SANBS invites suitably qualified applicants to apply for the 2026 SANBS Bursary. The closing date for applications is 19 December 2025.
What the 2026 SANBS Bursary Is All About
If you’re a 15‑year‑old looking to see how a future career can really help people, this is a great place to start. The South African National Blood Service (SANBS) is offering a scholarship to help students finish their health‑science studies and learn how to work with blood safely.
The scholarship is not just money – it’s a chance to enter a rare field that keeps thousands of patients safe every day. If you care about health, want to learn something new, and want to serve your country, this bursary can give you a head start.
Quick Snapshot
| What you need to know | Details |
|---|---|
| Program | 2026 SANBS Bursary |
| Who can apply | 3rd‑year Bachelor of Health Sciences students who take Immunohematology as a course |
| Citizenship | South African only |
| Age | Ideally under 30 years old |
| Grades | Minimum 65 % average in the last year |
| What it covers | • R40 000 for tuition • R8 000 for books and lab gear • R3 500 every month as a stipend • R2 200 every month for accommodation |
| Application period | 4 December 2025 – 19 December 2025 |
| Apply to | Email: Bursaries@sanbs.org.za |
| Study field | Blood transfusion (Immunohematology) |
Who Is SANBS?
SANBS is the organisation that gives safe and quality blood to hospitals and clinics all over South Africa. Their big goal is simple: Save lives with good blood services.
They help in many areas such as:
- Emergency care
- Surgery
- Mother‑and‑baby health
- Cancer treatment
- Accident and injury care
- Long‑term blood disorders
Because blood work is so important and hard to do, SANBS needs people who know exactly how blood works. That’s why they focus on Immunohematology – the science of blood types, matching, and safe transfusions.
Why the Bursary Matters
- You’ll be part of a life‑saving job – Every safe unit of blood can help up to three people.
- Strong job prospects – Blood specialists are rare, so you’ll have many chances to find work after graduation.
- Financial help during your final year – The bursary covers fees, a living allowance, and a monthly stipend so you can study without worry.
- You’ll strengthen South Africa’s health system – By learning how to manage blood safely, you become a key player in the country’s medical care.
How the Bursary Helps You
- Books and Lab Gear – R8 000 so you can buy textbooks, lab kits, and protective gear.
- Living Costs – R2 200 each month for a room near campus.
- Living Allowance – R3 500 a month to cover food, transport, and other day‑to‑day expenses.
All this money lets you focus on your studies and lab work without worrying about costs.
Are You Eligible?
To qualify for the 2026 SANBS Bursary you must meet these checks:
- Student Status – You must be in your 3rd year of a Bachelor of Health Sciences program.
- Course Focus – You need to have taken Immunohematology as an elective.
- Citizenship – Only South African citizens can apply.
- Age – Preference is given to those under 30, but older students can still be considered if they are exceptional.
- Grades – A minimum 65 % average in your last academic year is required.
How to Apply
- Get the Application Form – Download it from the SANBS website (search “SANBS bursary application”).
- Fill it out – Make sure every field is completed honestly.
- Send the package – Email all documents to Bursaries@sanbs.org.za.
Include a clean CV, a short motivation letter, and all required paperwork like transcripts and ID copies. Double‑check that everything is attached before you hit send.
Extra Tips to Make Your Application Shine
- Polished CV – Use a simple layout and avoid any formatting errors.
- Short Motivation Letter – Explain why you love health sciences and how you want to help people with blood services.
- All Documents Ready – No missing transcripts or ID copies; otherwise you’ll be delayed.
- Keep Track of Deadlines – If the team contacts you for more info, reply quickly.
Your future in healthcare could start right here. Don’t miss this chance.
What Happens After You Finish the Bursary
Graduates in Immunohematology can move into many exciting roles, like:
- Blood Bank Technician
- Immunohematology Specialist
- Laboratory Scientist (Transfusion Medicine)
- Blood Donor Testing Tech
- Clinical Research Assistant
- Quality Control Analyst
- Medical Lab Manager
- Transfusion Services Quality Specialist
- Lecturer or Academic Researcher
- Senior Tech in Hospital Blood Banks
Because this field needs specialised knowledge, many of these jobs pay well and give you room to grow.
Frequently Asked Questions
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| What is Immunohematology? | It’s the study of blood groups, how to match them, and how to do safe blood transfusions. |
| Does SANBS hire after the bursary? | Employment isn’t guaranteed, but many recipients get internships or entry‑level roles at SANBS. |
| Can I be over 30? | The bursary prefers under‑30 candidates, but strong applicants above that age may still be considered. |
| Do I need to be in my final year? | Yes – you must be a 3rd‑year Bachelor of Health Sciences student. |
| Can I study at any university? | Yes, as long as the university offers Immunohematology as part of the program. |
Closing date: 19 December 2025
Apply now to secure your place in this life‑changing program.
Quick Reminder
- SANBS is not an application site – use the official email Bursaries@sanbs.org.za.
- No one will ask you to pay money for approval – if it sounds like that, it’s a scam.
- Check all links and contacts are official before sending anything.
Good luck! Your journey into a rewarding career in blood science could start today.
