Stellenbosch University Masters and PhD Scholarships 2027

Scholarships for 2027 at Stellenbosch University support Masters and PhD research at the intersection of sustainability transformations and the social implications of AI.

What it offers

• Funding linked to the NRF SARChI chair held by Prof Biggs, covering tuition and reasonable running and travel expenses where possible.
• Two funding levels: Full Cost Study (FCS) for South African citizens/permanent residents who are exceptional achievers, living with a disability, or financially needy (household income ≤ R350 000 per annum), and Partial Cost of Study (PCS) for up to 5% of international students including South African citizens/permanent residents who meet NRF criteria but are not eligible for FCS.
• Successful applicants must complete two non-credit modules at the CST and defend a research proposal within the first year to continue in the second year.

Who can apply

• For Masters: an honours degree with an average of 65% or higher.
• For PhD: a master’s degree with an average of 65% or higher.
• A record of postgraduate study or research in fields relevant to sustainability transformations and AI.
• Strong preference given to South African nationals and under-represented groups.

What you'll do

• Conduct research connecting artificial intelligence and sustainability transformations, considering multiple scales (global, national, regional).
• Be co-supervised by Dr Lloyd Hill and Professor Reinette (Oonsie) Biggs.
• Be an active member of the intellectual communities at the Centre for Sustainability Transitions and the Department of Sociology and Social Anthropology.
• Choose to register within either the Department of Sociology and Social Anthropology or the CST.

How to apply

Applications are a 2-step process:

1. Step 1: Apply to Department

   • Email cstenquiries@sun.ac.za by 16 June 2026 with subject line “PhD/Masters: AI for Sustainability”.
   • Include:
     • Motivation letter detailing academic/work experience, research interests, and ideas.
     • Detailed CV with academic record, work experience, publications, and two academic referees.
     • Transcripts.
     • Copy of ID or passport.
     • One example of recent written work (e.g., journal article or thesis chapter).
   • Interviews will be held on Wednesday afternoon 24 June 2026.

2. Step 2: Apply to NRF

   • Selected candidates will be instructed to apply on the NRF system by 3 July 2026, linking their application to Prof Biggs’ SARChI Chair.

Good to know

• Candidates must be full-time students and cannot hold other salaried employment.
• Successful candidates will be mainly based in Stellenbosch for the duration of their studies.
• Enquiries: cstenquiries@sun.ac.za with subject line “Enquiry: AI for Sustainability”.