MMEG Bursary South Africa 2025

Are you a South African woman passionate about furthering your education and making a positive impact on the lives of women and children? 

The Margaret McNamara Education Grants (MMEG) Bursary program might be the perfect opportunity for you.

The Margaret McNamara Education Grants (MMEG) is a non-profit organization established in 1981.

Inspired by Margaret McNamara, wife of the World Bank’s 5th President, MMEG aims to promote education and gender equality in developing countries.

By providing financial assistance to women pursuing higher education, MMEG empowers them to build a better future for themselves and their communities.

About MMEG Bursary

The MMEG Bursary is specifically designed to support South African women enrolled in full-time or part-time (minimum 2 courses per semester) undergraduate, graduate, or postgraduate studies at accredited South African universities.

The bursary covers all fields of study and provides a grant of up to US$7,000 (approximately R128,000), subject to availability of funds and exchange rates.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for the MMEG Bursary, you must meet the following criteria:

  1. Be a South African citizen (or a national from a country on the MMEG Country Eligibility List).
  2. Be 25 years or older at the application deadline (September 14th, 2024).
  3. Identify as a woman/female.
  4. Be officially enrolled for a certificate, undergraduate, graduate, or postgraduate program at one of the listed accredited South African universities.
  5. Be enrolled full-time or part-time (minimum 2 courses per semester).
  6. Aim to be fully enrolled for a complete academic term after receiving the bursary.
  7. Be enrolled for at least one additional academic term after receiving the bursary (January to July 2025).
  8. Plan to graduate within three years of receiving the bursary.
  9. Not be related to any International Monetary Fund, World Bank Group, Inter-American Development Bank staff member, spouse, retiree, or MMEG Board member.

MMEG Bursary Application Requirements

To apply for the MMEG Bursary, you will need to submit the following documents electronically:

  1. Identification:
    • South African ID with photo
    • Passport with photo (if studying outside South Africa)
    • Study permit page or visa page with current passport (for foreign candidates)
    • Second passport page with photo
  2. Academic Documents:
    • Proof of official university registration (on university letterhead)
    • Latest academic reports and transcripts (on university letterhead)
  3. Personal Statements:
    • A brief essay outlining your personal story, academic background, and how your experiences and future plans connect with your commitment to helping women and children in developing countries.
    • A brief explanation of your financial situation for the academic year, including estimated expenses (in Rand) and how you plan to meet those needs.
    • A summary of your thesis (if applicable) including objective, methodology, findings, and how it relates to your career goals. Alternatively, if you are not a postgraduate student, describe how your current studies connect to your future professional or volunteer service goals.
  4. Reference Letters:
    • Two reference letters:
      • One from a faculty member at your university.
      • One from someone who can vouch for your character (not a family member).
      • At least one reference must know you for at least two semesters (or equivalent).
      • Both references must provide email addresses so they can be contacted for online recommendations.

Please note that documents should preferably be submitted in PDF, JPEG, or PNG format.

How to Apply For MMEG Bursary

Applications are submitted online only at: MMEG Bursary Application 2025.

Remember to select “South Africa program” in the first application question.

How to Contact

For any questions related to the MMEG Bursary program, please contact MMEG directly at:

  • Email: southafrica@mmeg.org

It is highly recommended that you review the MMEG Bursary FAQ section before submitting any inquiries.

MMEG Bursary Closing Date

The application deadline for the MMEG Bursary is September 14th, 2024, at 11:59 PM Eastern Standard Time (EST).

Applications submitted after this date will not be considered.