Introduction
Stellenbosch University Postgraduate Scholarship Programme (PSP) for 2025 – Stellenbosch University (SU), one of Africa’s leading research-intensive institutions, is now accepting applications for its prestigious Postgraduate Scholarship Programme (PSP) for the year 2025. This programme is aimed at supporting master’s and doctoral students, both locally and globally, to advance their research careers. The PSP is designed to align with SU’s vision of cultivating top-tier research talent in various disciplines.
The university offers full and partial scholarships to students, with awards granted based on faculty-specific criteria. To apply, candidates must follow two separate application processes: first, apply for admission into a postgraduate programme, and then apply for the PSP. Below are the details regarding eligibility, scholarship amounts, application requirements, and processes.
Key Details
- Location: Stellenbosch, South Africa
- Application Deadline: 31 October 2024
- Host University: Stellenbosch University
- Scholarship Type: Full and partial scholarships
- Eligible Countries: Open to applicants worldwide
- Scholarship Coverage: Includes Honours, Master’s, and Doctoral students
Faculties Offering Scholarships
The PSP scholarships are available across various faculties, each with specific criteria for eligibility. The faculties participating in the programme include:
- Faculty of AgriScience
- Faculty of Arts & Social Science
- Faculty of Economic & Management Sciences
- Faculty of Education
- Faculty of Engineering
- Faculty of Law
- Faculty of Medicine & Health Sciences
- Faculty of Military Science
- Faculty of Science
- Faculty of Theology
Scholarship Eligibility Criteria
The PSP is open to full-time postgraduate students across multiple disciplines, with certain restrictions and requirements. Key eligibility factors include:
- Master’s and Doctoral Applicants: Must submit a research proposal (or concept note) and provide evidence of academic writing ability, such as a thesis or mini-thesis.
- Minimum Grade Requirements:
- Honours: Minimum of 70% in the final year of undergraduate studies.
- Master’s: Minimum of 65% in Honours or equivalent.
- Doctoral: Minimum of 65% in the Master’s degree.
- Full-time Study Requirement: Part-time students, those pursuing postgraduate diplomas, or individuals already holding degrees at the same or higher level are ineligible.
- Employment Status: Full-time employment or working more than 20 hours per week disqualifies candidates.
Additionally, successful candidates cannot hold another full scholarship simultaneously. Funding continuation depends on satisfactory academic progress.
Scholarship Amounts
The scholarship amounts vary depending on the level of study and the faculty. Below is a general breakdown:
- Honours: R70,000 – R140,000 (for one year)
- Master’s: R75,000 – R150,000 per year (up to 2 years)
- Doctoral: R80,000 – R160,000 per year (up to 3 years)
Note: The scholarship amounts may vary based on funding availability and faculty-specific guidelines.
Application Process
The application process for the Stellenbosch University PSP requires completing two separate steps:
Step 1: Apply for Postgraduate Study
Prospective students must first apply for admission into their desired postgraduate programme at Stellenbosch University. Information on admission requirements and procedures can be found on SU’s Postgraduate Studies website.
Step 2: Apply for the PSP Scholarship
Once the postgraduate programme application is submitted, candidates can apply for the PSP. Applications must meet the faculty-specific requirements listed below.
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Faculty-Specific Criteria and Requirements
Each faculty has distinct requirements for the PSP scholarship, as outlined below.
Faculty of AgriScience
- Eligibility: Full-time Honours, Master’s, and Doctoral students.
- Scholarship Requirements: Master’s students must prepare at least one peer-reviewed journal article; doctoral students must prepare at least two.
- Funding:
- Honours: R110,000 (one year)
- Master’s: R130,000 per year (up to 2 years)
- Doctoral: R140,000 per year (up to 3 years)
Faculty of Arts & Social Sciences
- Eligibility: Honours applicants must have 70% in their chosen subject.
- Scholarship Requirements: Prepare at least one article (Master’s) or two articles (Doctoral) for peer-reviewed journals.
- Funding:
- Honours: R70,000 – R140,000
- Master’s: R75,000 – R150,000 p.a.
- Doctoral: R80,000 – R160,000 p.a.
Faculty of Economic & Management Sciences
- Eligibility: Minimum 60% average for Honours; 65% for Master’s and Doctoral.
- Scholarship Requirements: Same publication expectations as other faculties.
- Funding:
- Honours: R70,000
- Master’s: R75,000 – R150,000 p.a.
- Doctoral: R80,000 – R160,000 p.a.
Faculty of Education
- Eligibility: Full-time students in research-based Master’s and Doctoral programmes.
- Funding:
- Honours: R90,000 – R140,000 (one year)
- Master’s: R50,000 – R150,000 p.a.
- Doctoral: R50,000 – R160,000 p.a.
Faculty of Engineering
- Eligibility: Open to South African citizens. International students may apply if accepted by a supervisor.
- Funding:
- Master’s: Up to R90,000 + 50% co-funding
- Doctoral: Up to R100,000 + 50% co-funding
Faculty of Law
- Eligibility: LLM and LLD students with approved research proposals.
- Funding:
- LLM: R75,000 – R150,000 p.a.
- LLD: R80,000 – R160,000 p.a.
Faculty of Medicine & Health Sciences
- Eligibility: Minimum of 65% in the final undergraduate year or the previous degree.
- Funding:
- Honours: R70,000 – R140,000
- Master’s: R75,000 – R150,000 p.a.
- Doctoral: R80,000 – R160,000 p.a.
Faculty of Military Science
- Eligibility: Preference for South African Defence members; minimum 65% in the previous degree.
- Funding:
- Master’s: R75,000 – R150,000 p.a.
- Doctoral: R80,000 – R160,000 p.a.
Faculty of Science
- Eligibility: Minimum of 65% in the previous degree.
- Funding:
- Honours: R70,000 – R140,000
- Master’s: R75,000 – R150,000 p.a.
- Doctoral: R80,000 – R160,000 p.a.
Faculty of Theology
- Eligibility: Open to MTh and Doctoral students. Preference for research aligning with faculty priorities.
- Funding:
- MTh: R50,000 – R150,000 p.a.
- Doctoral: R50,000 – R160,000 p.a.
Required Documents
To apply for the PSP, students must submit the following documents:
- Copy of ID/Passport
- Academic Writing Sample: Thesis or mini-thesis for Master’s and Doctoral applicants.
- Certified Academic Records and Degree Certificates
- 1-page Pre-Proposal (Master’s and Doctoral Applicants): A research proposal or concept note.
- Letter of Support: From a prospective supervisor at SU.
- Academic CV: Highlighting publications, awards, and relevant experience.
Applicants are required to combine these documents into a single PDF file before submission.
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Scholarship Continuation Requirements
- Publication Requirements: Master’s students must submit at least one article to a peer-reviewed journal, while Doctoral students must submit two articles.
- Progress Reports: Continued funding is contingent on satisfactory progress throughout the programme.
How to Apply
- Step 1: Apply for admission to a postgraduate programme at Stellenbosch University via their Postgraduate Studies page.
- Step 2: Apply for the PSP through the relevant faculty. Links to individual faculty requirements can be found on SU’s official call for the PSP.
