AOS-SAMOS

Costs, Funding and Accommodation

Applicants seeking funding who meet the eligibility criteria and have secured a SAMOS-linked project are invited to apply to the DSTI-NRF Master’s Student Funding call by 26 June 2026. Applicants must select the SAMOS call.

Remember, when applying for funding, we suggest that you take the time to look through the available information. Grants may be available, but applicants need to consider self-funding. Applicants are encouraged to apply for multiple funding opportunities to enhance their chances for success.

More information is available further down the page. Please make sure to read carefully all the information provided. Application to the AOS-SAMOS programme and funding applications are two distinct procedures.

The 2026 fees are outlined below and are structured according to the UCT taught Masters fee. Please check the fees handbook towards the end of January next year for the updated costs for 2027.

For South African Students:
Coursework fees BIO5013Z + (BIO5014Z or SEA5011Z):R38 740
BIO5015W Dissertation fees:R39 560
Total paid by South African Students: R78 300

 

For SADC Students**:  
Coursework fees:R38 740
Dissertation fees:R39 560
Non-refundable Administration Service Fee:R5 600
Total paid by SADC students: R83 900
*The Southern African Development Community (SADC) member countries are: Angola, Botswana, Comoros, Democratic Republic of Congo, Lesotho, Eswatini, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Seychelles, South Africa, United Republic of Tanzania, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. For the purposes of academic and residence fees, citizens of SADC countries registering for a UCT qualification are treated the same as South African citizens and permanent residents. They must pay (i) tuition fees for each course in which they enrol, (ii) a SADC Administrative Fee, and (iii) any applicable residence fees.
Non-SADC African Students: 
Coursework fees:R38 740
Dissertation fees:R39 560
International fees:R48 200
Non-refundable Administration Service Fee:R5 600
Total paid by non-SADC African students: R132 100
*Non-SADC African students registering for a UCT qualification are required to pay an additional international or out-of-state levy. They must pay (i) tuition fees for each course in which they enrol, (ii) an International Term Fee, (iii) an International Administrative Fee, and (iv) any applicable residence fees.
For International students:  
Coursework fees:R38 740
Dissertation fees:R39 560
International fees:R64 500
Non-refundable Administration Services Fee:R5 600
Total paid by international students: R148 400
*Students from outside Africa registering for a UCT qualification are required to pay an additional international or out-of-state levy. They must pay (i) tuition fees for each course in which they enrol, (ii) an International Term Fee, (iii) an International Administrative Fee, and (iv) any applicable residence fees.

More information for SADC and International Student payments can be found in the document (section 5.4): student fees 2026.

Funding Opportunities

The UCT Postgraduate funding office (PGFO) administers and supports postgraduate student funding at UCT. The PGFO maintains a noticeboard outlining all available funding opportunities here.

When applying for funding, we suggest that you take the time to look through the available information. Grants may be available, but applicants need to consider self-funding. Applicants are encouraged to apply for multiple funding opportunities to enhance their chances for success. For instance, if applying for NRF funding, you should also apply for UCT internal funding through the PGFO.

  • DSTI-NRF Master’s Student Funding

The DSTI-NRF Postgraduate Student Funding for the 2027 Academic Year is now open. Applicants are invited to submit their application through the NRF Connect website by 26 June 2026 (UCT Internal closing date). All information regarding eligibility criteria and step-by-step guide on how to apply is available on UCT Postgraduate degree funding page. 10 Bursaries will be available for students who qualify (selection based on NRF PG criteria). Applicants must select the “SAMOS” call when applying.

Please note that being invited to apply does not guarantee funding, nor does acceptance to the programme guarantee funding. Final funding decisions are made at the sole discretion of the NRF.

South African students and permanent residents may be granted Full Cost of Study (FCS) or Partial Cost of Study (PCS) scholarships, subject to meeting the requirements and funding availability. Although International students only qualify for the Partial Cost of Study (PCS) funding, the number of international scholarships is limited and international students are encouraged to pursue alternative funding.

All postgraduate call documents can be accessed via the NRF website: DSTI-NRF Postgraduate Student Application and Funding Framework for the 2027 Academic Year.

All NRF funding enquiries can be forwarded to nrfdasupport@uct.ac.za or telephone 021 650 3622 and select option 3.

NOTE: Frequently Asked Questions for Postgraduate Funding 2027

Other Sources of Funding

Funding for South African Students:

Please visit the UCT Postgraduate degree funding page for potential alternative sources of funding.

Applicants are encouraged to apply for multiple funding opportunities to enhance their chances for success.

Note that applicants being awarded an institution-linked scholarship are required to register at the corresponding institution (ex: applicants receiving a UCT scholarship will register at, and receive their degree from UCT).

Accommodation

The coursework is delivered at Nelson Mandela University Ocean Sciences Campus, in Gqeberha, Eastern Cape. Students will be required to attend the coursework in person.

Successful candidates to the programme will be responsible for their own accommodation. Nelson Mandela offers a service to assist students in finding suitable off-campus accommodation. For more information on off-campus accommodation please contact: atheema.davis@mandela.ac.za and resadmissions@mandela.ac.za.

Studying at Nelson Mandela University

Nelson Mandela University proudly hosts South Africa’s first dedicated Ocean Sciences Campus, offering state-of-the-art facilities for postgraduate teaching, research and innovation. The campus is a vibrant hub for transdisciplinary ocean sciences, bringing together a unique network of experts, students, and institutions committed to advancing sustainable ocean knowledge and solutions.

This flagship campus is home to various strategic Research Chairs, research entities, and specialist units, including FishFORCE Academy, the African Centre for Coastal Palaeosciences, the Institute for Coastal and Marine Research, the Marine Robotics Unit and the Hyperbaric Chamber.

Nelson Mandela University’s Ocean Sciences Campus also houses the South African International Maritime Institute (SAIMI), a programme established to support government and academic institutions in coordinating maritime education, training and research across the country. In addition, the campus features key research infrastructure, including the South African Environmental Observation Network (SAEON), which plays a crucial role in long-term environmental monitoring and data collection. For more information please visit: Ocean Sciences at Nelson Mandela University.

Nelson Mandela University’s Ocean Sciences Campus is located near the University’s main Campus which borders a private nature reserve spanning 830 hectares. This conservation site is dedicated to preserving indigenous fynbos vegetation and is home to 22 mammal species, along with 16 reptile species, four amphibian species, and 66 bird species. It also features the 4.8km Grysbok Trail for environmental education, hiking and recreation.

Gqeberha is a major seaport and the most populous city in the Eastern Cape province. Located along spectacular nature and coastal landscapes, with a moderate climate, you will discover a melting pot of cultures, cuisines, and experiences that will leave you wanting more. Learn more about Gqeberha.