SAIIPL Bursary 2026 for Law Students in South Africa (R70,000 Funding)

The South African Institute of Intellectual Property Law has officially opened applications for the SAIIPL Bursary 2026, offering financial support to law students who want to pursue careers in Intellectual Property (IP) Law.

This bursary programme aims to support talented students with financial need and encourage the development of future legal professionals specialising in trade mark, copyright, and patent law in South Africa.

Students currently studying LLB or LLM degrees with an interest in IP law are encouraged to apply before the closing date.

• Bursary Provider: South African Institute of Intellectual Property Law
• Number of Bursaries: 4
• Bursary Value: R70,000 each
• Study Level: LLB or LLM
• Study Field: Intellectual Property Law
• Application Deadline: 31 March 2026

The bursaries are divided into two specialisations:

• 2 Trade Mark and/or Copyright Law bursaries
• 2 Patent Law bursaries

The initiative forms part of SAIIPL's mission to create opportunities for previously disadvantaged students and to strengthen expertise in the specialised field of intellectual property law.

To qualify, applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Be a South African citizen or permanent resident
• Be between 18 and 30 years old
• Be studying LLB or LLM at a recognised South African university
• Demonstrate a strong interest in Intellectual Property Law
• Show academic potential and financial need
• Complete at least one course from the World Intellectual Property Organization academy (such as the DL001 course) and provide proof of completion

Applicants must also be eligible to be admitted as an attorney in South Africa in accordance with the Legal Practice Act.

Areas of intellectual property law covered include:

• Trade Marks
• Copyright
• Geographical Indicators
• Trade Secrets

Applicants must submit the following documents:

• Your interest in IP law
• Whether you are applying for the Trade Mark or Patent bursary
• Your future career goals in intellectual property
• Certified copy of South African ID or passport
• Proof of residence
• Academic transcripts
• Proof of university registration for the current or upcoming academic year
• Documents showing financial need
• Optional recommendation letter

Applicants applying for the Patent Law bursary must also provide proof of a qualification that allows them to write the Patent Examination Regulations examinations.

Applications must be submitted via email to the SAIIPL Executive Officer.

Ensure that all required documents are included before submitting your application.

• Applications Open: Currently open
• Closing Date: 31 March 2026
• Feedback Deadline: 31 July 2026

If applicants do not receive feedback by the end of July 2026, they should consider their application unsuccessful.

The SAIIPL bursary plays an important role in developing legal talent in South Africa, particularly in the growing field of intellectual property law. By supporting promising students financially, the programme helps build a new generation of lawyers who will protect innovation, creativity, and technological advancement.

For students passionate about trade mark, copyright, or patent law, this bursary provides both financial support and an opportunity to enter a specialised and rewarding legal career.