PSSA Bursaries 2025 (Pharmaceutical Society of South Africa)

The Pharmaceutical Society of South Africa (PSSA) offers bursaries to pharmacy students, providing much-needed financial support to ensure that talented and deserving students can achieve their academic and professional goals. This article will provide a comprehensive guide on who may apply for the PSSA bursaries, the duration of these bursaries, the criteria for selection, and the allocation process.

PSSA Bursaries for Undergraduate Students

Who May Apply?

The PSSA bursaries are specifically designed to support pharmacy students who meet the following criteria:

Eligible Applicants

1. Current Pharmacy Students: Only students who are in their second year of study or beyond are eligible to apply. First-year students and Grade 12 learners are not considered for these bursaries.
2. South African Citizens: Only South African citizens can apply for the bursaries, ensuring that the financial support is directed towards local talent.

Duration of the Bursaries

The PSSA bursaries are awarded for one academic year at a time. Recipients must submit a new application each year if they wish to renew their bursaries. This ensures that the bursary fund can support as many students as possible, given the varying financial needs and academic progress of the applicants.

Criteria for Selection

The allocation of PSSA bursaries is based on a comprehensive assessment of several factors. These include:

Financial Circumstances

Financial need is the most heavily weighted criterion. Applicants whose family income exceeds R130,000 per annum before tax are seldom eligible for financial aid. The bursaries aim to support students from financially disadvantaged backgrounds to ensure that economic barriers do not hinder their educational pursuits.

Academic Achievement

Academic performance is another critical factor in the selection process. Applicants must have passed all their subjects with a minimum average of 60%. This criterion ensures that the bursary funds are awarded to students who demonstrate a commitment to their studies and have the potential to succeed in their academic endeavors.

Other Relevant Criteria

1. Dependents: Consideration is given to the number of dependents supported by the applicant’s family who are still studying at tertiary institutions or are school scholars.
2. Additional Financial Assistance: Applicants who have received other forms of financial assistance, such as bursaries or loans, need to disclose this information. This helps in assessing the overall financial need.
3. Special Circumstances: Any unique or challenging personal circumstances that may affect the applicant’s financial situation are also taken into account.
4. Sponsor-Specific Criteria: Some sponsors may have additional criteria that must be met for their specific bursary awards.

Allocation of PSSA Bursaries

The process of allocating PSSA bursaries involves the following steps:

Sponsor Involvement

Individual sponsors have the discretion to allocate the bursaries themselves or delegate this responsibility to the Foundation for Pharmaceutical Education (FPE). The FPE then allocates the funds based on the agreed-upon criteria.

Final Decision

The decision of the Foundation or the sponsor is final, and no correspondence will be entered into regarding the allocation outcomes. This ensures a fair and transparent process.

Conditions of the Bursary

Recipients must adhere to the following conditions:

• If a recipient discontinues their studies during the year, the bursary becomes repayable immediately.
• If a recipient fails their academic year, the sponsor may require the bursary to be repaid.
• Bursary payments are made directly to the respective universities, never to personal bank accounts or in cash.
• Recipients must inform the Foundation immediately if they receive another bursary. The Foundation will then reassess the recipient’s financial position and decide on the continuation or withdrawal of the bursary.

PSSA Bursaries for Postgraduate Students

For post-graduate pharmacy students, the South African Association of Hospital and Institutional Pharmacists (SAAHIP) offers a specific bursary. The criteria and process for this bursary are as follows:

Eligibility Criteria

• Membership: Applicants must be paid-up ordinary members of the SAAHIP and have renewed their membership at least once.
• Post-Graduate Studies: The bursary is for students registered for a post-graduate qualification relevant to hospital or institutional pharmacy practice.
• Costs Covered: The bursary covers costs directly associated with the qualification, such as fees, research expenses, and living expenses, but not solely travel costs or conference attendance.

Duration and Amount

The bursary is awarded for a maximum of two consecutive years to any one applicant. The amount is determined annually by the SAAHIP National Executive, initially set at R1 500 per annum.

Application Process

• Submission: Applications must be submitted to the Foundation for Pharmaceutical Education (FPE) with sufficient detail to determine eligibility.
• Confirmation: The FPE staff confirm the eligibility of applicants.
• Executive Review: The SAAHIP National Executive reviews applications, considering eligibility criteria and the applicant’s contribution to the Association.
• Recommendation: The SAAHIP National Executive recommends a successful applicant to the FPE Governors.
• Award Administration: The FPE administers the bursary, ensuring funds are transferred appropriately.

Application form 

Important Information for All Applicants

• Application Deadlines: Late applications are not accepted.
• Full-Time Students: Only full-time pharmacy students registered with a recognized institution are eligible.
• South African Citizenship: Applicants must have a South African ID number.
• PSSA Membership: Post-graduate applicants must be PSSA members. Membership fees and application forms are available online.
• Confidentiality: All financial information provided in the application is treated with strict confidentiality.
• Incomplete Applications: Applications missing required documentation (ID, proof of income, academic records, etc.) will not be considered.
• Final Decision: The Committee’s decision is final, and no correspondence will be entertained.
• Repayment: Bursaries must be repaid if the recipient discontinues studies during the award year.
• Institution Payments: Bursaries are paid to the institution, which will deduct fees and other expenses before releasing any remaining funds to the recipient.
• Annual Renewal: Recipients must reapply each year for bursary renewal.

The PSSA bursaries provide crucial financial support for both undergraduate and postgraduate pharmacy students in South Africa, helping to alleviate the economic burden of higher education. By understanding the eligibility criteria, application process, and conditions of these bursaries, students can better prepare their applications and improve their chances of receiving financial aid. Whether you are a current pharmacy student or pursuing post-graduate studies, the PSSA bursaries can be a vital resource in achieving your academic and professional goals in the field of pharmacy.

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