SAIIPL Bursary South Africa 2026

 

ABOUT THE BURSARY PROVIDER – SAIIPL

The South African Institute of Intellectual Property Law (SAIIPL) is a professional body that represents and supports practitioners working in the field of intellectual property (IP) law in South Africa. The organisation promotes high standards of expertise and ethical practice in specialised areas such as trade mark, copyright, and patent law, while also contributing to the development of the country’s IP legal framework.
 

ABOUT THE SAIIPL BURSARY PROGRAMME – FIELDS COVERED

The South African Institute of Intellectual Property Law (SAIIPL) is inviting students to apply for their bursary programme, for the 2026 academic year.

4 bursaries will be awarded for LLB and LLM studies, with a strong interest in Intellectual Property (IP). 2 bursaries will be awarded for each of the following areas:

  • Patent Law
  • Trade Mark and/or Copyright Law

 

** RELATED BURSARIES **

 

MORE ABOUT THE SAIIPL BURSARY PROGRAMME – VALUE & SELECTION

Bursaries will be awarded to the value of R70 000 each. Funding may be applied towards any outstanding fees for the academic year.

This initiative forms part of SAIIPL’s commitment to creating opportunities for previously disadvantaged students to pursue a career in Intellectual Property (IP) law. The programme aims to support and develop the next generation of legal professionals specialising in trade mark, copyright, and patent law.

Shortlisted candidates will be contacted by no later than 31 July 2026. If you do not receive any feedback by this date, please consider your application unsuccessful.

www.zabursaries.co.za is committed to keeping you up to date with the latest bursary opportunities, and this article covers all details about the SAIIPL bursary.
 

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS FOR THE SAIIPL BURSARY

Applicants must satisfy the following minimum entry criteria before applying (please note that failure to satisfy all the requirements will lead to your application not being considered):

  • You must be a South African citizen or permanent resident in South Africa
  • You must be between 18 and 30 years old
  • You must be studying towards an LLB or LLM degree, at a recognised university in South Africa
  • You must have strong academic potential
  • You must be eligible to be admitted as an attorney in South Africa, as defined under Section 24(1)(b) of the Legal Practice Act, No. 28 of 2014
  • You must have completed at least one course offered by the World Intellectual Property Organisation
    (such as the DL001 free course) and provide proof of completion of the course (see WIPO Academy here)
  • You must have a strong interest in Intellectual Property Law, including but not limited to Trade Marks, Copyright, Designs, Patents, Indigenous Knowledge, Plant Breeders Rights, Geographical Indicators, and Trade Secrets
  • You must have proven financial need

 

HOW TO APPLY FOR THE SAIIPL BURSARY

Students who meet the above criteria, may apply via email to: saiipl@saiipl.co.za
(Insert the words “SAIIPL Bursary 2026” in the email subject line. Applications must be marked for the attention of: Ms Michelle Macguire).

Note: there is no application form to be completed for this bursary application – students need only submit the list of documents below to apply.
 

Submit clear copies of the following supporting documentation along with your application email (the submission of these documents is compulsory – if any items are missing, your application may be disqualified):

  • ID document or passport (certified copy)
  • Academic transcripts for all years of study (certified copy)
  • Proof of registration for the current/upcoming academic year
  • Proof of residence
  • Proof of financial need (household income)
  • Curriculum vitae (CV)
  • Motivational letter, indicating the following: 1) your interest in IP Law, 2) whether you are applying for the Trade Mark or Patent bursary, 3) your career aspirations in the IP field (maximum 500 words)
  • Consent to an open and honest interview and publication thereof
  • Letter of recommendation (optional)
  • Patent bursary application: copy of your relevant qualification that qualifies you to enrol for the examinations prescribed by the Patent Examination Regulations, 2003

 

CLOSING DATE FOR THE SAIIPL BURSARY

31 March 2026.
(Applications submitted after this date will not be accepted – please apply before the closing date to ensure your application is considered.)
 

CONTACT THE BURSARY PROVIDER

For any queries related to this bursary programme, please contact SAIIPL directly:
Contact person: Ms Michelle Macguire (The Executive Officer)
Email: saiipl@saiipl.co.za
Tel: 073 625 0468
 

Please do NOT contact SAIIPL if this bursary has already closed. View our other bursaries open for application here: https://www.zabursaries.co.za/bursary-news/

This bursary listing was last updated in March 2026.

SA Bursaries wishes you the best of luck with your application! Please remember to SHARE this page with anyone you know who may be in need of bursary funding.