2027 NDMC Bursary South Africa: Apply for Disaster Management and Fire Technology Studies Before 30 September 2026

The National Disaster Management Centre (NDMC), through the Department of Cooperative Governance (DCoG), has opened applications for its 2027 Bursary Programme, providing an opportunity for qualifying students who intend to pursue studies in disaster management, fire technology, or fire engineering at recognised public higher education institutions in South Africa.

The NDMC bursary is aimed at supporting students pursuing relevant qualifications that contribute to the development of skills and expertise in disaster risk management and fire-related fields. The opportunity covers selected undergraduate and postgraduate-level programmes for the 2027 academic year.

Students who meet the stated academic and eligibility requirements are encouraged to prepare their supporting documents and submit their applications before the closing date.

2027 NDMC Bursary Programme

The Department of Cooperative Governance (DCoG), through the National Disaster Management Centre (NDMC), is inviting applications from qualifying students for the 2027 academic year.

The bursary is specifically intended for students who plan to study a qualifying programme in:

• Disaster Management
• Fire Technology
• Fire Engineering

Eligible applicants may pursue an Undergraduate, Post-Graduate Diploma, Advanced Diploma, or full Master’s programme, provided that the programme falls within the relevant fields and is offered by a recognised public higher education institution in South Africa.

The programme does not include certificate qualifications or PhD programmes.

This makes the opportunity particularly relevant to students seeking to build academic and professional careers in areas associated with disaster preparedness, disaster risk reduction, emergency management, fire safety, fire technology, fire engineering and related areas.

What Is the NDMC Bursary?

The NDMC Bursary Programme is an educational funding opportunity administered through the National Disaster Management Centre under the Department of Cooperative Governance.

The programme is designed around academic programmes relevant to disaster management and fire-related disciplines. By supporting students in these fields, the initiative seeks to contribute to the development of individuals with the knowledge and skills required in areas connected to disaster management and fire services.

Applicants should therefore ensure that their intended qualification is directly aligned with one of the fields specified in the bursary advertisement before submitting an application.

Fields of Study Covered

The 2027 NDMC bursary focuses on qualifications in the following broad study areas:

1. Disaster Management

Students interested in disaster management may consider eligible programmes dealing with areas such as disaster risk reduction, disaster preparedness, emergency management, disaster response, recovery, resilience and related disaster management disciplines.

Applicants should verify that their specific programme is recognised as a qualifying Disaster Management qualification under the bursary requirements.

2. Fire Technology

The bursary also welcomes qualifying students pursuing Fire Technology programmes.

Fire Technology is relevant to the technical and operational aspects of fire prevention, fire protection and fire-related safety systems.

Students interested in this area should confirm that their chosen qualification meets the NDMC’s requirements.

3. Fire Engineering

Students pursuing qualifying Fire Engineering programmes may also apply.

Fire Engineering involves technical and engineering approaches to fire safety, fire prevention, fire protection and related areas.

As with the other fields, applicants should ensure that their qualification is offered by a recognised public higher education institution in South Africa and meets the requirements of the bursary programme.

Qualifications Covered by the Bursary

The NDMC states that applicants may pursue several levels of qualification during the 2027 academic year.

These include:

• Undergraduate programmes
• Post-Graduate Diploma programmes
• Advanced Diploma programmes
• Full Master’s programmes

However, there are important exclusions.

The bursary does not cover:

• Certificate qualifications
• PhD qualifications

Applicants considering programmes outside the listed qualification levels should carefully check the official bursary advertisement before applying.

Minimum Academic Requirements

Academic performance is an important requirement for the 2027 NDMC Bursary Programme.

Applicants must provide their most recent academic results, statement of results or academic transcript.

The stated minimum averages are:

Undergraduate, Post-Graduate Diploma and Advanced Diploma applicants

Applicants for Undergraduate, Post-Graduate Diploma and Advanced Diploma programmes must have a minimum average of 60%.

Master’s applicants

Applicants applying for Master’s-level study must have a minimum average of 65%.

This means prospective applicants should carefully review their latest academic results before beginning the application process.

Meeting the minimum academic average does not necessarily guarantee selection, as applicants must also satisfy the other requirements of the bursary programme and provide all requested documentation.

Supporting Documents Required

Applicants are required to submit supporting documentation together with their bursary application.

The NDMC application system specifies the documents that should be attached and downloaded underneath the application form in the required sequence.

Applicants should prepare the following documents:

1. Certified Copy of South African Identity Document

Applicants must provide a certified copy of their South African Identity Document.

The document should meet the certification requirements specified for the application.

Prospective applicants should make sure that the copy is clear and legible before uploading it.

2. Certified Copy of Matric Certificate

A certified copy of the applicant’s Matric Certificate is also required.

Applicants should ensure that the document is properly certified and that all relevant information can be clearly read.

