South African students pursuing postgraduate education have an opportunity to apply for Ernst & Ethel Eriksen Trust Study Grants for 2026, a postgraduate funding opportunity supporting students undertaking Master’s and Doctorate degrees at South African universities.

Established by Ethel Eriksen in the early 1980s, the Ernst & Ethel Eriksen Trust has supported postgraduate students over many years, helping scholars pursue advanced academic qualifications and contribute to the development of South Africa.

For eligible students who have completed their Honours degree and are progressing to postgraduate study, the Eriksen Trust study grant can provide valuable financial assistance toward their academic journey.

Applications for the 2026 study grants open on 1 August 2026 and close on 30 September 2026.

Students who intend to apply should therefore begin preparing their application materials early and carefully review the application requirements before submitting their applications.

What Are the Ernst & Ethel Eriksen Trust Study Grants?

The Ernst & Ethel Eriksen Trust provides study grants to students undertaking postgraduate studies.

The Trust was established by Ethel Eriksen in the early 1980s with the objective of supporting students pursuing advanced academic education.

Over the years, the Trust has enabled scholars from different backgrounds to pursue their academic ambitions, with the broader objective of helping develop individuals who can contribute to South Africa.

The 2026 opportunity is specifically aimed at students pursuing:

• Master’s degrees
• Doctorate degrees

The study must be undertaken at a South African university.

What Does the Eriksen Trust Support?

The programme focuses on postgraduate education.

Rather than supporting undergraduate studies, the opportunity is intended for students who have progressed beyond their undergraduate education and completed the required Honours-level qualification.

This makes the grant particularly relevant to South African graduates who are continuing into advanced academic research and postgraduate study.

Who Can Apply for the 2026 Eriksen Trust Study Grant?

Applicants must satisfy all of the core eligibility conditions specified by the Trust.

To qualify, a student must:

1. Be a South African citizen.
2. Be studying at a South African university.
3. Be pursuing a Master’s or Doctorate degree.
4. Have completed an Honours degree before applying.

These requirements are important because meeting only one or two of the conditions does not necessarily make an applicant eligible.

For example, an international student studying at a South African university would not meet the stated citizenship requirement.

Similarly, a South African citizen who has not completed an Honours degree would not meet the stated academic requirement.

Citizenship Requirement

One of the most important eligibility conditions is citizenship.

The Trust states that:

The student must be a South African citizen.

This means the grant is specifically targeted at South African students.

Applicants from other countries are not identified as eligible in the requirements provided by the Trust.

Therefore, prospective applicants should not assume that being a resident of South Africa, studying in South Africa, or holding another form of legal status in the country is sufficient.

The stated requirement is South African citizenship.

University Requirement

The applicant’s postgraduate studies must take place at a South African university.

This means the grant is intended to support postgraduate education within South Africa rather than studies at universities located in other countries.

Students should therefore ensure that their Master’s or Doctorate programme is offered by a qualifying South African university.

Academic Requirement: Completed Honours Degree

Applicants must have completed their Honours degree before applying.

This is a significant academic requirement.

The grant is therefore intended for students who have already progressed beyond the undergraduate level and completed an Honours qualification before moving into advanced postgraduate study.

Students who have not yet completed their Honours degree should carefully consider this requirement before starting an application.

Which Degrees Are Covered?

The Eriksen Trust study grants are available for postgraduate students undertaking:

Master’s Degrees

Students progressing into Master’s-level study can apply, provided they satisfy the citizenship, university and Honours requirements.

A Master’s degree is an advanced postgraduate qualification that allows students to develop deeper expertise in their academic discipline and, depending on the programme, undertake substantial research.

Doctorate Degrees

Doctoral students can also apply.

Doctorate-level study represents an advanced stage of academic and research training, with students typically undertaking original research within their chosen field.

The opportunity therefore caters to postgraduate students at both Master’s and Doctorate levels.

Who Is the Grant Intended For?

The opportunity is designed for South African postgraduate students who have already completed an Honours qualification and are pursuing advanced studies at a South African university.

Potential applicants may include students who are:

• Beginning a Master’s degree
• Already undertaking Master’s studies
• Beginning doctoral studies
• Already undertaking a Doctorate
• Continuing academic research after completing their Honours qualification

Applicants should nevertheless verify their individual circumstances against the Trust’s complete application checklist and requirements.

2026 Application Dates

The application window for the 2026 Eriksen Trust Study Grants is clearly stated.

Applications Open

1 August 2026

Applications Close

30 September 2026

The deadline is therefore:

30 September 2026

Applicants should avoid waiting until the final day to submit their applications.

