Pharmacy is one of the most in-demand healthcare professions in South Africa, yet the Bachelor of Pharmacy (BPharm) degree is also one of the most expensive. A four-year BPharm qualification at a public university can cost well over R200,000 in total, putting it out of reach for many students without financial support. The good news is that several pharmacy bursaries that are still open for the 2026/2027 academic year, funded by pharmaceutical companies, healthcare groups, professional bodies, and government schemes.
South Africa faces a persistent shortage of qualified pharmacists, particularly in rural and underserved areas. This shortage drives both private and public sector organisations to invest in pharmacy education through bursary programmes. Whether you are a matric learner planning to study pharmacy or a current BPharm student needing funding to continue, this guide lists the key pharmacy bursaries that are still open, along with eligibility requirements, what each bursary covers, and how to apply.
Why Pharmacy Bursaries Are Worth Pursuing
Pharmacists earn competitive salaries in South Africa. Entry-level pharmacists earn around R395,000 per annum, while those with five to nine years of experience can expect approximately R517,000. Pharmacists play a critical role in public health – dispensing medication, advising patients, and ensuring drug safety across hospitals, retail pharmacies, and manufacturing companies.
Given the cost of the BPharm degree and the high demand for graduates, pharmacy bursaries that are still open represent a strategic investment for both funders and students. Securing a bursary not only removes the financial burden but can also open doors to employment with the sponsoring organisation after graduation.
PSSA Foundation for Pharmaceutical Education (FPE) Bursary
The Pharmaceutical Society of South Africa (PSSA) administers one of the most respected pharmacy bursaries that are still open through its Foundation for Pharmaceutical Education (FPE). This bursary supports both undergraduate BPharm students and postgraduate pharmacy students at Master’s and Doctoral level.
Undergraduate bursary:
- Available to BPharm students from their second year of study onwards
- Awarded for one academic year – students must reapply annually
- Selection based on financial circumstances (40%), academic performance, and other financial aid received
- Applicants must be PSSA student members
Postgraduate bursary:
- For full-time Master’s or Doctoral candidates in pharmacy-related disciplines
- Selection based on project viability and academic potential (60%) and financial need (40%)
- Requires a detailed research proposal and project budget
The undergraduate application typically opens around June, with a closing date in October. Postgraduate applications open in March. Applications are submitted by email to Ms Nitsa Manolis at nitsa@pssa.org.za or by post to the FPE. Contact PSSA at 012 470 9562 for queries.
Clicks Foundation Pharmacy Bursary
Clicks is South Africa’s largest private-sector employer of pharmacists, with over 470 in-store pharmacies nationwide. The Clicks Foundation bursary is among the most sought-after pharmacy bursaries that are still open each year. It funds undergraduate BPharm students at recognised South African universities.
Eligibility:
- South African citizen
- Studying full-time towards a BPharm degree (second, third, or fourth year)
- Studying at a recognised South African university
- Not currently receiving any other bursary
- Preference given to previously disadvantaged individuals and persons with disabilities
The bursary covers registration fees, tuition fees, and prescribed textbooks. It does not cover outstanding fees from previous years. Applications are submitted online at careers.clicksgroup.co.za. The application period typically runs from August to October. Contact the Clicks bursary team at Bursaryadministrator@clicksgroup.co.za or call 010 140 3099.
Aspen Pharmacare Bursary
Aspen Pharmacare is one of the largest pharmaceutical manufacturers in the southern hemisphere, with operations in over 50 countries. The Aspen bursary programme is one of the important pharmacy bursaries that are still open for students interested in the pharmaceutical manufacturing and supply chain side of the industry.
Aspen funds specific qualifications at selected South African institutions only – the approved list of universities and programmes changes annually at Aspen’s discretion. The bursary covers BPharm degrees as well as other qualifications relevant to the pharmaceutical sector, including chemical engineering and related sciences. Applicants must be South African citizens with acceptance at one of the approved institutions. Applications are submitted online through the Aspen Pharmacare website at aspenpharma.com/bursary-applications.
NSFAS Funding for Pharmacy Students
While not a pharmacy-specific bursary, the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is one of the largest sources of funding among pharmacy bursaries that are still open. NSFAS provides government-funded bursaries for students from households earning R350,000 or less per annum (R600,000 for students with disabilities).
The BPharm degree at any public South African university qualifies for NSFAS funding. NSFAS covers tuition fees, registration costs, and provides allowances for learning materials, personal expenses, and transport. Applications are submitted through the NSFAS online portal at nsfas.org.za, typically opening around August and closing in mid-November each year. NSFAS is an essential fallback for pharmacy students who do not secure a private-sector bursary.
Netcare Pharmacy Bursary
Netcare is South Africa’s largest private hospital group, operating over 50 hospitals and numerous clinics. The Netcare bursary programme supports students studying towards BPharm and other health science qualifications. Netcare bursaries typically cover tuition fees and may include a work-back obligation, requiring graduates to work for Netcare after completing their studies. Applications open annually through the Netcare careers portal. Monitor netcare.co.za for the latest application details and deadlines.
Provincial Government Bursaries for Pharmacy
Several provincial governments offer bursaries for students pursuing critical health qualifications, including pharmacy. Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, the Eastern Cape, Limpopo, and the Free State regularly fund BPharm students. These bursaries typically carry a work-back obligation requiring graduates to serve in public-sector facilities within the funding province for a set period.
