SANBI Joan Wrench Kirstenbosch Scholarships 2025

South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) is inviting students from South Africa to apply for the Joan Wrench Kirstenbosch Scholarship for the 2025 academic year.

Application Closing: 04 October 2024 @ 16:00

Scholarship Overview: Support for Honours, Masters, and Doctoral Studies

The Joan Wrench Scholarship is aimed at young South Africans who want to make a difference in the field of biodiversity. The scholarship provides funding for Honours, Masters, and Doctoral studies in projects aligned with SANBI’s mandate and research strategy. The research projects, many of which are based in the Cape Floristic Region and Kirstenbosch Gardens, are critical to SANBI’s work in biodiversity conservation.

Funding Details:

• Honours Programme: R120 000 for 1 year.
• Masters Programme: R150 000 per year for 2 years.
• Doctoral Programme: R180 000 per year for 3 years.

The funding covers both living expenses and tuition fees, with additional project running expenses provided separately.

Eligibility Criteria

Before applying for the SANBI Joan Wrench Scholarship, ensure that you meet the following eligibility requirements:

1. South African Citizen under the age of 35.
2. Pursuing full-time postgraduate studies (Honours, Masters, or Doctoral) in 2025.
3. You must be enrolling in this level of study for the first time.
4. Masters applicants must hold an Honours degree or Postgraduate Diploma.
5. Research must align with SANBI’s mandate, with a focus on the Cape Floristic Region.
6. You must be accepted or provisionally accepted by a university supervisor and at least one SANBI supervisor.
7. Willing to spend at least three months in the Western Cape for fieldwork.
8. Not employed and not receiving any other full scholarships (co-funding will be considered).

How to apply

To apply for the Joan Wrench Scholarship, follow these steps:

1. Complete the online application at the SANBI Joan Wrench Kirstenbosch Scholarship Application 2025
2. Submit the following supporting documents:
   • Certified copy of your ID document.
   • Letter of interest explaining your motivation.
   • Updated Curriculum Vitae.
   • Certified copies of academic transcripts.
   • Certified copy of your highest qualification.
   • Provisional registration letter from your university.
   • Project outline (1 page for Honours, 2 pages for Masters and Doctoral).
   • Two academic reference letters.
   • Letters from your university and SANBI supervisors confirming their supervision.

Why Apply for the Joan Wrench Scholarship?

This prestigious scholarship offers more than just financial support. It provides an opportunity to work alongside some of the best researchers in the biodiversity field and contribute to the conservation of South Africa’s unique ecosystems. Whether you’re aiming to pursue Honours, Masters, or Doctoral studies, this scholarship is your gateway to making a meaningful impact in the world of biodiversity.