandate is to ensure fair pricing, reliable energy supply, and sustainable development while balancing the interests of consumers, industry, and the economy.
Through initiatives such as its bursary programme, NERSA supports capacity building and skills development in the energy sector.
Fields of Study Covered
The NERSA Bursary Programme 2026 supports postgraduate studies (Master’s and PhD) in fields aligned with NERSA’s regulatory mandate, including:
- Electricity regulation and energy systems
- Piped-gas regulation
- Petroleum pipelines regulation
- Other energy-related and regulatory disciplines
What the NERSA Bursary Covers
The bursary provides financial support for:
- Registration fees
- Tuition fees
- Accommodation
- Prescribed books or a laptop
Note: The total bursary value is determined through a financial means test, based on the applicant’s financial circumstances.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must meet all of the following criteria:
- Be a South African citizen
- Be from a previously disadvantaged background
- Be in financial need
- Intend to study towards a Master’s or PhD in 2026
- Be accepted at a South African University or University of Technology
- Have a strong academic record
- Demonstrate interest in pursuing a career in the energy sector
- Not be in receipt of any other bursary funding
Failure to meet any requirement will result in disqualification.
How to Apply for the NERSA Bursary 2026
Applicants may apply using one of the following methods:
1) Email Application
📧 bursaries@nersa.org.za
Subject line: NERSA Bursary 2026
2) Postal Application
The National Energy Regulator of South Africa
Human Resources Department
PO Box 40343
Arcadia
Pretoria
0007
3) Hand Delivery
NERSA Offices
Kulawula House
526 Madiba Street
Arcadia
Pretoria
0007
Applications must be marked for the attention of Ms Lena Rankhumise or Mr Nkanyiso Magwaza
No application form is required
Documents Required (Compulsory)
- Certified copy of South African ID
- Certified copy of full tertiary academic record
- Official university acceptance letter
- Proposed dissertation topic and abstract
- Motivational letter (±500 words)
- Certified copies of parents’/guardians’ IDs
- Proof of household income (payslips, affidavit, or grant proof)
Incomplete applications may be disqualified.
Closing Date
12 February 2026
Late applications will not be accepted.
Contact Details
Contact Persons: Ms Lena Rankhumise / Mr Nkanyiso Magwaza
☎️ Tel: 012 401 4600
📧 Email: bursaries@nersa.org.za
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