Varies: typically between R30,000 and R150,000 depending on the level of study and the specific award tier
Duration
1 year for Honours, up to 2 years for Master's, and up to 3 years for Doctoral studies
Deadline
31 October annually (Main call for next academic year)
Level
Honours, Master's, and Doctoral (PhD)
Acceptance
Varies by faculty and department
Difficulty
High
Quick Summary
Stellenbosch University Postgraduate Scholarship Programme (PSP) is a fully funded scholarship offered by Stellenbosch University (SU) for students pursuing studies in South Africa. The award covers The scholarship provides a financial contribution towards tuition fees, registration fees, and living expenses. It is structured to support high-achieving students who may also demonstrate financial need. and is open to honours, master's, and doctoral (phd) students studying all faculties including agrisciences, arts and social sciences, economic and management sciences, education, engineering, law, medicine and health sciences, military science, science, and theology. The scholarship runs for 1 year for honours, up to 2 years for master's, and up to 3 years for doctoral studies. Eligibility is generally based on high-achieving students with a minimum 70% academic average entering full-time postgraduate programs at Stellenbosch University. The application deadline is 31 October annually (Main call for next academic year), with an acceptance rate of approximately Varies by faculty and department. Applicants are encouraged to review the official eligibility criteria carefully before starting their application.
✨ Should I Apply for Stellenbosch University Postgraduate Scholarship Programme (PSP)?
Instant AI-powered application intelligence
72%
Eligibility Match
20%
Win Probability
7/10
Difficulty
10/10
Reward Score
30-45 hrs
Time Required
Competitive (High volume of applicants relative to available funds)
Competition
🌍 Overview
💰
Award Amount
Varies: typically between R30,000 and R150,000 depending on the level of study and the specific award tier
⏳
Duration
1 year for Honours, up to 2 years for Master's, and up to 3 years for Doctoral studies
📅
Deadline
31 October annually (Main call for next academic year)
🔬
Fields
All faculties including AgriSciences, Arts and Social Sciences, Economic and Management Sciences, Education, Engineering, Law, Medicine and Health Sciences, Military Science, Science, and Theology
🏆
Awards/Year
Varies annually based on institutional budget and donor availability
🌏
Study Country
South Africa
🏛️
Provider
Stellenbosch University (SU)
📊
Acceptance
Varies by faculty and department
The Stellenbosch University Postgraduate Scholarship Programme (PSP) is the university's flagship funding initiative for postgraduate students. It aims to support students who have achieved academic distinction by providing financial assistance for Honours, Master's, and Doctoral studies. The program is divided into merit-based and need-based components to ensure both excellence and equity in higher education access.
👥 Who Should Apply
High-achieving students with a minimum 70% academic average entering full-time postgraduate programs at Stellenbosch University.
🏛️ Host University
Stellenbosch University
🤝 Sponsor
Stellenbosch University Postgraduate Office
🔬 Fields of Study
All faculties including AgriSciences, Arts and Social Sciences, Economic and Management Sciences, Education, Engineering, Law, Medicine and Health Sciences, Military Science, Science, and Theology
✨ Key Benefits
The scholarship provides a financial contribution towards tuition fees, registration fees, and living expenses. It is structured to support high-achieving students who may also demonstrate financial need.
🎯 Target Students
Domestic and International students (preference to South African citizens)
Varies (Thousands of applicants across all postgraduate levels)
Applicants Last Year
Varies (Detailed in the University’s Annual Integrated Report)
Winners
Varies by faculty and department
Acceptance Rate
Competitive (High volume of applicants relative to available funds)
Competition Level
Win Probability
20%
Match Score
72%
Competition
75%
💸 Funding Breakdown
Tuition
Yes (Partial or Full contribution towards tuition fees)
Living Stipend
Yes (Included in the total award amount allocated for the academic year)
Total Award
Varies: typically between R30,000 and R150,000 depending on the level of study and the specific award tier
✈️ Travel: Varies (Specific departmental research grants may provide additional travel funding)🏠 Accommodation: Yes (Funds can be utilized for university or private accommodation)💊 Health Insurance: Check official website (Usually not included; required separately for international students)🔄 Renewable: Yes (Subject to academic performance and availability of funds)💳 App Fee: R100 for South African citizens; R100 for International students (General University Application Fee)
🎓 Tuition Coverage
Yes (Partial or Full contribution towards tuition fees)
🏠 Living Stipend
Yes (Included in the total award amount allocated for the academic year)
🏡 Accommodation
Yes (Funds can be utilized for university or private accommodation)
✈️ Travel Allowance
Varies (Specific departmental research grants may provide additional travel funding)
💊 Health Insurance
Check official website (Usually not included; required separately for international students)
🎁 Other Benefits
Research allowance for specific Doctoral candidates and access to postgraduate development workshops
🔄 Renewable
Yes (Subject to academic performance and availability of funds)
📋 Renewal Conditions
Maintenance of a minimum 65-70% average and submission of a satisfactory annual progress report from the supervisor
✅ Eligibility Requirements
🌍 Eligible Nationalities
Minimum 70% average in the previous degree; must be applied for full-time postgraduate study at SU; primarily open to South African citizens and permanent residents, though limited spots are available for international students.