Preparing documents and completing an online application can take time, particularly where applicants need to obtain academic records, supporting information or other documentation.

Important Advice About the Deadline

The 30 September 2026 closing date should be treated as the key application deadline.

Students interested in applying should ideally begin preparing before the application period ends.

A useful approach is to:

1. Review the application requirements.
2. Examine the checklist provided by the Trust.
3. Gather the required documents.
4. Confirm that the academic eligibility requirements are satisfied.
5. Complete the online registration or application process.
6. Review the application carefully.
7. Submit the application before 30 September 2026.

Applicants should not leave submission until the final hours of the deadline.

How to Apply for the Eriksen Trust Study Grant

The Trust provides an online application process.

Applicants are directed to examine the application checklist and ensure they have everything required before beginning the online application.

The general process is therefore:

Step 1: Confirm Your Eligibility

Before starting, confirm that you:

• Are a South African citizen
• Are studying at a South African university
• Have completed your Honours degree
• Are pursuing a Master’s or Doctorate degree

Step 2: Review the Checklist

The Trust specifically advises applicants to examine the checklist.

This is important because applicants should ensure that all required information and documentation are ready before beginning the online application.

Step 3: Prepare Your Documents

Gather the documentation required by the Trust’s application checklist.

Applicants should ensure that information is accurate, current and consistent across their application.

Step 4: Complete the Online Application

Applications can be submitted through the Trust’s online application system.

The Trust describes the online process as being designed to make applying straightforward.

Step 5: Submit Before the Deadline

The 2026 application period closes on 30 September 2026.

Applicants should ensure their applications are completed and submitted before the closing date.

Why This Study Grant Matters

Postgraduate education can be financially demanding.

Students pursuing Master’s and Doctorate degrees may face costs associated with university study, research, academic materials and other aspects of postgraduate education.

Financial support can therefore make a significant difference to students who are committed to completing advanced qualifications.

The Eriksen Trust’s stated purpose is broader than simply providing financial assistance. The Trust describes its work as enabling scholars to fulfil their dreams and, through their education and future contributions, benefit South Africa.

This makes the opportunity particularly relevant to students who want to develop advanced knowledge and contribute to their communities, professions and the country.

Potential Benefits for Postgraduate Students

Eligible students may benefit from the opportunity in several ways.

1. Financial Support for Postgraduate Education

The grant is intended to support students undertaking advanced postgraduate study.

2. Support for Master’s Students

Students pursuing Master’s degrees can apply if they satisfy the stated eligibility requirements.

3. Support for Doctoral Students

Doctorate students are also included in the programme.

4. Support for Academic Progression

The grant provides an opportunity for students to continue their academic journey after completing their Honours degree.

5. Opportunity to Focus on Advanced Study

Financial assistance can help postgraduate students manage some of the financial pressures associated with advanced academic work.

6. Contribution to South Africa

The Trust’s broader objective is to support scholars whose education can ultimately contribute to the development and benefit of South Africa.

Geographic Eligibility

The geographic eligibility requirements are relatively specific.

The opportunity is not presented as a scholarship or grant open to students throughout Africa.

Instead, applicants must be:

• South African citizens
• Studying at a South African university

Therefore, the opportunity is specifically connected to South Africa.

Can Students From Other African Countries Apply?

Based on the eligibility requirements provided, no.

The Trust specifically requires applicants to be South African citizens.

Therefore, citizens of countries such as Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Nigeria, Ghana, Ethiopia, Rwanda, Zambia, Zimbabwe or other African countries are not identified as eligible under the stated requirements.

Can International Students Studying in South Africa Apply?

The stated requirement is that the student must be a South African citizen.

Therefore, simply studying at a South African university does not appear to satisfy the citizenship requirement for a non-South African citizen.

Prospective applicants should rely on the Trust’s official eligibility rules when determining their status.

Race and Nationality Eligibility

The information provided by the Trust does not establish a particular racial or ethnic eligibility category.

Instead, eligibility is based on South African citizenship, university location and academic qualifications.

Therefore, the opportunity should not be described as being restricted to a particular race.

The important nationality requirement is that the applicant must be a South African citizen.

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Academic Level

This is a postgraduate opportunity.

It is not intended for:

• High school students
• Students applying for their first undergraduate degree
• Undergraduate students who have not reached the required academic level
• Applicants who have not completed an Honours degree

The opportunity specifically supports students undertaking Master’s and Doctorate degrees.

Why Completing Honours Is Important

The Honours requirement helps distinguish this opportunity from many undergraduate scholarships.

