Key Facts
- Status
- Check Provider for Dates
- Provider
- Field of Study
- Study Level
Eligibility Requirements
- Must be a South African citizen
- Must already be in the 3rd year of a Bachelor of Health Sciences degree
- Immunohematology (blood transfusion science) must be one of the applicant's elective subjects
- Must submit a motivational essay as part of the application
Documents Needed
- Certified copy of final Matric results
- Proof of acceptance/registration at an accredited tertiary institution
- Most recent university academic transcript/report
- 250-word motivational essay
About South African National Blood Service Sanbs Bursary
The South African National Blood Service (SANBS) Bursary is offered by SANBS, the non-profit organisation responsible for collecting, testing, and supplying blood in most of South Africa, to build a pipeline of qualified staff for its blood transfusion and laboratory services. The programme funds a small number of students each year who are already studying toward a Bachelor of Health Sciences degree with Immunohematology (blood transfusion science) as an elective.
Funding Details
Published guidance describes an R8,000 allowance for books and laboratory equipment, R2,200 per month toward accommodation near campus, and R3,500 per month as a living allowance covering food, transport, and other day-to-day expenses. Ten bursaries were reported as available for the 2026 intake; the number may vary by year.
Where You Can Study
Open to students at any accredited South African university offering a Bachelor of Health Sciences degree with an Immunohematology elective.
About South African National Blood Service (SANBS)
The South African National Blood Service (SANBS) is the independent, not-for-profit organisation responsible for collecting, testing, processing and distributing blood and blood products across eight of South Africa'…
View full provider profile →Fields of Study & Who Can Apply
Open to South African citizens who are already in their third year of a Bachelor of Health Sciences degree, with Immunohematology included as one of their elective subjects.
Application Procedure
Apply directly with the provider using the official application link below, before the closing date.
Last verified:
Frequently Asked Questions
Is SANBS the same as SANSA?
No. SANBS (South African National Blood Service) manages blood donation and transfusion services. SANSA (South African National Space Agency) is a completely separate government space agency. This listing was previously mislinked to SANSA due to the similarity of the two acronyms and has been corrected to point to SANBS; SANSA's own bursary listings elsewhere on this site are unaffected.
Can first- or second-year students apply?
No — published guidance specifies the bursary is for students already in their third year of a Bachelor of Health Sciences degree with Immunohematology as an elective.
How do I apply?
Applications are submitted by email to bursaries@sanbs.org.za, with "SANBS Bursary" and the relevant year in the subject line, along with certified academic results, proof of registration, and a motivational essay.
When does the current round close?
A window of 4 to 19 December was reported for the 2026 intake, which has already lapsed relative to today (28 August 2026). Check SANBS's official website for the next round's dates.
