Quick Overview

The South Africa International Maritime Institute (SAIMI) has opened applications for the prestigious Sindiswa Carol ‘Tu’ Nhlumayo Merit Bursary for the 2026 academic year. This full-coverage bursary supports Black female students pursuing maritime-related studies from Undergraduate to PhD level, helping to grow South Africa’s oceans-economy talent pipeline.

NewsArticle | Updated for 2026 Intake

The South Africa International Maritime Institute (SAIMI), established in 2014 through a partnership between SAMSA, Nelson Mandela University and several higher-education and maritime organisations, continues to lead the development of South Africa’s oceans-economy skills. As the country’s national hub for maritime education, research and training, SAIMI plays a central role in preparing young people for opportunities across the expanding maritime value chain.

For 2026, SAIMI is once again offering the Tu Nhlumayo Merit Bursary, an initiative that honours the legacy of Sindiswa Carol ‘Tu’ Nhlumayo—an influential leader who dedicated her career to maritime transformation and capacity building. This bursary is specifically designed to uplift female students from previously disadvantaged backgrounds, ensuring greater representation and leadership in the maritime sector.

About the SAIMI Tu Nhlumayo Merit Bursary

The bursary is targeted at Black African, Coloured and Indian female students who wish to pursue maritime-related academic qualifications across a wide range of fields. It supports study at:

• Undergraduate level
• Honours level
• Masters level
• Doctoral (PhD) level

The programme aims to create future maritime leaders who can contribute to South Africa’s competitiveness in global oceans-economy sectors such as shipping, marine law, aquaculture, ocean sciences, ports, shipping logistics and environmental studies.

Fields of Study Funded by SAIMI

The bursary covers one of the broadest lists of maritime-aligned qualifications in the country. Fields include:

Undergraduate Degrees & Diplomas

• Aquaculture, Animal Production
• Applied Geology, Geological Sciences
• Environmental Sciences / Management
• Marine Engineering (BEng / BEng Tech)
• Marine Electronics Communication Engineering
• Marine Science
• Maritime Studies, Nautical Studies
• Maritime Transportation, Logistics & Shipping
• Meteorology
• Oceanography
• Port & Harbour Engineering
• Transport Management
• Microbiology, Zoology & Entomology

Honours & Postgraduate Diplomas

• Aquaculture (PGDip)
• Aquatic Health
• Environmental Sciences/Management
• Marine Ecology
• Geological Sciences
• Marine & Environmental Law
• Maritime Economics
• Maritime Law
• Maritime Transport
• Maritime Studies
• Oceanography
• Zoology & Entomology

Masters Programmes

• Applied Geology
• Maritime-related MBA
• Marine & Environmental Law
• Marine & Ship Surveying
• Maritime Management
• Maritime Studies
• Ocean Governance
• Oceanography
• Ports & Shipping
• Shipping Law
• Zoology & Entomology

Doctoral (PhD) Programmes

• Applied Geology
• Botany
• Development Studies (Maritime focus)
• Business Administration (Maritime focus)
• Marine & Ship Surveying
• Maritime Law
• Microbiology
• Oceanography
• Shipping Law
• Zoology & Entomology

What the SAIMI Bursary Covers

The bursary provides full financial support, including:

• 100% Tuition fees
• Textbooks and learning materials
• Subsidised accommodation
• Subsidised meals
• Access to SAIMI conferences, workshops and maritime events
• Participation in maritime and scientific bodies

Important: The bursary does not cover old or outstanding student debt.

Eligibility Criteria for 2026

General Requirements (All Study Levels)

Applicants must:

• Be female
• Be South African citizens
• Form part of previously disadvantaged groups (Black African, Coloured, Indian—BEE Act 2003)
• Be full-time students at an accredited South African tertiary institution
• Come from households with a combined income between R350 000 – R600 000 (missing middle)

Undergraduate Applicants

You must:

• Be in Matric OR have completed Matric
• Be accepted or provisionally accepted for a maritime-related programme
• Achieve an A and B symbol pass in Matric
• Maintain a 70% average if already studying

Honours & Masters Applicants

You must:

• Have completed at least one undergraduate year
• Hold a 70% average at undergraduate level
• Hold a 65% average at Honours level (if applying for Masters)

PhD Applicants

You must:

• Have earned at least 70% in your Master’s programme
• Conduct maritime-related research within your dissertation

Required Supporting Documents

Undergraduate Applicants

• Certified South African ID
• Matric certificate or latest academic results
• Academic transcript (if already in university)
• Proof of provisional acceptance
• Quotation for fees and textbooks
• Certified ID copies of parents/guardians
• Proof of household income
• 500-word motivational letter

Honours & Masters

• Certified South African ID
• All academic transcripts and certificates
• Proof of acceptance
• Quotation for fees and textbooks
• Proof of household income
• 800-word research motivation

PhD Applicants

• Certified South African ID
• All qualifications and transcripts
• University acceptance letter
• Fee and textbook quotation
• Proof of household income
• 800-word research proposal motivation

How to Apply for the SAIMI 2026 Bursary

Send your completed application form and required documents to:

Email: [email protected]
Subject line: SAIMI Bursary 2026

Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.

Why the SAIMI Bursary Matters

The maritime sector is one of the fastest-growing economic opportunities in South Africa. With increasing investment in shipping, ports, fisheries, logistics and ocean sciences, the need for qualified maritime professionals continues to rise.

This bursary directly contributes to:

• Economic transformation
• Gender inclusion
• Ocean governance and sustainability development
• Research and innovation in marine industries

By opening doors for young Black women, SAIMI helps shape a more inclusive and competitive maritime future for South Africa.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Does the bursary cover full tuition?

Yes. It covers full tuition and additional allowances such as textbooks and subsidised accommodation.

2. Are part-time students eligible?

No. Only full-time students may apply.

3. Can I apply if my household income is below R350 000?

Yes. Applicants from lower-income households are also eligible, as long as they fall within the missing-middle or below.

4. Will SAIMI fund students with historic student debt?

No. The bursary only covers current and future academic costs.

5. Can male students apply?

No. The bursary is exclusively for Black female students as part of a targeted transformation initiative.

6. Can I apply if my studies are not strictly maritime-focused?

Only if the qualification appears on the official list or if your research is clearly linked to the maritime sector.

Thabang Seleka

Thabang Seleka is the Founder of Sseta Careers, an independent platform that provides verified information on learnerships, bursaries, and internships in South Africa. He focuses on delivering clear, accurate guidance to help job seekers make informed career decisions. Contact: [email protected]