Students must have completed their Honours degree before applying.

For prospective Master’s students, this means their academic progression should already have reached the Honours level.

For doctoral applicants, the requirement confirms that they have completed an advanced academic qualification before applying for support.

Applicants should therefore ensure that they can demonstrate completion of the required Honours qualification.

Preparing a Strong Application

Although the Trust provides its own application checklist, prospective applicants can take several practical steps to improve their preparation.

1. Start Early

Do not wait until September to begin gathering information.

Starting early provides time to identify missing documents and resolve problems.

2. Confirm Citizenship

Make sure you satisfy the South African citizenship requirement.

3. Confirm University Eligibility

Ensure your postgraduate study is taking place at a South African university.

4. Confirm Your Academic Qualification

Make sure your Honours degree has been completed.

5. Review the Checklist Carefully

The Trust specifically advises applicants to examine the checklist before starting the application.

6. Check All Information

Review names, academic information and other details carefully before submission.

7. Submit Before 30 September

Do not wait until the final day if you can submit earlier.

Official Application

Applicants interested in the 2026 study grants can access the Trust’s online application system through the official website.

APPLY HERE.

The Trust advises applicants to examine the checklist and have everything ready before beginning the online application.

Contact Information

Applicants who have questions can contact the Trust using the general enquiries email provided on its website.

Email: eeetrust@eject.co.za

Applicants can also use the Trust’s contact page for additional contact information.

Key Details at a Glance

• Opportunity: Ernst & Ethel Eriksen Trust Study Grants
• Year: 2026
• Study level: Postgraduate
• Degrees supported: Master’s and Doctorate
• Citizenship: South African citizens
• University requirement: Must study at a South African university
• Academic requirement: Must have completed an Honours degree
• Applications open: 1 August 2026
• Applications close: 30 September 2026
• Application method: Online
• Target group: South African postgraduate students
• General enquiries: eeetrust@eject.co.za

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Ernst & Ethel Eriksen Trust?

The Ernst & Ethel Eriksen Trust is a trust established by Ethel Eriksen in the early 1980s to provide study grants to postgraduate students.

What does the Eriksen Trust study grant support?

The grant supports students undertaking postgraduate study, specifically Master’s and Doctorate degrees.

Who can apply?

South African citizens studying at South African universities who have completed their Honours degree can apply.

Can undergraduate students apply?

No. The opportunity is specifically for postgraduate students pursuing Master’s and Doctorate degrees.

Can someone who has not completed Honours apply?

The stated requirements say applicants must have completed their Honours degree.

Can international students apply?

The provided requirements state that the student must be a South African citizen. Therefore, international students who are not South African citizens are not eligible under the stated requirements.

Does the university have to be in South Africa?

Yes. The student must be studying at a South African university.

Is there a specific race requirement?

No specific racial or ethnic restriction is stated in the provided eligibility requirements. The key citizenship requirement is that applicants must be South African citizens.

Can students from other African countries apply?

The stated eligibility criteria require South African citizenship, so the opportunity is not presented as open to citizens of other African countries.

When do applications open?

Applications for 2026 open on 1 August 2026.

When is the deadline?

The 2026 application deadline is 30 September 2026.

How do I apply?

Applications are submitted online through the Eriksen Trust’s official application system.

Should I prepare documents before applying?

Yes. The Trust specifically advises applicants to examine the checklist and ensure they have everything ready before beginning the online application.

Conclusion

The Ernst & Ethel Eriksen Trust Study Grants 2026 provide an important postgraduate funding opportunity for eligible South African students pursuing Master’s and Doctorate degrees.

The Trust, established by Ethel Eriksen in the early 1980s, has a long-standing focus on supporting postgraduate students and helping scholars pursue their academic ambitions in ways that can ultimately benefit South Africa.

The eligibility requirements are clearly focused. Applicants must be South African citizens, must be studying at a South African university, and must have completed their Honours degree. The opportunity is therefore specifically aimed at postgraduate students rather than undergraduate applicants or international students without South African citizenship.

For the 2026 application cycle, applications open on 1 August 2026 and close on 30 September 2026.

Students who meet the requirements should begin preparing early. Reviewing the application checklist, gathering the necessary documentation and completing the online application well before the deadline can help avoid last-minute problems.

For eligible South African students pursuing advanced academic qualifications, the Eriksen Trust study grant represents an opportunity to seek financial support while continuing their Master’s or Doctorate studies and working toward the broader goal of contributing their knowledge and skills to South Africa.

Prospective applicants should review the official requirements and submit their applications through the Trust’s online application system before 30 September 2026.

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