How to Apply for the PSSA Bursary for 2027

This guide will walk you through the process of applying for the Pharmaceutical Society of South Africa (PSSA) Bursary for the 2027 academic year. This process is for South African students pursuing undergraduate BPharm studies or postgraduate degrees in pharmacy-related fields. By following these steps, you can successfully submit your application and increase your chances of receiving financial support. Before you begin, ensure you meet the eligibility criteria and have gathered all necessary documents.

Step 1: Confirm Eligibility and Gather Information

Before starting your application, confirm that you meet all the requirements for the PSSA Bursary. This step ensures you don’t waste time applying if you don’t qualify.

Action:

• For Undergraduate Applicants: Verify you are a South African citizen, have completed Matric, are studying full-time towards a BPharm, will be entering your second, third, or fourth year in 2027, are studying at a recognized South African tertiary institution, and are a PSSA student member. Note that first-year students are not eligible.
• For Postgraduate Applicants: Confirm you are a South African citizen, have completed Matric and an undergraduate qualification, are studying full-time towards a Master’s or Doctoral degree in a pharmacy-related subject, are studying at a recognized South African tertiary institution, agree to the bursary terms and conditions, and are a PSSA student member. Remember that postgraduate applications for 2027 are currently closed and expected to reopen in May 2027.
• PSSA Membership: If you are not yet a PSSA student member, visit the PSSA website to learn about membership fees and apply. Membership is free for students.

Expected Outcome: You have a clear understanding of the specific requirements for your study level and have confirmed your eligibility.

Mistakes to Avoid:

• Applying for the undergraduate bursary if you are a first-year student.
• Not checking the current status of postgraduate applications.
• Overlooking the requirement for PSSA student membership.

Step 2: Prepare Required Documents

Gather all the necessary documents to support your bursary application. Having these ready will make the application process smoother and faster.

Action:
Collect clear copies of the following:

• Identification: Certified copy of your South African ID document.
• Academic Records: Certified copy of your full tertiary academic record or transcript.
• Motivation: A motivational letter from a pharmacy lecturer.
• Financial Declaration: A signed financial declaration and supporting evidence of your household income. This may include:
• Certified payslips (if employed).
• Balance sheet (if self-employed).
• Affidavit (if unemployed or working in the informal sector).
• Proof of pension (if applicable).

Important Note: The financial declaration must be signed by both you and the person who financially supports you.

Expected Outcome: You have all the required documents, properly certified where necessary, ready for upload or submission.

Mistakes to Avoid:

• Submitting uncertified copies when certification is required.
• Forgetting to include proof of income for all relevant household members.
• Not getting the financial declaration signed by both parties.

Step 3: Complete the Online Application Form

Fill out the official online application form accurately and completely. This is the primary way the PSSA collects your application details.

Action:

• Undergraduate Applicants: Access the online application portal for the 2027 Undergraduate PSSA Bursary. The link is provided by the PSSA. Fill in all required fields, ensuring your personal details, academic information, and contact information are correct.
• Postgraduate Applicants: Be aware that applications are currently closed. You will need to wait until May 2027 to access the application portal when it reopens. Follow the same process of filling out all required fields accurately.

Expected Outcome: Your online application is submitted with all requested information.

Mistakes to Avoid:

• Entering incorrect personal or academic details.
• Leaving required fields blank.
• Submitting the application without reviewing it for errors.

Step 4: Submit Supporting Documents and Finalize

Upload or submit all the prepared supporting documents along with your completed application form. This step finalizes your submission.

Action:

• Follow the instructions on the online application portal to upload your certified ID, academic records, motivational letter, and financial declaration with supporting evidence.
• Ensure all documents are clear and legible before uploading.
• Review your entire application one last time to catch any errors.
• Submit the application before the closing date.

Expected Outcome: Your application and all supporting documents are successfully submitted. You should receive an email confirmation that your application has been received.

Mistakes to Avoid:

• Uploading blurry or incomplete documents.
• Submitting the application after the closing date (5 October 2026 for undergraduates).
• Not checking for the confirmation email, which could indicate a submission issue.

Step 5: Await Notification and Next Steps

After submitting your application, wait for the PSSA to review it and contact shortlisted candidates. Understand the process and what to expect.

Action:

• Wait for Communication: The PSSA will only contact shortlisted candidates. If you do not hear from them, it means your application was not successful for this cycle.
• Understand Decisions: The final decision on bursary awards is made by the relevant Committee, and no further correspondence will be entered into regarding their decision.
• Postgraduate Guidelines: If you are a postgraduate applicant, ensure you have read the relevant SAAHIP postgraduate bursary guidelines before applying when applications reopen.

Expected Outcome: You are aware of the communication process and understand that only successful candidates will be contacted.

Mistakes to Avoid:

• Contacting the PSSA repeatedly to inquire about your application status before the notification period.
• Assuming non-contact means your application was not received (it means it was not shortlisted).

Frequently Asked Questions