SANBI is inviting students to apply for their bursary programme, for the 2024 academic year.

About The South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI)

The South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) was first established in 2004 in accordance with the National Environmental Management Biodiversity Act under the South African Department of Environment, Forestry and Fisheries.

SANBI’s main aim is to conduct research and decimation of information pertaining to biodiversity as well as contribute to the country’s management of biodiversity resources. SANBI is also responsible for partaking in ecosystem rehabilitation and restoration. This ensures that the country’s National Botanical and Zoological gardens enhance the country’s biodiversity for educational and entertainment purposes.

Bursaries will be awarded for Honours, Masters and Doctoral studies, for projects relevant to SANBI’s mandate and identified as a priority for the SANBI Research Strategy. (Candidates should contact SANBI before applying if they are unsure whether a project qualifies.)

The bursary will provide cover for university fees and living expenses, to the total values:

• Honours studies: R120 000 for one year only
• Masters studies: R150 000 per year for two years
• Doctoral studies: R180 000 per year for three years

Eligibility Requirements:

Applicants must satisfy the following minimum entry criteria before applying:

• You must be a South African citizen
• You must be under 35 years old
• You must intend on studying full-time, towards an Honours, Masters or Doctoral degree in 2024
• You must be studying at your degree level for the first time (i.e. second Honours, Masters or Doctoral degrees will NOT be funded)
• You must intend on pursuing a research project that is in line with SANBI’s mandate and research strategy
• You must intend on studying at any university in South Africa
• You must have completed an Honours degree or Postgraduate Diploma if applying for Masters studies
• You must have confirmed placement in a postgraduate programme and have provisional acceptance from prospective academic supervisors
• You must be unemployed
• You must be pro-active, enthusiastic, and interested in doing excellent research that can make a difference