3. Most Recent Academic Results

Applicants must provide their most recent academic results, statement of results or academic transcript.

This document is particularly important because the NDMC specifies minimum academic averages for different qualification levels.

The requirement is:

• 60% minimum average for Undergraduate, Post-Graduate Diploma and Advanced Diploma applicants.
• 65% minimum average for Master’s applicants.

Applicants should therefore submit their most recent available academic record.

4. Proof of Application, Acceptance or Registration

Applicants must also provide proof of application, acceptance or registration.

This document should demonstrate the applicant’s status with the relevant higher education institution.

Depending on the applicant’s circumstances, this may be proof that they have applied to, been accepted by, or registered with the relevant institution.

Applicants should make sure that the document clearly identifies the institution and the relevant programme.

5. Curriculum Vitae for Master’s Applicants

Master’s applicants are required to provide a brief Curriculum Vitae (CV).

The CV must be no longer than two pages.

This requirement specifically applies to Master’s applicants, so applicants at other qualification levels should pay attention to the distinction in the application requirements.

A concise CV should focus on relevant academic background, experience, skills, achievements and other information that may demonstrate the applicant’s suitability for postgraduate study.

6. Master’s Research Proposal

Applicants applying for Master’s programmes must also submit a research proposal.

The research proposal must focus on one of the 16 Priority Thematic Areas identified by the NDMC.

This is an important requirement for Master’s applicants and should not be overlooked.

Applicants should review the official research agenda and ensure that their proposed research topic falls within one of the specified priority thematic areas.

16 Priority Thematic Areas for Master’s Research

Master’s applicants are required to develop their research proposal around one of the NDMC’s 16 Priority Thematic Areas.

Prospective Master’s students should therefore review the official research agenda before preparing their proposal.

The research agenda is available through the NDMC bursary application system and should be consulted carefully to understand the priority areas and ensure that the proposed research is appropriately aligned.

Applicants can access the NDMC Research Agenda through the official application system’s research agenda document.

Where Can Successful Applicants Study?

The bursary is intended for qualifying programmes offered at a recognised Public Higher Institution of South Africa.

Applicants should therefore pay close attention to the type of institution they intend to attend.

The information provided by the NDMC specifically refers to recognised public higher education institutions in South Africa.

Students should verify the status of their institution and programme before submitting an application.

Important Application Deadline

The deadline for the 2027 NDMC Bursary application has been updated.

Application deadline: 30 September 2026 at 23:59.

Applicants should not wait until the final day to submit their applications.

Preparing documents such as certified identification, Matric certificates, academic transcripts, proof of university application or registration and, where applicable, a Master’s research proposal can take time.

It is therefore advisable to begin the application process early and ensure that all required documents have been correctly prepared and uploaded before the deadline.

Important: The Application System Does Not Support Mobile Devices

One of the most important technical instructions provided by the NDMC is that the application system does not support mobile devices.

The notice specifically states that the system does not support:

• Android devices
• Apple devices

Applicants should therefore avoid relying on a smartphone or tablet to complete their application.

Instead, applicants should use a desktop or laptop computer to access and complete the online application.

This is particularly important because attempting to submit an application through an unsupported device could result in technical difficulties or prevent the applicant from completing the process successfully.

How to Apply for the 2027 NDMC Bursary

Applicants who meet the requirements can apply through the NDMC Bursary Management System.

Step 1: Confirm Your Eligibility

Before beginning the application, confirm that:

• You are applying for the 2027 academic year.
• Your intended programme is in Disaster Management, Fire Technology or Fire Engineering.
• Your qualification falls within the eligible qualification levels.
• Your institution is a recognised public higher education institution in South Africa.
• You meet the applicable academic average requirement.
• You have the required supporting documentation.

Step 2: Prepare Your Supporting Documents

Prepare the required documents before starting the online application.

These include:

1. Certified South African Identity Document.
2. Certified Matric Certificate.
3. Most recent academic results, statement or transcript.
4. Proof of application, acceptance or registration.
5. Two-page maximum CV for Master’s applicants.
6. Master’s research proposal aligned with one of the 16 Priority Thematic Areas, where applicable.

Having the documents ready in advance can make the application process easier and reduce the risk of submitting an incomplete application.

Step 3: Access the NDMC Bursary Application System

Applications are submitted online through the NDMC Bursary Management System.

Applicants should use a supported computer rather than an Android or Apple mobile device.

 

Step 4: Complete the Application Form

Applicants should provide accurate information when completing the online application.

Make sure that information entered into the application corresponds with the information contained in the supporting documents.

Step 5: Upload the Required Documents

Upload the requested supporting documents according to the instructions provided by the NDMC.

Applicants should check that:

• Documents are clear and readable.
• Certified copies are properly certified.
• The correct academic record has been provided.
• Proof of application, acceptance or registration is included.
• Master’s applicants include their CV and research proposal.
• All required attachments have been submitted.

