The University of KwaZulu‑Natal (UKZN) is now taking applications for the 2026 Emma Smith Overseas Scholarship. This scholarship is aimed at high‑achieving women who finish a degree in Durban and want to study a master’s or PhD abroad. The deadline for applications is 13 March 2026.
If you win, you will receive funding to cover tuition and living expenses for up to two years while you study at a university overseas. You’ll learn from top researchers, meet people from different countries, and bring back new skills to South Africa.
Who runs the scholarship?
UKZN is one of the country’s biggest public universities. It has a strong reputation for teaching and research, and it likes to help students study abroad. Through scholarships like Emma Smith, the university lets talented students go to places like the UK, USA, Germany, or Australia for further study.
What is the scholarship about?
The Emma Smith Overseas Scholarship is open to every female graduate living in Durban. It doesn’t matter what subject you studied or what you want to study next—whether it’s biology, business, law, engineering, art, or history. The main things the scholarship looks for are:
- Academic excellence – you need good grades.
- Leadership potential – show that you can make a difference.
- A plan to study abroad – you must be ready to travel for a full‑time degree.
The scholarship also wants you to bring what you learn back to South Africa, so you can help grow the country’s knowledge base.
How long does it last?
The funding can cover up to two years of study. It is intended for full‑time postgraduate programmes – master’s or doctoral degrees – at a university outside South Africa.
Who can apply?
You must meet every single requirement below. If you miss one, you won’t be accepted.
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| South African citizen | You must hold a South African ID. |
| Female | The scholarship is only for women. |
| Under 25 years old | By 1 January 2026 you must be younger than 25. |
| Durban resident | You must have lived in Durban for at least three years. |
| High‑achieving graduate | You need a good grade point average. |
| Degree requirement | You must hold at least a two‑year bachelor’s degree (a five‑year qualification is a plus). |
| University registration | You should have been registered at a South African university for at least two years. |
| Study plan | You need to plan to start a full‑time postgraduate degree abroad within 18 months of receiving the award. |
| No other funding | You cannot be receiving another scholarship, bursary, or paid job that covers study costs. |
What can you study?
Anything! There is no limit on the subject. Whether you are into humanities, sciences, commerce, health, law, engineering or creative arts, you can apply.
How to apply
Follow these three steps:
Get the form – Download the official application from the link below.
Download the Emma Smith Overseas Scholarship application (file is a Word doc).Collect your documents – You will need clear copies of:
- A certified copy of your South African ID.
- Your full academic record.
- Proof that you have spoken to a foreign university (and a brief outline of the course you want to study).
- Two reference letters.
- A motivational letter explaining why you want to study abroad.
- A CV (no extra certificates).
- Proof that you live in Durban.
Make sure all documents are clear; missing items will make your application void.
Send everything – Email the completed form and all the documents to the Financial Aid Advisor on your UKZN campus. The email addresses are listed in the application form.
Deadline reminder
All applications must arrive before 13 March 2026. Late submissions will not be accepted.
Why this matters
The Emma Smith Overseas Scholarship is a rare chance for young South African women from Durban to study at top institutions around the world, free from field restrictions. It supports students who want to push the frontiers of knowledge and then come back to South Africa with fresh ideas and skills.
If you are a female graduate from Durban with a strong academic record and a plan to study abroad, this scholarship could open doors for you. Apply before the deadline and turn your dreams into reality.
For more information about the university that runs the scholarship, visit the University of KwaZulu‑Natal (UKZN).