If you’re a Black girl from South Africa who dreams of studying the ocean, ships, or anything that goes with the sea, you could win a free scholarship that covers most of your school costs for the 2026 academic year. The South Africa International Maritime Institute (SAIMI) has a special bursary called the Sindiswa Carol “Tu” Nhlumayo Merit Bursary, and it’s open to anyone ready to learn about maritime subjects.
Key dates
- Deadline to apply: 5 December 2025, by 23:59 (midnight).
- Where: Any accredited South African university or college.
The bursary is named after Ms Sindiswa Nhlumayo, who led the Centre for Maritime Excellence at the South African Maritime Safety Authority and was famous for making maritime studies more inclusive.
What the scholarship gives you
- Full tuition for the course you’re studying.
- Books and study materials—no extra cost.
- A small allowance for food and room while you’re at school.
Students who receive the bursary can also:
- Join conferences and events that SAIMI runs.
- Attend local maritime shows.
- Get involved with science groups that focus on ocean work.
Important: The scholarship does not pay any old student debts.
Who can apply?
| Level | Basic rules | Extra requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate | • South African citizen • Female • From a Black, Coloured or Indian background (as defined by the BEE Act) • Finished or in high‑school • Enrolled full‑time in a maritime‑related program • Studying at an accredited South African school • Average of 70 % or higher • A and B grades in high‑school • Parents’ yearly income between R350 000 and R600 000 | |
| Honours/Master’s | • Same citizenship and gender rules • Doing a maritime‑related study • At least one year of study already done • Minimum 70 % average in undergraduate studies • Minimum 65 % average in honours level • Same income bracket | |
| PhD | • Same citizenship, gender and background rules • Doing a maritime‑related PhD • At least one year of study already done • Minimum 70 % average at Master’s level • Same income bracket |
Which programs are covered?
The bursary supports a wide range of maritime‑related degrees and certificates, from animal production with a focus on aquaculture to advanced maritime law, oceanography and ship surveying. Below are the main categories:
Undergraduate – BSc and diplomas in fields such as Aquaculture, Marine Electronics, Marine Engineering, Maritime Studies, Meteorology, Oceanography, and more.
Honours/Postgraduate Diplomas – Courses like Aquaculture PDip, Marine Ecology Hons, Maritime Law PDip, and similar.
Master’s – MSc in Geology or Oceanography, MBA with a maritime theme, LLMs in Marine & Environmental Law or Shipping Law, and other specialised master’s titles.
PhD – Deep research degrees in Geology, Botany, Marine Surveying, Maritime Law, Microbiology, Oceanography, etc.
How to apply
- Download the right form for the level you’re studying (undergrad, honours/master’s, or PhD).
- Gather all documents in PDF and make sure they’re clear and complete.
- Email your application to bursary@saimi.co.za.
- Use the subject line “SAIMI Bursary 2026”.
Required documents
- ID copy (certified).
- For undergraduates: high‑school or current results, transcripts, acceptance letter, tuition quote, parents’ ID or death certificate if a parent has passed, proof of household income, and a motivational letter (max 500 words).
- For honours/master’s and PhDs: ID, all qualification certificates and transcripts, acceptance letter, tuition quote, parents’ ID or death certificate, proof of household income, and a motivational paper (max 800 words). The motivational paper should include: your research topic, a short proposal of the problem you’ll tackle, and why your research matters to society.
Where to get the forms
Use the links on the SAIMI website to download the correct application form. Each level has its own form.
Final reminders
- Finish your application before 5 December 2025 to be considered.
- If you have questions, email bursary@saimi.co.za.
Apply early and give yourself a chance to study maritime subjects without financial worries. The Sindiswa Carol “Tu” Nhlumayo Merit Bursary can turn your sea‑related dreams into a real career path. Good luck!