SAWISE Angus Scholarship

About SAWISE

SAWISE is the Association of South African Women in Science and Engineering. It exists to help women take up and stay in scientific and technical careers. The association is linked to the University of Cape Town, where its scholarship programme is run. It supports its members through networking, mentoring and recognition. The Angus Scholarship is the best-known part of its funding work.

Women remain a minority in many science and engineering fields in South Africa. Furthermore, many drop out between undergraduate study and senior positions. This pattern is often called the leaky pipeline. SAWISE tries to close some of those leaks.

How the Angus Scholarship supports students

The SAWISE Angus Scholarship is worth R15,000 for one year of full-time study. That is a modest sum compared with a full bursary. However, it can matter a great deal at a critical point. It targets women who are in their final stretch, when fees, living costs and the pull of paid work push many to leave.

The award is aimed at black women from sub-Saharan Africa. South African applicants are given preference. You should be in an honours year, or in an equivalent final year such as the fourth year of an engineering degree. You must also hold an academic average of 70% or higher. Any field of science and engineering may qualify, though you should check the current notice for the exact list.

Because the sum is small, think of it as a top-up. It can help with fees, books, equipment or living costs, and it can sit alongside other funding. Some students use it to offset the cost of a research project.

What to know before applying

The application package is simple but strict. You need to send a completed application form, a current CV and an official academic transcript covering all completed years. You must also write a letter of motivation of about 350 words and provide a certified copy of your ID. Missing items can lead to a rejected application, so check each one twice.

Reported deadlines in recent years fell in mid-November. However, these dates can change, so confirm the closing date on the SAWISE website at the University of Cape Town. The association has also asked successful candidates to become active members of SAWISE. This is a way of giving back, and it is not a financial debt.

There is no work-back obligation. You are free to continue to postgraduate study or enter any career once you finish. Use your letter of motivation well. Explain what you study, why it matters to you and how the money would help you finish. Specific, honest detail will stand out in a strong pool of candidates.