Key Facts
- Status
- Applications Closed
- Provider
- Field of Study
- Study Level
- Academic Year
-
2026
- Application Closes
-
Eligibility Requirements
- South African citizen
- A degree at the level that the post requires
- Keen interest in biodiversity conservation
- Not enrolled for a higher degree during the internship
- One application per person
Documents Needed
- Completed online application cover sheet
- Letter of interest and a full CV
- Certified academic record and highest qualification
- Certified copy of your ID
- Letter of academic reference
About SANBI Joan Wrench Scholarship
The SANBI Joan Wrench Scholarship fund supports practical training and study in biodiversity at Kirstenbosch in Cape Town. The South African National Biodiversity Institute set up the fund in 2018. Its latest call offered paid internships from April 2026 to March 2027, and it closed on 6 March 2026.
The call differs from a normal bursary, because it pays a monthly stipend for hands-on work rather than university fees. So it suits recent graduates who want experience before they choose their next step.
Funding Details
The 2026 call paid a monthly stipend. The figure was R8,349 for a Bachelor's graduate, R9,876 for an Honours graduate and R11,385 for a Master's graduate. The call covered a period of 12 months, from 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2027.
You also gain direct experience with SANBI's scientists and its projects. The call does not mention accommodation or relocation help, so budget for living costs in Cape Town if you move there. It also does not describe a work-back, and a placement does not guarantee a job afterwards.
SANBI said that it would notify successful candidates by 23 March 2026. If you heard nothing within 60 days of the closing date, your application was unsuccessful. SANBI also awards these posts in line with national equity targets, and it may choose not to fill them.
Where You Can Study
The internships take place at Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden in Newlands, Cape Town, not at a university. The call says that interns may not enrol for higher degrees during the internship. So you cannot combine this placement with a Master's or a PhD at the same time.
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 2026 call looked for graduates in biodiversity fields. One post on the response to illegal succulent trade required a Bachelor's degree in botany or biodiversity conservation. Another, on biological invasions and ecological restoration, required an Honours or Master's degree in ecology.
Master's graduates in botany or zoology could also apply for work on species assessment, bioinformatics or molecular laboratory work. SANBI asked for enthusiasm and a keen interest in biodiversity conservation, and it did not need prior work experience. However, a strong academic record counted in your favour, and so did a driving licence with at least one year's experience, because of the fieldwork.
Expect the fields to change between calls. SANBI builds each round around current projects, so read the new list closely rather than assuming that your degree still fits.
Application Procedure
Watch the SANBI site for the next call, and read the 2026 call to see what to expect. Complete the online cover sheet and submit your documents. The window can be short, since the last one opened in late February and closed in early March. For questions, contact f.conrad@sanbi.org.za or r.dutoit@sanbi.org.za.
Applications for this cycle have closed. Check the provider's site for the next intake.
- Closes
-
Questions about this application?
Contact South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) directly:
Last verified:
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Joan Wrench Scholarship open now?
No. The latest call closed on 6 March 2026.
Can I study while on the internship?
No. Interns may not enrol for higher degrees during the placement.
How much does it pay?
The 2026 call paid between R8,349 and R11,385 a month.
