Aspen Pharmacare Bursary
Aspen Pharmacare, Africa's largest pharmaceutical manufacturer, awards bursaries to South African students studying BPharm and other pharmaceutical-sector qualifications including chemical engineering and related sciences. The programme is open to both new applicants and children of Aspen employees, and supports up to full cost of study at approved institutions.
Eligible Fields of Study
Aspen Pharmacare supports students in the following disciplines
Eligibility Requirements
- ✓ South African citizen
- ✓ Acceptance or registration at one of Aspen's approved South African institutions
- ✓ Studying towards an eligible pharmaceutical-sector qualification
- ✓ Strong academic record
- ✓ Children of Aspen South Africa employees are explicitly eligible to apply
- ✓ MBA degrees are not funded; Master's and PhD only funded in limited circumstances
What's Included
- ✓ Up to full tuition fee coverage
- ✓ Textbook and study material allowance
- ✓ Accommodation (depending on award type)
- ✓ Vacation work at Aspen manufacturing or commercial sites
- ✓ Mentorship from Aspen pharmacists, scientists and engineers
- ✓ Pathway into Aspen's graduate and learnership programmes
Work Commitment
Recipients are expected to work for Aspen Pharmacare for a period equal to the duration of the bursary after qualifying.
How to Apply
Steps to complete your Aspen Pharmacare bursary application
- 1
Visit aspenpharma.com/bursary-applications when the application window is open
- 2
Complete the online bursary application form
- 3
Upload supporting documents (ID, results, proof of acceptance)
- 4
Aspen evaluates applications annually at its sole discretion based on available funds and merit
- 5
Shortlisted applicants are contacted for an interview
- 6
Sign the bursary and work-back agreement if successful
Required Documents
- 📄 Certified copy of South African ID
- 📄 Certified Matric certificate
- 📄 Certified latest university academic transcripts (if currently studying)
- 📄 Proof of acceptance or registration at an approved institution
- 📄 Up-to-date CV
- 📄 Motivational letter outlining your interest in the pharmaceutical sector
Frequently Asked Questions
- Which qualifications does the Aspen bursary fund?
- Primarily BPharm degrees, plus other pharmaceutical-sector qualifications such as chemical engineering, chemistry, biochemistry and microbiology. Only specific qualifications at specific approved institutions are funded — the list is at Aspen's sole discretion.
- Can children of Aspen employees apply?
- Yes. The Aspen bursary is explicitly open to children of Aspen South Africa employees as well as to qualifying South African citizens more broadly.
- Does Aspen fund postgraduate studies?
- MBA degrees are not funded. Master's and PhD funding is considered only in limited circumstances. The bursary is primarily aimed at undergraduate qualifications relevant to the pharmaceutical sector.
- Where do I apply for the Aspen bursary?
- Applications are submitted online through Aspen's dedicated bursary page at aspenpharma.com/bursary-applications during the open application window.
Ready to apply?
Applications close on 30 September 2026
Apply on Aspen Pharmacare's official siteInformation verified 2026-06-22. Always confirm details on the funder's official website before applying.
Other Medical & Health Sciences bursaries
More funding opportunities in this field
ADSA Dietetics Bursary
Association for Dietetics in South Africa (ADSA)
The Association for Dietetics in South Africa (ADSA) awards an annual bursary to financially disadvantaged South African students studying towards an undergraduate BSc Dietetics degree. Worth up to R30,000 per year for the 2nd, 3rd and 4th years of study, it is aimed at first-year (or just-completed-first-year) students who show a genuine passion for food science, nutrition and health. Recipients also receive free ADSA student membership for the duration of the bursary.
View details →Afrirad Medical Imaging (ARMI) Student Radiography & Ultrasound Bursary
Afrirad Medical Imaging (ARMI) (administered in-house; studies completed through the University of Johannesburg, where ARMI is an accredited clinical training facility)
Afrirad Medical Imaging (ARMI), a diagnostic radiology services provider, offers a full bursary to South African students who want to train as diagnostic radiographers or sonographers through a 4-year Bachelor's degree at the University of Johannesburg (UJ). The bursary covers all tuition fees plus textbooks, uniforms, vaccinations and a monthly living allowance, and rewards distinctions with a performance incentive. In return, recipients commit to a 32-month work-back period (8 months for each year of study) at ARMI.
View details →Cipla Bursary Programme
Cipla South Africa (Pty) Ltd (administered in-house via the Cipla careers/TurboHire online application system)
The Cipla Bursary Programme is a comprehensive, cross-disciplinary bursary run by pharmaceutical company Cipla South Africa, covering tuition, accommodation, meals, books and a one-time laptop allowance for high-achieving South African students. Established in 2017 as a strategic skills pipeline, it supports scarce and critical skills across Pharmacy, Health Sciences, Engineering, Supply Chain and more, and offers a pathway into the Cipla Graduate Skills Programme after graduation. Applications are submitted exclusively online through Cipla's careers (TurboHire) portal.
View details →