GreenMatter Postgraduate Awards for Postgraduate Study in South Africa 2017/2018

 Applications are invited for GreenMatter Postgraduate Awards for study in South Africa. This round of applications is for students who are starting study in the 2018 academic year. 

Application Deadline: 5th November 2017.

Eligible Countries: South Africa

To Be Taken At (Country): South Africa

About the Award: The GreenMatter Fellowship brings together a cohort of dynamic, talented and committed biodiversity practitioners, with the objective of developing and unlocking their potential. It affords participants the opportunity to fully engage in tackling biodiversity issues through their study and career paths, alongside peers who share in that commitment.

As part of the 2018 Fellowship call, GreenMatter and partners are inviting applications for the following named awards.

The 2018 Fellowship call is inviting applications for an award from the following:

Nedbank Eyethu Community Trust:
For students wanting to enroll at a South African University to commence Honours studies in 2018. This award is supported by the Nedbank Eyethu Community Trust and GreenMatter. The cash bursary amount is ZAR 50,000 per year. The Honours coursework and proposed research topic must address GreenMatter Priority Skills Areas (As listed in the table above).

Harry Crossley Foundation/Stellenbosch University/University of Cape Town:
For students wanting to enroll at Stellenbosch University or the University of Cape Town to commence Honours and PhD studies in the 2018 (2nd and 3rd year students are not eligible). This award is supported by the Harry Crossley Foundation, Stellenbosch University, University of Cape Town and GreenMatter. The cash bursary amount is:
Honours: ZAR 35,000 per year
PhD: ZAR 150,000 per year for up to 3 years.
The proposed research topic must address GreenMatter Priority Skills Areas (As listed in the table above).

The Mapula Foundation MSc and PhD Award:
For students wanting to enroll at any South African university to commence Master’s and PhD studies in 2018 (2nd year students are not eligible). This award is supported by The Mapula Foundation and GreenMatter.

Mapula PhD Awards:
The PhD candidate cash bursary amount is ZAR 120,000 per year for three years only. Only PhD studies in the following biosphere reserves will be considered for the Mapula awards:

• Kogelberg Biosphere Reserve
• Cape West Coast Biosphere Reserve
• Cape Winelands Biosphere Reserve
• Kruger to Canyons Biosphere Reserve

The topic of the PhD studies in these biosphere reserves must conduct an assessment of how the management practices in the Biosphere Reserve contribute to region’s biodiversity conservation and meeting the Sustainable Development Goals.

Mapula Master’s Awards:
The Master’s cash bursary amount is ZAR 60,000 per year for two years only. The applicant’s proposed research topic must address one of the priority conservation concerns below:

• Project One: Vhembe Biosphere Reserve
  
• Project Two: Waterberg Biosphere Reserve:

Type: Fellowship

Eligibility: Applicants must be:

• A national of South Africa;
• In possession of an undergraduate Degree, Honours Degree, or Master’s Degree;
• Seeking funding for a full-time postgraduate programme;
• Able to motivate how your field of study aligns to the GreenMatter priority skill areas identified.

Please apply only if you are eligible.

Selection Criteria: Your application will be assessed on the basis of the information given in the application form. We apply the following criteria:

• Relevance in terms of priority skills
• Leadership Competencies
• Academic Record and References
• Transformation and Access to Opportunity
• Application form Applicants should:
  • Demonstrate a good command of the English language;
  • Answer all of the questions properly and completely; and
  • Complete the application and upload all supporting documents in a timely manner.

Number of Awards: Not specified

Value of Award: A GreenMatter postgraduate award provides holistic support in the form of:

• a cash contribution towards costs of living, study fees, and research costs; and
• the opportunity to access mentoring support, career guidance and platforms to engage in learning networks.

How to Apply: 

1. Download the Guideline Document below.
2. Fill in the Application form below.
3. Return the Application and ALL supporting documentation to janavi@greenmatter.co.za by the 5th of November 2017.

Visit the Program Webpage for Details

Award Providers: GreenMatter

Important Notes: Please note that funding for subsequent years is not guaranteed and students will be required to submit an application for extension at the end of each year.