Key Facts
- Status
- Check Provider for Dates
- Provider
- Field of Study
- Study Level
Eligibility Requirements
- A Diploma in Horticulture at NQF level 6
- Provisional acceptance for Advanced Diploma in Horticulture studies
- A special aptitude for botany and research on indigenous flora
- A research project that is relevant to SANBI's mandate
- Willing to be based at Kirstenbosch in Cape Town for the scholarship
Documents Needed
- The standard application form
- A letter of application explaining why you should be considered
- Certified copies of your ID, academic record and highest qualification
- Two letters of academic reference
- Proof of provisional acceptance for your studies
About SANBI Kirstenbosch Scholarship
The Kirstenbosch Scholarship helps horticulture students study and do research on South Africa's indigenous plants while they live and work at the Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden in Cape Town. The South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) offers the scholarship.
The scholarship was established in 1966, through the generosity of Ms Yvonne Eustasie Partfitt, to enable suitably qualified candidates to help preserve the indigenous flora of South Africa. Only projects that are relevant to SANBI's mandate, and that it has identified as a priority, are considered.
The most recent call that we found was for study in 2024 and 2025, and it was only for the Advanced Diploma in Horticulture. Successful candidates were told by 30 November 2023. There is no current call on this page, so check SANBI's website for the next one.
Funding Details
In the most recent call, the scholarship was worth R80,000 a year to cover living expenses. Scholars also received accommodation at the Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden at a minimal fee, and SANBI paid tuition fees separately.
Living and working at Kirstenbosch gives scholars practical experience in one of the world's best-known botanical gardens, and the chance to work on research that supports the conservation of South Africa's indigenous plants.
Each scholar signs an agreement with SANBI. SANBI reserves the right not to fill the scholarship.
Where You Can Study
You study at a university that offers the Advanced Diploma in Horticulture, but you are based at the Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden in Cape Town for the duration of the scholarship. SANBI does not pay for your transport to and from Cape Town at the start and end of the scholarship.
The 2024 call listed research projects such as propagation studies on endangered Protea and Aspalathus species, and the role of Kirstenbosch in conserving threatened species. Candidates with other project ideas could check with SANBI whether their proposal was suitable before applying.
About South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI)
About SANBI The South African National Biodiversity Institute, known as SANBI, is the public body that leads the country's work on biodiversity knowledge. It was set up under the National Environmental Management: Biodiv…
View full provider profile →- Phone
- 012 002 5200
Fields of Study & Who Can Apply
The scholarship is for horticulture students with a special aptitude for botany and for research on indigenous flora. In the most recent call, applicants needed:
- A Diploma in Horticulture at NQF level 6
- Provisional acceptance from a university for Advanced Diploma in Horticulture studies
Earlier versions of the scholarship funded a BTech or Advanced Diploma in Horticulture over two years, for applicants who held a National Diploma in Horticulture.
Application Procedure
In the most recent call, applicants sent their application form and documents by email, with "Kirstenbosch Scholarship" and the years of study in the subject line, to the Institute of Environment and Recreation Management, which handled applications for SANBI. If you do not hear back within 30 days of the closing date, you can assume your application was unsuccessful.
Check SANBI's student and intern programmes page for the next call, and contact SANBI before you apply if you want to propose your own project.
Questions about this application?
Contact South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) directly:
Last verified:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is the Kirstenbosch Scholarship?
The latest call offered R80,000 a year for living costs, low-cost accommodation, and tuition paid separately.
Who can apply?
Holders of a Diploma in Horticulture who have provisional acceptance for an Advanced Diploma in Horticulture.
Where do Kirstenbosch scholars live?
At the Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden in Cape Town.
Is the Kirstenbosch Scholarship open now?
No current call was published when we checked. The latest call was for 2024 and 2025.
