Margaret McNamara Education Grants (MMEG) South Africa Program Grant
Margaret McNamara Education Grants (MMEG) - a US-based non-profit public charity linked to the World Bank Family Network (the South Africa Program is administered directly by MMEG)
The MMEG South Africa Program is a women-only education grant for women aged 25 and over who are already enrolled at an eligible South African university and committed to improving the lives of women and children in their communities. SA bursary aggregators report a one-time grant of up to US$7,500 (about R120,000), though the exact amount varies with available funds and exchange rates and is not explicitly confirmed on the official MMEG pages. Running since 2008, the program had supported 168 women from African countries as of the latest official figures.
- Amount
- A one-time education grant of up to US$7,500 (approximately R120,000) per grantee, as reported by South African bursary aggregators - this figure is not explicitly confirmed on the official MMEG pages, and actual amounts may vary depending on availability of funds and exchange rates
- Deadline
- 14 September 2026
- Renewable
- No
Eligible Fields of Study
Margaret McNamara Education Grants (MMEG) - a US-based non-profit public charity linked to the World Bank Family Network (the South Africa Program is administered directly by MMEG) supports students in the following disciplines
Eligibility Requirements
- ✓ Self-identify as a woman (this is a women-only grant)
- ✓ Be at least 25 years old at the application deadline
- ✓ Be a national of an MMEG-eligible developing country (the program primarily supports women from African and other developing countries)
- ✓ Already be enrolled full-time or part-time (a minimum of 2 courses per semester) at an eligible South African university
- ✓ Plan to continue studies for at least one academic semester (half a year) after the award
- ✓ Plan to graduate no later than three years after the grant award
- ✓ Hold a valid South African study permit if you are not a South African national
- ✓ Demonstrate financial need (the grant is intended to help cover tuition, books and living and study-related costs)
- ✓ Not be related to specified institutional or World Bank staff, per MMEG eligibility rules
What's Included
- ✓ A one-time education grant of up to US$7,500 to help cover tuition, books, and living and study-related costs
- ✓ Recognition through a US-based public charity linked to the World Bank Family Network
- ✓ Membership in a community of women grantees committed to improving the lives of women and children
How to Apply
Steps to complete your Margaret McNamara Education Grants (MMEG) - a US-based non-profit public charity linked to the World Bank Family Network (the South Africa Program is administered directly by MMEG) bursary application
- 1
Confirm you meet all eligibility criteria, including being a woman aged 25 or over already enrolled at an eligible South African university
- 2
Visit the MMEG application portal at mmeg.org/apply during the open window (15 May to 14 September annually, closing 11:59pm US Eastern Time)
- 3
Create an account and complete the online application form for the South Africa Program
- 4
Upload all required supporting documents, including proof of enrolment, transcripts, your study permit (if applicable) and references
- 5
Submit your application before the 14 September deadline (US Eastern Time)
- 6
Direct any queries to the South Africa Program team at southafrica@mmeg.org
- 7
Await the outcome - grantees are notified in December
Required Documents
- 📄 Proof of current enrolment at an eligible South African university (full-time or part-time, minimum 2 courses per semester)
- 📄 Academic transcripts / record of results
- 📄 Proof of age confirming you are at least 25 at the application deadline (ID or passport)
- 📄 Valid South African study permit (for applicants who are not South African nationals)
- 📄 Letters of reference / recommendation
- 📄 A personal statement or motivation describing your studies and your commitment to improving the lives of women and children
Frequently Asked Questions
- Who is eligible for the MMEG South Africa Program grant?
- Women who are at least 25 years old at the application deadline, who self-identify as women, who are nationals of an MMEG-eligible developing country, and who are already enrolled (full-time or part-time, minimum 2 courses per semester) at an eligible South African university. Non-South African nationals must hold a valid South African study permit, and applicants must plan to study for at least one more semester after the award and graduate within three years.
- How much is the MMEG grant worth?
- South African bursary aggregators report a one-time grant of up to US$7,500 (approximately R120,000). This figure is not explicitly confirmed on the official MMEG pages, and the actual amount may vary depending on available funds and exchange rates. The grant helps cover tuition, books and living and study-related costs.
- When does the application window open and close?
- Applications for the South Africa Program open annually from 15 May to 14 September, closing at 11:59pm US Eastern Time on 14 September. Grantees are notified in December.
- How and where do I apply?
- Applications are submitted online via the MMEG portal at mmeg.org/apply during the open window. The South Africa Program is administered directly by MMEG, and you can contact the team at southafrica@mmeg.org for assistance.
Ready to apply?
Applications close on 14 September 2026
Apply on Margaret McNamara Education Grants (MMEG) - a US-based non-profit public charity linked to the World Bank Family Network (the South Africa Program is administered directly by MMEG)'s official siteNeed help? Contact Margaret McNamara Education Grants (MMEG) - a US-based non-profit public charity linked to the World Bank Family Network (the South Africa Program is administered directly by MMEG):
Email: southafrica@mmeg.org
Information verified 2026-06-22. Always confirm details on the funder's official website before applying.
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