Step 6: Submit Before the Deadline

Once the application has been completed and all supporting documents have been uploaded, submit it before:

30 September 2026 at 23:59.

Applicants should avoid leaving submission until the last minute because technical problems, internet connectivity issues or missing documents could prevent timely submission.

Who Should Consider Applying?

The opportunity is particularly relevant to students who are planning to build academic and professional careers in disaster management, fire technology or fire engineering.

It may be suitable for:

• Students pursuing eligible Undergraduate qualifications.
• Students pursuing eligible Post-Graduate Diplomas.
• Students pursuing eligible Advanced Diplomas.
• Students pursuing eligible Master’s programmes.
• Students interested in disaster management and related disciplines.
• Students interested in fire technology.
• Students interested in fire engineering.
• Master’s applicants whose proposed research can be aligned with one of the NDMC’s 16 Priority Thematic Areas.

Applicants should nevertheless review the complete official requirements before applying.

Why This Opportunity Is Important

Disaster management and fire-related fields play an important role in protecting communities, infrastructure and public safety.

Training professionals in these disciplines can contribute to areas such as:

• Disaster preparedness
• Disaster risk reduction
• Emergency planning
• Disaster response
• Recovery and resilience
• Fire prevention
• Fire safety
• Fire protection
• Fire engineering
• Public safety
• Risk management

For students interested in these areas, pursuing a relevant qualification can provide an opportunity to develop specialised knowledge that can be applied in government, emergency services, disaster management structures, fire services, private organisations, research institutions and other related sectors.

Tips for a Strong NDMC Bursary Application

Applicants can take several practical steps to reduce avoidable mistakes.

Check your academic average

Make sure your latest academic results meet the relevant threshold before applying.

Remember:

• 60% minimum for Undergraduate, Post-Graduate Diploma and Advanced Diploma applicants.
• 65% minimum for Master’s applicants.

Verify your programme

Do not assume that every programme with a similar title will automatically qualify.

Confirm that your intended programme falls within the specified areas of Disaster Management, Fire Technology or Fire Engineering.

Prepare certified documents early

Certification can take time, particularly when several documents are required.

Prepare your certified copies well before the deadline.

Master’s applicants should start their research proposal early

A Master’s research proposal requires considerably more preparation than simply completing an online form.

Applicants should first review the 16 Priority Thematic Areas and then develop a research proposal that clearly aligns with one of them.

Keep the Master’s CV within the required length

The NDMC specifies a maximum of two pages for the Master’s applicant CV.

Avoid submitting an unnecessarily long CV.

Use a computer

Because the application system does not support Android or Apple mobile devices, applicants should complete the application using a suitable desktop or laptop computer.

Do not wait until the final hours

The deadline is 30 September 2026 at 23:59.

Submitting early gives applicants more time to address technical issues or correct missing information.

Official Application Link

Applicants can access the online application through the hNDMC Bursary Management System.

Applicants can also access the official 2027 Bursary Advertisement through the NDMC system

Visit the OFY Website HERE for more Bursary opportunities

 

Key Details at a Glance

Detail	Information
Opportunity	2027 NDMC Bursary
Administered by	National Disaster Management Centre (NDMC)
Department	Department of Cooperative Governance (DCoG)
Academic year	2027
Study fields	Disaster Management, Fire Technology, Fire Engineering
Qualification levels	Undergraduate, Post-Graduate Diploma, Advanced Diploma and Master’s
Undergraduate/PG Diploma/Advanced Diploma minimum	60% average
Master’s minimum	65% average
Master’s CV	Maximum 2 pages
Master’s research proposal	Required
Research requirement	Must align with one of 16 Priority Thematic Areas
Institution	Recognised Public Higher Institution of South Africa
Certificates	Excluded
PhD	Excluded
Application method	Online
Mobile application	Not supported on Android or Apple devices
Deadline	30 September 2026 at 23:59

Final Thoughts

The 2027 NDMC Bursary Programme presents an opportunity for qualifying students interested in disaster management, fire technology and fire engineering to pursue relevant higher education programmes at recognised public higher education institutions in South Africa.

The opportunity covers Undergraduate, Post-Graduate Diploma, Advanced Diploma and full Master’s programmes, while certificate and PhD qualifications are excluded. Applicants must also meet the applicable academic requirements, with a minimum average of 60% for Undergraduate, Post-Graduate Diploma and Advanced Diploma applicants and 65% for Master’s applicants.

Master’s applicants have additional requirements, including a maximum two-page CV and a research proposal based on one of the NDMC’s 16 Priority Thematic Areas.

Most importantly, applicants should take note of the 30 September 2026 at 23:59 deadline and the instruction that the online application system does not support Android or Apple mobile devices.

Prospective applicants should prepare their documents early, carefully review the requirements, use a supported computer to complete the application and submit all required information before the closing time.