Provincial bursary deadlines and application processes vary by province. Check with your provincial Department of Health or the Premier’s Office for specific application forms and closing dates. These are among the pharmacy bursaries that are still open at various points throughout the year, depending on the province.
General Eligibility Requirements for Pharmacy Bursaries
While each funder sets its own criteria, most pharmacy bursaries that are still open share common eligibility requirements:
- South African citizenship
- Acceptance or registration at a recognised public university offering the BPharm degree
- Strong academic record – particularly in mathematics, physical science, and life sciences
- Demonstrated financial need (proof of household income)
- Full-time study towards the BPharm qualification
Some bursaries, like the PSSA/FPE, require professional membership. Others, like the Clicks bursary, exclude students already receiving other bursary funding. Always read the specific terms of each pharmacy bursaries that are still open before applying to avoid disqualification.
Documents You Need to Apply
Prepare the following documents before starting any pharmacy bursary application:
- Certified copy of your South African ID
- Certified matric certificate or latest Grade 12 results (for current matric learners)
- Full academic transcript or latest university results (for continuing students)
- Proof of acceptance or registration at a recognised university
- Proof of household income (payslips, affidavits, or SARS documents)
- Motivational letter outlining your interest in pharmacy and career goals
- PSSA student membership confirmation (for the FPE bursary specifically)
All copies must be certified. Incomplete or unsigned applications are automatically rejected. Organise your documents early to avoid last-minute delays.
How to Apply for Pharmacy Bursaries
The application process for pharmacy bursaries that are still open varies by funder:
- PSSA/FPE Bursary: Download the application form from pssa.org.za. Complete it and email to nitsa@pssa.org.za with the subject line “PSSA Bursary Application”. Alternatively, post to FPE, PO Box 75769, Lynnwood Ridge, 0040.
- Clicks Foundation: Apply online at careers.clicksgroup.co.za. Upload all supporting documents during the online process.
- Aspen Pharmacare: Apply online through aspenpharma.com/bursary-applications. Confirm that your institution and programme are on the approved list.
- NSFAS: Apply through the NSFAS portal at nsfas.org.za. Upload all required documents including the consent and declaration forms.
- Provincial bursaries: Contact your provincial Department of Health or Premier’s Office for application forms and submission procedures.
Key Application Dates to Watch
Staying on top of deadlines is critical when applying for pharmacy bursaries that are still open. Here are the typical application windows:
- PSSA/FPE Undergraduate: Opens June, closes October
- PSSA/FPE Postgraduate: Opens March
- Clicks Foundation: Opens August/October, closes by end of October
- Aspen Pharmacare: Varies annually – check the Aspen website
- NSFAS: Opens August, closes mid-November
- Provincial bursaries: Vary by province – check with your provincial Department of Health
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can first-year pharmacy students apply for these bursaries?
It depends on the funder. NSFAS funds first-year students. The Clicks Foundation bursary is available from second year. The PSSA/FPE bursary starts from second year onwards. Some provincial bursaries accept first-year students. Always check the specific eligibility criteria of each bursary.
Can I hold more than one pharmacy bursary?
Most pharmacy bursaries that are still open require you to declare other funding sources. The Clicks bursary, for example, is only available to students not currently receiving any other bursary. NSFAS funding can sometimes be held alongside partial bursaries. Always disclose existing funding to avoid disqualification.
Which universities offer BPharm in South Africa?
The BPharm degree is offered at several public universities, including the University of the Western Cape (UWC), North-West University (NWU), Nelson Mandela University, Rhodes University, University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN), University of Limpopo, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, and the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits). Ensure your institution is recognised by the South African Pharmacy Council (SAPC).
Do pharmacy bursaries require a work-back obligation?
Some do. Provincial government bursaries typically require graduates to work in public-sector facilities for a set period. Corporate bursaries like Clicks may not have a formal work-back clause but may offer employment opportunities. The PSSA/FPE bursary has no work-back requirement. Read the bursary terms carefully before accepting.
What academic average do I need?
Requirements vary. NSFAS requires academic progression. The PSSA/FPE bursary weighs academic performance alongside financial need. Clicks and Aspen look for strong academic records without specifying a minimum percentage. For most pharmacy bursaries still accepting applications, aim for the highest average possible to strengthen your candidacy.
Who do I contact for pharmacy bursary queries?
For PSSA/FPE: Ms Nitsa Manolis at 012 470 9562 or nitsa@pssa.org.za. For Clicks: Bursaryadministrator@clicksgroup.co.za or 010 140 3099. For Aspen: visit aspenpharma.com. For NSFAS: visit nsfas.org.za or call the NSFAS contact centre. For provincial bursaries: contact your provincial Department of Health directly.
Final Thoughts
The list of pharmacy bursaries that are still open for 2026/2027 is encouraging for students who are passionate about a career in pharmacy. From the PSSA’s professional bursary and Clicks’ retail pharmacy scholarship to Aspen’s manufacturing-focused funding, NSFAS government support, and provincial health bursaries, there are multiple pathways to fund your BPharm degree.
Start preparing early, gather your certified documents, and apply to every bursary you qualify for. Pharmacy is a field where demand consistently exceeds supply, and a funded qualification positions you for a rewarding career in one of South Africa’s most essential healthcare professions.