Key Facts
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- Applications Closed
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Eligibility Requirements
- Current or prospective full-time honours, master's or doctoral student at Stellenbosch University
- Not working full-time or more than 20 hours a week
- Usually at least 65% in your previous degree, or in the relevant subject for honours
- Meets the criteria of your faculty and the admission requirements of your programme
Documents Needed
- The online application form for your faculty
- For master's and doctoral applicants, a concept note or preliminary research idea, usually of no more than 500 words
- A letter of support from a prospective supervisor
- Proof of NSFAS or ISFAP funding during your undergraduate degree, if this applies
- Any other documents that your faculty asks for, such as a motivation letter or an academic CV
About Stellenbosch University Postgraduate Scholarship Programme
The Stellenbosch University Postgraduate Scholarship Programme (PSP) funds full-time honours, master's and doctoral students at Stellenbosch University. It is one of the university's flagship scholarship programmes, and it aims to support emerging research talent among its postgraduate students.
The programme supports Stellenbosch University's vision of becoming a leading research-intensive university. Each faculty sets its own criteria and scholarship values, so the terms depend on what and where you study.
For 2027, applications opened on 10 August 2026 and closed on 30 September 2026. The university says that applicants who do not hear back within three months of the closing date should consider their application unsuccessful.
Funding Details
Scholarship values differ by faculty. In many faculties, the 2027 call offered:
- Honours: R70,000 to R140,000 for one registered year
- Master's: R75,000 to R150,000 a year for up to two registered years
- Doctoral: R80,000 to R170,000 a year for up to three registered years
Some faculties pay a fixed amount, such as R170,000 a year for doctoral students. Students who receive the full scholarship value may not receive extra funding from other sources.
The scholarship comes with expectations. Master's awardees are expected to prepare at least one submission-ready article for a peer-reviewed journal, and doctoral awardees at least two.
Where You Can Study
The scholarship is for study at Stellenbosch University, in any of its ten faculties: AgriSciences, Arts and Social Sciences, Economic and Management Sciences, Education, Engineering, Law, Medicine and Health Sciences, Military Science, Science and Theology.
Each faculty has its own application link and criteria in the call document, so read the section for your faculty carefully.
About Stellenbosch University
About Stellenbosch University Stellenbosch University (SU) is a public research university in the Western Cape. Its main campus is in the town of Stellenbosch, and it also has campuses at Tygerberg, Bellville Park, Salda…
View full provider profile →Fields of Study & Who Can Apply
The programme is open to current and prospective honours, master's and doctoral students who intend to study full-time at Stellenbosch University. Students who work full-time, or who work more than 20 hours a week, are not eligible.
Applicants need strong results. In most faculties, master's and doctoral applicants must have achieved at least 65% in their previous degree, and honours applicants need at least 65% in the subject they want to specialise in. Some faculties set higher marks, such as 70%, for some programmes.
Some faculties give preference to South African citizens. If you were funded by NSFAS or ISFAP during your undergraduate degree, attach proof with your application.
Application Procedure
- Choose your postgraduate programme on Stellenbosch University's prospective postgraduate student website.
- Apply for admission to the programme. This is a separate application from the scholarship.
- Find your faculty's criteria in the PSP call document.
- Apply for the scholarship through your faculty's application link before the closing date.
Late, incomplete or inaccurate applications are not considered. For questions, email psp@sun.ac.za or postgradfunding@sun.ac.za.
Applications for this cycle have closed. Check the provider's site for the next intake.
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Questions about this application?
Contact Stellenbosch University directly:
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Frequently Asked Questions
When does the Stellenbosch PSP close?
For 2027, it closed on 30 September 2026.
How much is the PSP doctoral scholarship?
In many faculties, R80,000 to R170,000 a year for up to three years.
Can part-time students apply?
No. Students who work full-time or more than 20 hours a week are not eligible.
Is the scholarship application separate from admission?
Yes. You must apply for admission and for the scholarship separately.
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