DMV Bursary 2027: Requirements, Benefits and Application

Meta description: Find out who qualifies for the Department of Military Veterans bursary, what education costs it covers, which documents are needed and how to apply.

 

Paying for university or college can be difficult for students whose parents or guardians served in the South African military. The Department of Military Veterans (DMV) provides education support to qualifying military veterans and their dependants, helping eligible beneficiaries meet approved education costs at public institutions. The support may include registration, tuition, prescribed textbooks and study materials, and accommodation, subject to the programme’s rules and available funding. If you are applying as a dependant, you will need to meet the eligibility requirements and provide evidence linking you to a registered military veteran. Before applying for 2027, check the latest official announcement because funding availability and application dates can change.

The Department of Military Veterans is a South African government department responsible for supporting qualifying military veterans and their dependants. Its work includes education support, healthcare and wellness services, housing assistance and skills development. Through its Education Support Benefit, the department helps eligible beneficiaries access basic and higher education. The benefit is targeted at registered military veterans and qualifying dependants rather than being a general bursary open to all students. The department also works with other public institutions to administer or facilitate aspects of education funding.

What is the Department of Military Veterans bursary?

The DMV bursary is part of the department’s Education Support Benefit. It helps qualifying military veterans and their dependants pursue education at eligible public institutions in South Africa.

The programme recognises the contribution of military veterans and aims to improve educational access for eligible members of their families. Depending on the applicant’s circumstances and the applicable funding rules, assistance may be available for school education or tertiary studies.

Students should understand that the benefit is subject to eligibility checks, required documentation and available funding. Submitting an application does not automatically mean that funding will be approved.

Who qualifies for the DMV bursary?

The department’s published education-support information identifies military veterans registered on the National Military Veterans Database and their qualifying dependants as the main beneficiaries.

Applicants should generally meet the following conditions:

• The military veteran must be registered on the National Military Veterans Database.
• The student must qualify as the military veteran or an eligible dependant.
• The student must be enrolled, or intend to enrol, at an eligible public education institution in South Africa.
• The applicant must provide the required identity and education documents.
• The student must meet the programme’s academic and administrative requirements.
• The application must be submitted according to the department’s instructions for the relevant academic year.

If you are applying as a child or another dependant of a military veteran, you may need to submit documents proving your relationship to the registered beneficiary.

Important: Being related to someone who served in the military does not automatically guarantee funding. The department must verify the veteran’s registration and the applicant’s eligibility.

Does the DMV bursary cover undergraduate and postgraduate studies?

The NSFAS funder information page states that, in general, the DMV supports one undergraduate qualification and no longer supports postgraduate studies.

This means students considering a first undergraduate qualification should check whether their programme and institution meet the current requirements. Students planning to study for an honours degree, master’s degree or doctorate should not assume that the DMV will pay for those studies.

The department’s current rules and application documents should be checked before making financial decisions, particularly if you have already received education support for another qualification.

What does the DMV bursary cover?

The department’s Education Support Benefit information identifies several education-related expenses that may be supported.

Depending on the student’s education level and approved funding arrangements, these may include:

• Registration fees.
• Tuition fees.
• Prescribed textbooks and study materials.
• Accommodation at an eligible institution.
• School fees and related educational expenses for beneficiaries receiving basic education support.

The value of tertiary education support is linked to the applicable funding allocation and approved expenses. The amount is not necessarily identical for every student, and applicants should confirm which costs will be covered.

Do not assume that every personal expense, transport cost or living expense will automatically be paid. Ask the department or your institution to confirm the conditions attached to your particular award.

Which institutions can students attend?

The DMV’s education-support information refers to public education institutions in South Africa, including schools and public tertiary institutions.

If you intend to attend a university or TVET college, check whether the institution and qualification are eligible under the current benefit rules.

Before registering, confirm the funding arrangements with the institution’s financial aid office. This is especially important if you need confirmation of payment before you can complete registration.

Documents needed for the DMV bursary

The department’s published guidance lists identity and education documents among the requirements. Depending on your circumstances, you may need to prepare:

• A completed education-support application form.
• A certified copy of the applicant’s South African ID or other identity document specified in the application instructions.
• The military veteran’s identity document, where required.
• Documents confirming that the military veteran is registered on the National Military Veterans Database.
• Proof of the relationship between the applicant and the veteran, where applicable.
• Proof of acceptance or registration at an eligible institution.
• Your latest academic results or year-end results.
• Any additional supporting documents requested in the current announcement.

Check the official form for the exact requirements. An incomplete application may delay processing or result in the application not being considered.

How to apply for the DMV bursary

The Department of Military Veterans announces education-support opportunities through its official communication channels. Application arrangements may differ between new applicants and students who are already receiving support.

