NDMC Bursary 2027: Apply for Disaster Management and Fire Engineering Funding
The National Disaster Management Centre (NDMC), through the Department of Cooperative Governance (DCoG), is inviting applications for its 2027 External Bursary Programme. The bursary is aimed at South African students pursuing qualifying undergraduate, postgraduate diploma, advanced diploma or Master’s studies in Disaster Management or Fire Technology/Fire Engineering at recognised public higher education institutions.
Applications are currently open, and the new closing date is 30 September 2026 at 23:59.
NDMC Bursary 2027 – Quick Overview
- Bursary provider: National Disaster Management Centre (NDMC)
- Department: Department of Cooperative Governance (DCoG)
- Academic year: 2027
- Study fields: Disaster Management; Fire Technology/Fire Engineering
- Study levels: Undergraduate, Postgraduate Diploma, Advanced Diploma and Master’s
- Institution: Recognised public higher education institutions in South Africa
- Minimum average: 60% for undergraduate/postgraduate diploma/advanced diploma; 65% for Master’s
- Tuition funding: 100%, including registration
- Master’s research allowance: Up to R11,000
- Closing date: 30 September 2026 at 23:59
- Application method: Online
- Application portal: NDMC Bursary Application System
What Does the NDMC Bursary Cover?
Successful applicants can receive 100% funding for tuition fees, including registration.
For qualifying Master’s students, the programme also provides a research allowance capped at R11,000.
The bursary does not cover accommodation, meals, books or travel, so applicants should make separate financial arrangements for these expenses.
Fields of Study Funded
The NDMC bursary is specifically focused on qualifications that support skills development in disaster risk management, emergency management and fire-related fields.
Applicants may apply for qualifying full programmes in:
- Disaster Management
- Fire Technology
- Fire Engineering
The programme covers Undergraduate, Postgraduate Diploma, Advanced Diploma and Master’s studies.
Certificate qualifications and PhD programmes are excluded from the bursary.
Who Can Apply for the NDMC Bursary?
The bursary is available to South African citizens who have applied for, been accepted into, or are already registered for a qualifying programme at a recognised public higher education institution in South Africa.
Students with disabilities are also encouraged to apply.
Undergraduate, Postgraduate Diploma and Advanced Diploma Applicants
Applicants at these study levels must have achieved a minimum overall academic average of 60% in their most recent academic results.
Master’s Applicants
Master’s applicants must have achieved a minimum average of 65%.
They must also submit a research proposal based on one of the NDMC’s 16 Priority Thematic Areas.
Documents Required
Applicants should prepare the required supporting documents before starting the online application.
Undergraduate, Postgraduate Diploma and Advanced Diploma
The NDMC application system lists the following documents:
- Certified copy of a valid South African ID
- Certified copy of the Matric certificate
- Most recent academic results, statement or transcript showing the required minimum average of 60%
- Proof of application, acceptance or registration for the qualifying programme
Master’s Applicants
Master’s applicants must provide:
- Certified copy of a valid South African ID
- Certified copy of Matric certificate
- Most recent academic transcript showing at least 65%
- Proof of application, acceptance or registration
- Brief CV of no more than two pages
- Master’s research proposal based on one of the 16 Priority Thematic Areas
Applicants should ensure that documents are clear and submitted in the required format.
How to Apply for the NDMC Bursary 2027
Applications are submitted online through the official NDMC Bursary Management System.
Apply for the NDMC Bursary 2027
Before applying, prepare your certified ID, Matric certificate, academic results and proof of application, acceptance or registration.
Master’s applicants should also have their CV and research proposal ready.
The NDMC specifically warns that incomplete applications, applications sent by email, late applications, password-protected documents and corrupted documents will not be considered.
Important: The Portal Does Not Support Mobile Devices
The official NDMC application portal states that its system does not support mobile devices, including Android and Apple devices. Applicants should therefore use a suitable computer when completing the application.
NDMC Bursary Closing Date
The NDMC Bursary 2027 closing date is 30 September 2026 at 23:59.
The official application system has specifically been updated with this new deadline.
Students are encouraged to submit their applications early rather than waiting until the final day.
NDMC Bursary Contact Details
For bursary-related enquiries, applicants can contact the NDMC using:
Email: bursary@ndmc.gov.za
Telephone: 012 065 1022 / 012 065 1021
For technical or ICT-related support:
Email: helpdesk@ndmc.gov.za
Telephone: 012 065 1019
These contacts should be used for enquiries or technical assistance, rather than sending the completed bursary application by email.
Frequently Asked Questions About the NDMC Bursary 2027
What is the NDMC Bursary?
The NDMC External Bursary Programme provides financial support to qualifying South African students studying Disaster Management or Fire Technology/Fire Engineering at recognised public higher education institutions.
What does the NDMC bursary pay for?
The bursary covers 100% of tuition fees, including registration. Eligible Master’s students may also receive a research allowance of up to R11,000. Accommodation, meals, books and travel are not covered.
What average do I need for the NDMC Bursary?
Undergraduate, Postgraduate Diploma and Advanced Diploma applicants need a minimum 60% average.
Master’s applicants need a minimum 65% average.
Which courses does the NDMC Bursary fund?
The programme funds qualifying full programmes in Disaster Management and Fire Technology/Fire Engineering.
Does the NDMC bursary fund certificates?
No. Certificate qualifications are excluded from the programme. PhD qualifications are also not funded.
Can Master’s students apply?
Yes. Master’s students can apply if they meet the academic requirements and submit the required research proposal aligned with one of the NDMC’s 16 Priority Thematic Areas.
Does the bursary cover accommodation?
No. Accommodation is not included in the NDMC bursary funding. Meals, books and travel are also excluded.
When does the NDMC Bursary 2027 close?
Applications close on 30 September 2026 at 23:59.
Where do I apply for the NDMC Bursary?
Applications are submitted through the official NDMC Bursary Management System at onlinebursary.ndmc.gov.za.
Final Takeaway
The NDMC Bursary 2027 is a targeted funding opportunity for South African students pursuing careers in Disaster Management, Fire Technology or Fire Engineering. The programme provides full tuition and registration funding, while eligible Master’s students can receive an additional research allowance of up to R11,000.
Applicants should carefully check the academic requirements, prepare all supporting documents and submit their applications through the official portal before 30 September 2026 at 23:59.
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