Pharmaceutical Society of South Africa

    • Application closing date
      October 2026
    Company description

    In June 13, 1885, seven pharmacists convened in King Williamstown to establish the South African Pharmaceutical Association (SAPA), the country's first voluntary pharmaceutical society. The formation of SAPA led to the development of similar societies in various provinces, each functioning as an independent entity.

    The merger of these provincial societies resulted in the formation of the Pharmaceutical Society of South Africa (PSSA), the country's first unified professional society for pharmacy. PSSA was officially launched on January 1, 1946, and has since become a formidable tool for promoting the growth and advancement of pharmacy in South Africa.

    Bursary description

    Please note that applications for the 2025 FPE Bursary are closed. Applications for the 2026 FPE bursary will open in June 2026.

    The Pharmaceutical Society of South Africa (PSSA), funded by the Foundation for Pharmaceutical Education (FPE), are intended for students studying Pharmacy-related courses at the Undergraduate and Postgraduate levels, and the PSSA will administer the bursaries.

    Undergraduate students in their second year or beyond of BPharm studies are eligible for the Undergraduate bursary, which is awarded for one academic year at a time. To renew the bursary, applicants must submit a new application each year. The bursaries will be awarded based on financial circumstances, academic performance, and other financial aid received.

    The Postgraduate bursary is for Master's and Doctoral students studying Pharmacy-related subjects. Similar to the Undergraduate bursary, the Postgraduate bursary is awarded for one academic year at a time, and a new application must be submitted annually for a renewal. Selection of candidates is based on two criteria: project viability and academic potential (which accounts for 60%), and financial need (which accounts for 40%).

    Requirements and eligibility

    The Pharmaceutical Society of South Africa invites students to apply for bursary funding, for the 2024 academic year. Funding is made available through the Foundation for Pharmaceutical Education (FPE), and is aimed at Pharmacy-related studies (Undergraduate and Postgraduate). The bursary is administered by the PSSA.
    The Undergraduate bursary will be awarded to BPharm pharmacy students are in their 2nd or subsequent year of study. The bursary is awarded for 1 academic year at a time – a new application must be submitted each year for a bursary renewal. Bursaries will be awarded based on the following: students financial circumstances; academic achievements and other financial assistance received.

    The Postgraduate bursary is for Masters and Doctoral students pursuing their studies within Pharmacy related subjects. The bursary is awarded for 1 academic year at a time – a new application must be submitted each year for a bursary renewal. Candidates are selected based on 2 criteria: project viability and academic potential (which counts for 60%) and financial need (which counts for 40%).

    Requirements

    Applicants must satisfy the following minimum entry criteria before applying (please note that failure to satisfy all the requirements will lead to your application not being considered):

    Undergraduate bursary:

    • You must be a South African citizen
    • You must have completed Matric
    • You must be studying full-time towards a BPharm qualification
    • You must be starting your 2nd, 3rd or 4th year of study (1st year students will not be funded)
    • You must be studying at a recognised tertiary institute in South Africa
    • You must be a PSSA student member (membership is free, email nitsa@pssa.org.za for more info)
    • You must have passed all your previous subjects/ modules
    • You must have achieved a minimum overall average of 60% at mid-year
    • You must have proven financial need (with family income of less than R130 000 per annum before tax)

    Postgraduate bursary:

    • You must be a South African citizen
    • You must have completed Matric
    • You must have completed an undergraduate qualification
    • You must be studying full-time towards a postgraduate (Masters or Doctoral) Pharmacy qualification
    • You must be studying at a recognised tertiary institute in South Africa
    • You must be a PSSA student member (email nitsa@pssa.org.za for more information)
    How to apply

    FPE Bursary application process:

    Submit clear copies of the following supporting documentation along with your completed application form (the submission of these documents is compulsory – if any items are missing, your application may be disqualified):

    • ID document (certified copy)
    • Full tertiary academic record/ transcript (certified copy)
    • Motivational letter from a pharmacy lecturer
    • Financial declaration (proof of parents/ guardians/ household income: certified copy of payslips if employed; balance sheet if self-employed; affidavit if unemployed or working within the informal sector; proof of pension if applicable) (signed by the applicant and person responsible for your financial support) (page 3 of the application form)

    Candidates can submit a completed application form in one of the following ways:

    1) Post:
    Foundation for Pharmaceutical Education (FPE)
    PO Box 75769
    Lynnwood Ridge
    0040

    2) Delivery:
    435 Flinders Lane
    Lynnwood
    0081

    (Please note: faxed or emailed applications will NOT be accepted).

    POSTGRADUATE BURSARY APPLICATION
    To apply for the FPE Postgraduate Bursary, applicants can download and complete the following form.

    In addition to filling out the form, please submit clear copies of the following supporting documentation along with your completed application form (the submission of these documents is compulsory – if any items are missing, your application may be disqualified):

    • ID document (certified copy)
    • Full tertiary academic record/ transcript (certified copy)
    • Proof of income (certified copy)
    • A project summary, including your research project summary (maximum 800 words)
    • Itemised project budget

    Applications must be submitted in either of the following ways:
    – Email to Ms Nitsa Manolis: nitsa@pssa.org.za
    (Insert the words “PSSA Bursary Application: Postgraduate” in the email subject line).

    Fax: 0866 159 835

    Field of study
    Location
    Website

    https://www.pssa.org.za/

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