Follow these steps:

1. Visit the official Department of Military Veterans website.
2. Look for the latest Education Support Benefit or bursary announcement.
3. Read the eligibility rules and confirm whether applications are open for the academic year you intend to study.
4. Download the application form specified in the announcement.
5. Complete the form carefully and provide the requested beneficiary and education information.
6. Attach all supporting documents and check that the application is signed where required.
7. Submit the application using the official method and contact details provided by the department.
8. Keep a copy of your application and any confirmation of submission.

Students who are already receiving funding should pay close attention to renewal instructions. They may be required to submit updated academic results, proof of registration and other supporting documents before their funding can continue.

Official application source: Department of Military Veterans

The NSFAS website also provides information about the DMV bursary and the qualification restrictions associated with the benefit: NSFAS funder information.

Is the DMV bursary open for 2027?

A confirmed 2027 application deadline should not be assumed without an official announcement from the department.

The DMV has historically announced education-support arrangements through its website, national newspapers and social media. However, the availability of new applications can depend on the department’s budget and funding decisions.

The department’s 2024/25 annual report recorded financial constraints that affected new bursary intakes during that reporting period. This does not establish whether new applications will be accepted for 2027.

Students should therefore check the latest announcement directly with the DMV. Continuing beneficiaries should also confirm the deadline and documents required for renewal.

What should you do if you cannot find an application form?

If there is no current bursary announcement or application form on the website, do not rely on an old form without checking whether it is still accepted.

Instead:

• Contact the department through the official website.
• Ask whether applications for the relevant academic year are open.
• Confirm whether the department is accepting new applicants or only processing continuing beneficiaries.
• Ask which documents are required and how the application must be submitted.
• Keep a record of any guidance received.

This can save you time and help you avoid submitting documents through an outdated or unofficial process.

Common mistakes to avoid

Students applying for the DMV bursary should watch out for the following:

Assuming every dependant qualifies: The veteran’s database registration and the applicant’s relationship must be verified.

Applying for postgraduate funding: The published NSFAS funder information states that postgraduate studies are no longer supported by the DMV.

Using an outdated form: Always check the academic year and instructions on the official website.

Submitting incomplete documents: Missing identity, registration or academic documents may prevent an application from being processed.

Assuming funding is guaranteed: Eligibility does not guarantee an award, especially when funding is limited.

Ignoring renewal requirements: Existing beneficiaries should submit updated information according to the department’s instructions.

Frequently asked questions

Can a child of a military veteran apply for the DMV bursary?

A qualifying dependant may apply if the military veteran meets the registration requirements and the student satisfies the applicable education-support criteria. Supporting documents may be required to prove the relationship.

Does the DMV bursary cover university tuition?

The Education Support Benefit may cover registration and tuition fees at eligible public tertiary institutions, subject to the approved funding arrangements.

Does the DMV fund postgraduate qualifications?

The NSFAS funder information page states that the department no longer supports postgraduate studies. Students should confirm the latest rules with the DMV before planning their funding.

Can TVET college students qualify?

The department provides education support for eligible beneficiaries at public institutions. Applicants should confirm whether their specific TVET college and qualification are covered by the current programme.

Is the DMV bursary the same as NSFAS?

No. The Department of Military Veterans administers a targeted education-support benefit for qualifying military veterans and their dependants. NSFAS is a separate student financial aid scheme and publishes information about the DMV benefit through its funder information page.

Where can I get the official application form?

Visit www.dmv.gov.za and look for the latest education-support announcement. Follow the application instructions published for the relevant academic year.

Related articles on mynsfas.org.za

If you are looking for education funding, these related guides may also be useful:

1. NSFAS Application Guide — Learn about student funding applications, eligibility and required documents.
   Suggested internal link: /nsfas-application/
2. NSFAS Status Check — Find out how to check your application progress and understand common status messages.
   Suggested internal link: /nsfas-status-check/
3. Bursaries for South African Students — Explore other bursary opportunities and learn how to compare their requirements.
   Suggested internal link: /bursaries-south-africa/

Editorial note: Replace the suggested paths with actual published URLs on mynsfas.org.za. Only include internal links that lead to relevant, working pages.

Final thoughts

The Department of Military Veterans’ Education Support Benefit can help qualifying veterans and their dependants access education at eligible public institutions. However, students need to confirm the veteran’s registration, their own eligibility, the qualification restrictions and the current application arrangements before relying on the funding.

If you intend to study in 2027, monitor the department’s official website for the latest announcement. Prepare your documents early, check whether your qualification is eligible and follow the instructions for the relevant academic year.

Disclaimer

mynsfas.org.za is an independent informational website and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or officially connected to the Department of Military Veterans (DMV), the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS), or nsfas.org.za. We publish information to help students understand education funding, bursaries and application processes. Information may change, so readers should confirm eligibility, deadlines and application requirements through official government or institutional channels. This website is for informational purposes only and does not replace official guidance.