The Stellenbosch University Postgraduate Scholarship Programme (PSP) 2026 is one of the university’s flagship funding opportunities. Designed to support outstanding postgraduate students, the programme strengthens the institution’s vision of being a leading research-intensive university by nurturing a new generation of researchers.
Applications for the 2026 Postgraduate Scholarship Programme open on 1 September 2025 and close on 31 October 2025.
Key Dates
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Opening Date: 1 September 2025
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Closing Date: 31 October 2025
About the Scholarship
The PSP provides financial support to selected full-time postgraduate students pursuing Honours, Master’s, and Doctoral studies at Stellenbosch University. Funding is awarded competitively, based on academic excellence, research potential, and faculty-specific criteria.
Applicants should note that there are two separate application processes:
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Application for admission to postgraduate studies.
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Application for the PSP scholarship.
Both processes must be completed to be considered for funding.
Scholarship Values
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Honours: R110,000 for one registered year
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Master’s: R140,000 per year for up to two registered years
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Doctoral: R160,000 per year for up to three registered years
Note: Scholarship values may vary based on available funding. Continuation of funding is subject to satisfactory academic progress.
Eligibility Criteria
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Applicants must intend to register as full-time students.
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Master’s and Doctoral applicants must have achieved at least 70% in their previous degree or current progress mark.
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Honours applicants must have achieved at least 70% in the subject they plan to specialize in.
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Applicants may not hold a qualification at the same or a higher degree level.
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Candidates working full-time or more than 20 hours per week are not eligible.
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Awardees may not hold another full scholarship at the same time.
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Continued funding depends on progress reports.
Research output expectations:
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Master’s students: At least one article submitted to a peer-reviewed journal.
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Doctoral students: At least two articles submitted to peer-reviewed journals.
Application Process
Follow these steps to apply:
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Explore postgraduate programme options via the Prospective Postgraduate Student website. Review available programmes and their entry requirements.
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Apply for admission to your chosen postgraduate programme and confirm which faculty it falls under.
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Check faculty-specific criteria in the official call document. Each faculty has unique requirements.
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Apply for the PSP via the correct application link for your faculty. Links are available in the call document.
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Attach proof of NSFAS or ISFAP funding if you previously received such support during your undergraduate studies.
Required Application Documents
Applicants must upload all documents as a single PDF:
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Copy of ID or passport (for international students).
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Official copy of thesis, mini-thesis, or academic writing sample.
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Preliminary research idea (max. 500 words) for Master’s and Doctoral applicants, highlighting the unique contribution of the research.
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Certified copies of complete academic records and degree certificates (if completed outside Stellenbosch University).
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Recommendation letter from a prospective supervisor.
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Concise academic CV including:
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Research publications (if applicable).
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Awards or grants.
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Professional experience.
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Skills and languages.
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Faculties Eligible for PSP Applications
Applicants must read their faculty-specific criteria before completing the online application form.
Important Notes
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Scholarships are conditional on meeting both the scholarship criteria and the admission requirements of the relevant programme.
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The university may request additional information before making a final decision.
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Students receiving the maximum full scholarship may not receive additional or supplementary funding.
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Late, incomplete, or inaccurate applications will not be considered.
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If no response is received within three months of the closing date, the application should be regarded as unsuccessful.
Contact Information
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General Enquiries: postgradfunding@sun.ac.za
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Coordinator (Institutional Scholarships): Ms. Micah Dyeres | micah@sun.ac.za
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General Contact: Mr. Jongisizwe Ndlebe | postgradfunding@sun.ac.za
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SU Client Contact Centre: 021 808 9111 | info@sun.ac.za
Useful Links:
Final Reminder
The Stellenbosch University Postgraduate Scholarship Programme (PSP) is a competitive and prestigious funding opportunity for Honours, Master’s, and Doctoral students. To maximize your chances of success:
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Start your application early.
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Follow all faculty-specific criteria.
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Submit a complete, accurate, and thorough application before the 31 October 2025 deadline.
- For more info please visit: http://www.sun.ac.za/english/research-innovation/Research-Development/postgraduate-funding-support
