Website South African International Maritime Institute (SAIMI)
The South African International Maritime Institute (SAIMI) is facilitating the development of the skills and knowledge base required to ensure the success of the “Blue Economy” maritime economic development initiatives such as Operation Phakisa and the African Union’s African Integrated Maritime Strategy. SAIMI serves South Africa and the African continent by promoting skills development, education, training and research that supports growth of the blue economy. SAIMI’s purpose, structure and programmes are based on extensive stakeholder consultation together with the findings of a detailed feasibility study and business plan commissioned by the South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA) in collaboration with the Department of Transport (DoT) and Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET).
The South African International Maritime Institute (SAIMI) bursary program is designed to support Black female students in pursuing maritime-related qualifications at various levels—Undergraduate, Honours, Masters, or PhD—and to help them build successful careers in the oceans economy.
Coverage Value & Benefits
The bursary provides full coverage for:
- Tuition fees
- Textbooks
- Subsidized accommodation and meal allowance
Additionally, recipients will have the opportunity to:
- Attend SAIMI-hosted conferences and selected local maritime events
- Engage with organized bodies in maritime and science fields
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must meet the following criteria:
Undergraduate Students:
- Must be a South African citizen
- Aged between 17 and 30 years
- Female student from a previously disadvantaged, designated group (Black Africans, Coloureds, and Indians as per the Black Economic Empowerment Act of 2003)
- Must be currently in Matric or have completed Matric
- Must be studying or provisionally accepted to study a full-time maritime-related undergraduate qualification at an accredited tertiary institution in South Africa
- Must have a minimum overall average of 70% if currently studying; achieved A and B symbols in Matric
- Must fall within the “missing middle” financial category (parents’ combined income between R350 000 and R600 000 per year)
Honours and Masters Students:
- Must be a South African citizen
- Female student from a previously disadvantaged, designated group
- Must be studying a maritime-related qualification at an accredited tertiary institution in South Africa
- Must have completed at least one year of study, with a minimum average of 70% at the undergraduate level and 65% at the Honours level
- Must fall within the “missing middle” financial category (parents’ combined income between R350 000 and R600 000 per year)
PhD Students:
- Must be a South African citizen
- Female student from a previously disadvantaged, designated group
- Must be pursuing a maritime-related qualification at an accredited tertiary institution in South Africa
How to apply
Download and complete the relevant application form:
SAIMI Bursary Application Form 2025 (Undergraduate student) (.pdf)
SAIMI Bursary Application Form 2025 (Honours or Masters student) (.pdf)
SAIMI Bursary Application Form 2025 (PhD student) (.pdf)
Applications must be submitted via email to: [email protected]
(Insert the words “SAIMI Bursary 2025” in the email subject line).
