Aspen Pharmacare Bursary
Aspen Pharmacare
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.
- Amount
- Up to full cost of study (varies by qualification)
- Deadline
- 30 September 2026
- Renewable
- Yes
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
SAMA Medical Education Bursary
South African Medical Association (SAMA)
The South African Medical Association awards medical education bursaries to South African citizens studying towards an MBChB or equivalent medical degree at a South African medical school. The bursary is non-exclusive — recipients may hold other bursaries at the same time — making it a useful top-up for students already funded elsewhere.
View details →Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness Bursary
Western Cape Government, Department of Health and Wellness (administered in-house via the Department of Health Bursary System / HEALP online portal; programme coordinator Monray Strydom)
The Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness funds unemployed Western Cape residents studying full-time towards selected Health Science qualifications such as nursing, medicine (MBChB), pharmacy and the allied therapies. The bursary covers institutional fees (registration, tuition and examination fees) but not accommodation, and recipients sign a contract requiring a community service year plus a work-back period at the Department or repayment of all costs. The list of funded qualifications can change each year based on the Department's service-delivery needs.
View details →PSSA Foundation for Pharmaceutical Education (FPE) Bursary
Pharmaceutical Society of South Africa (PSSA) — administered through its Foundation for Pharmaceutical Education (FPE)
The Pharmaceutical Society of South Africa runs the Foundation for Pharmaceutical Education (FPE) bursary scheme to support South African pharmacy students. Undergraduate awards help full-time BPharm students from their second year onward, while postgraduate awards support Honours, Masters and Doctorate pharmacy studies. Bursaries are granted on a combination of financial need, academic merit and other assistance already received, and are renewable each year on reapplication.
View details →