The South Africa International Maritime Institute (SAIMI) was founded in 2014 through a collaborative effort between the South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA), Nelson Mandela University (NMU), and a network of universities, SETAs, maritime bodies and government partners.
SAIMI’s mission is to promote and strengthen the oceans economy, develop maritime skills, coordinate research, and support South Africa in becoming a globally competitive maritime nation.
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As the national maritime skills and knowledge hub, SAIMI ensures that young South Africans have access to training, career pathways, and opportunities across the maritime value chain.
Quick Overview
| Opportunity | SAIMI Sindiswa Carol ‘Tu’ Nhlumayo Merit Bursary 2026 |
| Provider | South Africa International Maritime Institute (SAIMI) |
| Study Levels | Undergraduate, Honours, Masters, PhD |
| Who Can Apply? | Black Female South African Students |
| Fields Covered | Maritime, Engineering, Aquaculture, Environmental Studies & more |
| Financial Cover | Tuition, textbooks, subsidised accommodation & meals |
| Closing Date | 5 December 2025 (23:59) |
| Application Email | bursary@saimi.co.za |
About the SAIMI Bursary Programme 2026
The Sindiswa Carol ‘Tu’ Nhlumayo Merit Bursary is named after a visionary leader who dedicated her life to growing South Africa’s maritime skills landscape. This bursary honours her legacy by supporting Black female students pursuing maritime-related studies at Undergraduate, Honours, Masters, or PhD level.
The aim is to help young women from previously disadvantaged communities access oceans-economy careers and become future maritime leaders.
Fields Covered by the SAIMI Bursary
The bursary covers an extensive list of maritime-aligned qualifications, including:
Undergraduate Degrees & Diplomas
- BSc Animal Production (Aquaculture focus)
- BSc Applied Geology
- Aquaculture (Certificate)
- BSc Environmental Sciences / Management
- BSc Geology
- Diploma Logistics
- National Diploma Marine Electronics Communication Engineering
- BEng / BEng Tech Marine Engineering
- Diploma Marine Science
- Diploma/Advanced Diploma Maritime Studies
- BSc/BCom Maritime Transportation & Logistics
- Diploma Meteorology
- BSc Microbiology
- Diploma/Advanced Diploma Nautical Studies
- BSc Oceanography
- National Diploma Port & Harbour Engineering
- Diploma/Advanced Diploma Shipping & Logistics
- Diploma Transport Management
- BSc Zoology and Entomology
Honours Programmes
- Postgraduate Diploma Aquaculture
- BSc Hons Aquatic Health
- BSc Hons Environmental Sciences / Management
- BSc Hons Geological Sciences
- BSc Hons Marine Ecology
- Postgraduate Diploma Marine & Environmental Law
- BCom Hons Maritime Economics
- Postgraduate Diploma Maritime Law
- Postgraduate Diploma Maritime Studies
- Postgraduate Diploma Maritime Transport
- BCom Hons Maritime Transport Economics
- BSc Hons Oceanography
- BSc Hons Zoology & Entomology
Masters Programmes
- MSc Applied Geology
- MBA (Maritime research topic)
- LLM/MPhil Marine & Environmental Law
- Master of Laws Marine & Ship Surveying
- Masters Maritime Management
- Master of Laws Maritime Studies
- MPhil/MCom Maritime Studies
- Master of Laws Ocean Governance
- MSc Oceanography
- Masters Philosophy in Ports & Shipping
- Master of Laws Shipping Law
- MSc Zoology & Entomology
PhD Qualifications
- PhD Applied Geology
- PhD Botany
- PhD Development Studies (Maritime focus)
- DBA (Maritime focus)
- PhD Marine & Ship Surveying
- PhD Maritime Law
- PhD Microbiology
- PhD Oceanography
- PhD Shipping Law
- PhD Zoology & Entomology
What the SAIMI Bursary Covers
Successful applicants receive FULL financial support, including:
- Tuition fees
- Textbooks
- Subsidised accommodation
- Subsidised meals
- Access to SAIMI conferences and maritime events
- Participation in maritime and science bodies
Note: The bursary does not cover historical or outstanding study debt.
Eligibility Requirements
General Requirements (All Levels)
Applicants must:
- Be female
- Be South African citizens
- Be from previously disadvantaged designated groups (Black African, Coloured or Indian – BEE Act 2003)
- Be full-time students at an accredited South African tertiary institution
- Come from “missing middle” households earning R350 000 – R600 000 per year
Undergraduate Requirements
You must:
- Be in Matric OR have completed Matric
- Be studying/provisionally accepted for a maritime-related qualification
- Have at least 70% average if already studying
- Achieve A and B symbols in Matric
Honours & Masters Requirements
You must:
- Have completed at least one year of study
- Hold a 70% undergraduate average and 65% Honours average
PhD Requirements
You must:
- Have achieved at least 70% at Master’s level
- Be conducting maritime-related research
Required Supporting Documents
Undergraduate Applicants
- Certified ID
- Matric certificate OR latest results
- Academic transcript (if studying)
- Proof of provisional acceptance
- Fee & textbook quotation
- Parents/guardians certified IDs
- Household income proof
- 500-word motivational letter
Honours & Masters
- Certified ID
- All qualifications & transcripts
- Provisional acceptance letter
- Fee & textbook quotation
- Household income proof
- 800-word research motivation
PhD Applicants
- Certified ID
- All qualifications & transcripts
- Acceptance letter
- Fee & textbook quotation
- Household income proof
- 800-word research proposal motivation
How to Apply
Send your completed application form and supporting documents to:
bursary@saimi.co.za
Subject line: SAIMI Bursary 2026
Application Forms:
- Undergraduate Application Form 2026 (PDF)
- Honours/Masters Application Form 2026 (PDF)
- PhD Application Form 2026 (PDF)
Before you Apply, Check the Edupstairs Youth Tools Hub below that can be helpful in your application
- Edupstairs Simple CV Builder Tool
- Edupstairs AI Cover Letter Generator Tool
- Edupstairs Learnership Application Checklist Tool
- Edupstairs Internship Application Checklist Tool
- Edupstairs Interview Q & A Coach Tool
- Edupstairs Learnership Stipend Calculator Tool
- NSFAS Funding Eligibility Checker Tool
- Edupstairs Qualification-to-Career Pathways Tool
- South African Salary Explorer Tool
- TVET College Enrolment Eligibility Checker Tool
- Edupstairs Career Personality Tool
- Daily Career Score Tracker
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Can male students apply?
No. The bursary is exclusively for Black female South African students.
- Does SAIMI fund international studies?
No. Only South African public universities and accredited institutions are supported.
- Does the bursary cover historical debt?
No. SAIMI does not pay old or outstanding student accounts.
- Can Matric learners apply?
Yes. Grade 12 learners with strong academic performance are eligible.
- Is part-time study funded?
No. The bursary covers full-time studies only.
Enquiries: Contact SAIMI 041 504 4038 bursary@saimi.co.za / info@saimi.co.za
CLOSING DATE: 05 DECEMBER 2025
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Disclaimers
- Edupstairs is not the bursary provider.
- Information is published as received from SAIMI or official platforms.
- Requirements may change; applicants must verify details with the provider.
- Always apply before the closing date to avoid disqualification.
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