Closing date: 5 October 2026. That is four days away, so don’t wait.
Quick access: direct links
- Undergraduate bursary application form 2027: Apply here
- Official PSSA bursary page: https://www.pssa.org.za/fpe-bursaries.html
- Join PSSA as a member: https://www.pssa.org.za/online-application.html
- Postgraduate criteria (PDF): https://www.pssa.org.za/download/criteria-postgraduate-bursaries.pdf
Introduction
Studying pharmacy is rewarding, but the costs add up fast. Tuition, textbooks, lab fees, accommodation and travel all pile on top of each other. The Pharmaceutical Society of South Africa (PSSA) offers a bursary that can ease some of that pressure. This guide covers what the bursary is, who can apply, what to prepare, and how to avoid the mistakes that cost students their chance.
About the PSSA and the FPE
The PSSA is the professional body for pharmacists in South Africa. Through its Foundation for Pharmaceutical Education (FPE), it promotes and administers bursaries for undergraduate pharmacy study at recognised institutions in South Africa, from the second year of study onwards. The programme is funded through the FPE and administered by the PSSA. So you apply to the PSSA, but the money comes through the Foundation.
Two bursaries: undergraduate and postgraduate
Undergraduate bursary. This is the one open right now. It is for pharmacy students from second year onwards.
Postgraduate bursary (Masters and Doctoral). The Foundation makes bursaries available for postgraduate study in pharmacy-related subjects. The 2027 postgraduate form can be downloaded in May 2027, and applications for 2026 have closed. If you are a postgraduate student, set a reminder for May and read the criteria document in advance.
Eligibility: are you qualified to apply?
For the undergraduate bursary, these requirements appear across the official page and bursary listings:
- South African citizenship. Applicants must be South African citizens.
- A recognised institution. You must be studying at a recognised tertiary institution in South Africa.
- Second year or higher. Applicants should be entering their second, third or fourth year of study in 2027. First-year students cannot apply.
- PSSA student membership. You need to be a PSSA student member. One listing states that student membership is free. Confirm the current cost on the PSSA membership page before you rely on that.
- Agreement to the terms. Applicants must read and agree to the bursary terms and conditions.
If you meet all five, you are eligible to apply. If one is missing, such as membership, fix it first.
What does the bursary cover?
No fixed rand value is published. Support is linked to the FPE’s bursary rules and the funds available. Two practical points follow from that:
- Don’t plan your whole year around an exact amount. Treat the bursary as a contribution and keep a backup plan for the rest of your costs.
- Debt is excluded. The bursary will not cover existing loans or outstanding student debts. It is meant to support your current study, not clear old balances.
The bursary is awarded for one academic year at a time. One listing adds that you reapply every year to renew it. Don’t assume you will be funded automatically next year. Diarise the application window each time.
How selection may work
PSSA hasn’t published a detailed scoring system. One guide, written some months ago, states that the bursary weighs academic performance alongside financial need. Treat that as a hint rather than an official rule. Either way, it makes sense to:
- Keep your academic record complete and accurate.
- Explain your financial situation honestly and clearly.
- Show why pharmacy matters to you and what you plan to do with your qualification.
Step-by-step: how to apply
Step 1: Check your eligibility. Go through the list above. Confirm your year of study and your institution.
Step 2: Sort out your PSSA student membership. Usere. Do this first, because the application asks for proof of membership.
Step 3: Gather your documents. A certified copy of your South African ID and proof of PSSA membership are listed as requirements. Prepare your latest academic results and proof of registration too, in case the form asks for them. Scan everything clearly, with no cut-off edges
Step 4: Open the application form. You must complete the 2027 undergraduate application form through the official PSSA/FPE link. Use the above.
Step 5: Fill it in carefully. Read each question fully. Use your name exactly as it appears on your ID, and double-check your phone number and email address.
Step 6: Submit before the deadline. Don’t wait for the last evening. Websites and forms can slow down when many students apply at once. Save a screenshot or confirmation of your submission.
Step 7: Follow up if needed. If you have questions, email [email protected] or call 012 470 9550.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Leaving it too late. With the closing date this close, aim to submit today or tomorrow.
- Skipping membership. No student membership means no application.
- Blurry or uncertified documents. Make sure copies are clear and certified where required.
- Wrong contact details. A typo in your email could mean you miss a response.
- Trusting unofficial sources blindly. Some third-party sites show different closing dates, such as 11 October 2026. The official PSSA page says 5 October 2026, so go by that.
- Paying someone to apply for you. Applying is free through the official page. Never pay an agent or “consultant”.
Frequently asked questions
Can first-year students apply?
No. The bursary starts from second year.
Is the bursary only for BPharm students?
It is for pharmacy students. One listing says the 2027 awards are for BPharm students, so BPharm students are the main target group. If you are in a different pharmacy-related programme, ask the PSSA before applying.
Do I have to be a PSSA member?
Yes. Undergraduate applicants need student membership.
Will it pay off my fees owed?
No. Existing loans and outstanding student debts are not covered.
Can I apply again next year?
Yes, but you need to reapply. Awards are for one academic year at a time.
Who do I contact with questions?
Email [email protected] or phone 012 470 9550.
Other funding to explore
Don’t put all your hope in one bursary. One pharmacy funding guide mentions options such as the Clicks Foundation bursary, Aspen’s manufacturing-focused funding, NSFAS government support, and provincial health bursaries. That guide is older, so check each provider’s current dates and rules before you apply.
Final thoughts
The PSSA bursary is a valuable opportunity for second-year and senior pharmacy students, and the process is short if you are prepared. Join PSSA, collect your documents, use the official form, and submit before 5 October 2026. Apply today and give yourself the best chance.
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