The SAMNET Bursary Fund helps South African students who are studying journalism, media, communications or political science and who cannot meet their fees because of genuine financial hardship. It was set up in response to calls from the community, and it awards a limited number of bursaries each year. Full details of the fund, and why SAMNET supports these fields in particular, are on the Bursaries page.
These are the questions we are asked most often. If yours is not answered here, write to info@samnet.co.za.
Does SAMNET Offer Courses in Journalism or Media Studies?
No. SAMNET does not run any courses or study programmes of its own. This is a bursary fund and nothing else: it helps students who are already studying, or about to study, at an accredited university or college and who are in serious financial difficulty. You apply to the institution for the place; you apply to SAMNET for help with the fees.
Who Can Apply?
The fund is open to students heading for careers in journalism, media, communications and the political fields, and closely related disciplines. Beyond the field of study, applicants are expected to be:
- in their final year of school and planning to study further, or already enrolled at a university or college;
- at an accredited institution;
- maintaining a strong academic record;
- facing real financial barriers to continuing their education.
Which Fields of Study Are Not Covered?
Students in commerce, finance, engineering, education, science, medicine and similar fields will not be considered. This is not a judgement on those careers — the fund was created for a specific purpose, and its resources are limited. SAMNET’s work is in media, advocacy and public life, and the bursary exists to bring more principled people into exactly those fields.
How Do I Get an Application Form?
Email info@samnet.co.za and ask for one. Include a short introduction in the email:
- who you are;
- what you are studying, or intend to study;
- which institution you are at, or have applied to.
A few sentences is enough. The form comes back to you by email.
What Happens After I Apply?
Applications are reviewed and successful candidates are contacted directly for the next stage. Because the number of bursaries is limited and the number of applications is not, we are not able to reply individually to everyone who applies.
Read more about the SAMNET Bursary Fund →
Questions about the fund: info@samnet.co.za · +27 31 207 4223