🎓 Academic Level
Honours, Master's, and Doctoral (PhD)
📊 Minimum GPA
70% (Equivalent to a 3.3 - 3.5 GPA on a 4.0 scale)
🗣️ English Requirement
Must meet Stellenbosch University's general English language proficiency requirements for admission
🍢 Age Limit
Check official website (Preference is often given to younger researchers under 35 for Master's and 40 for PhD)
💼 Work Experience
Not required
🏆 Leadership
Not a primary requirement, but leadership roles are viewed favorably in the merit assessment
💰 Financial Need
Considered for the Merit-cum-Need category (requires proof of household income)
🎯 Target Students
Domestic and International students (preference to South African citizens)
📝 Application Requirements
Essay / SOP
Yes (A research outline for Master's and PhD or a motivation letter)
Rec Letters
Yes (Academic recommendation or supervisor support letter for research-based degrees)
Interview
No (Selection is primarily based on academic record and submitted documentation)
Application Fee
R100 for South African citizens; R100 for International students (General University Application Fee)
Documents Required
Academic Transcripts
Passport / National ID
Yes (Academic recommendation or supervisor support letter for research-based degrees) Recommendation Letters
CV / Resume
Personal Statement / Essays
Must meet Stellenbosch University's general English language proficiency requirements for admission
Interview: No (Selection is primarily based on academic record and submitted documentation)
Min GPA: 70% (Equivalent to a 3.3 - 3.5 GPA on a 4.0 scale)
📋 Application Process
Ensure that your academic transcripts are certified and clearly reflect your percentage average. For Master's and PhD students, having a confirmed supervisor significantly strengthens the application.
💡 Insider Tip: Apply for the scholarship at the same time you apply for university admission. Do not wait for an admission letter to start the funding application.
🗾️ Application Roadmap
1
Research eligibility and gather requirements
Start Early
2
Collect all required documents
Start Early
3
Request recommendation letters early
4
Write compelling essays and personal statement
⚠ High Risk Stage
5
Submit complete application before deadline
6
Await shortlisting and attend interview if required
⚠ High Risk Stage
📅 Key Dates & Timeline
📅 Opens
01 August annually
⏰ Deadline
31 October annually (Main call for next academic year)
🎤 Interview
No (Selection is primarily based on academic record and submitted documentation)
🎓 Study Starts
February annually
01 August annually
Applications Open
Gather documents and begin essays
31 October annually (Main call for next academic year)
Application Deadline
Submit complete application - no late entries
No (Selection is primarily based on academic record and submitted documentation)
Shortlisting and Interview
Selected candidates invited for interview
After results
Award Announced
Successful applicants notified
February annually
Studies Begin
Commence degree at host institution
⚖️ Selection Process
📋 Selection Criteria
Academic excellence (70%+), financial need (for specific tiers), and alignment with the university’s transformation goals.
⚡ Similar Scholarships
Scholarship
Country
Coverage
Level
Stellenbosch University Postgraduate Scholarship Programme (PSP)Current
South Africa
Full Funding
Honours, Master's, and Doctoral (PhD)
—
🇬🇭 🇰🇪 🇿🇦 🇸🇳 YALI Regional Leadership Center (RLC) Fellowship
High-achieving students with a minimum 70% academic average entering full-time postgraduate programs at Stellenbosch University.
This scholarship covers: The scholarship provides a financial contribution towards tuition fees, registration fees, and living expenses. It is structured to support high-achieving students who may also demonstrate financial need.. It is a fully funded scholarship.
The deadline is 31 October annually (Main call for next academic year). Always verify with the official website as dates may change annually.
Competition level: Competitive (High volume of applicants relative to available funds). Acceptance rate: Varies by faculty and department. Strong academic record and clear motivation are essential.
Yes (Subject to academic performance and availability of funds)
Typically required: academic transcripts, passport, Must meet Stellenbosch University's general English language proficiency requirements for admission, Yes (Academic recommendation or supervisor support letter for research-based degrees) recommendation letters, CV, personal statement/motivation letter. Check official website for the complete list.