The Graduate School of Economic and Management Sciences (GEM) is currently accepting applications for its full-time, funded doctoral programme. Applications will be considered for the following two scholarship opportunities:
- GEM Elite Doctoral Scholarships: Full-time doctoral scholarships, valued at R200 000 per year for three years.
- GEM Doctoral Scholarships: Full-time doctoral scholarships valued at R150 000 per year for three years.
The application deadline is the 15th of August 2024 and the new intake of full-time PhDs will commence their studies in Stellenbosch on the 15th of January 2025.
Universiteit Stellenbosch Information
Established in 1918, Universiteit Stellenbosch (University of Stellenbosch) is a non-profit public higher education institution located in the suburban setting of the large town of Stellenbosch (population range of 50,000-249,999 inhabitants), Western Cape. This institution has also branch campuses in the following location(s): Tygerberg, Bellville, Saldanha. Officially accredited and/or recognized by the Department of Higher Education and Training, South Africa, Universiteit Stellenbosch is a large (uniRank enrollment range: 25,000-29,999 students) coeducational higher education institution. Universiteit Stellenbosch offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as bachelor degrees, master degrees, doctorate degrees in several areas of study. See the uniRank degree levels and areas of study matrix below for further details. This 101 years old higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on students' past academic record and grades. International applicants are eligible to apply for enrollment.
Eligibility Criteria
Candidates must meet the minimum criteria to be considered for a scholarship:
- A candidate has to meet the minimum criteria for admission to a PhD at Stellenbosch University. This requires a master’s degree in the relevant discipline or, in exceptional circumstances, an equivalent qualification.
- Candidates must have achieved a grade of 65% in their master’s programmes.
- Candidates must be under forty years of age when the programme commences in January.
- Only applications in one of the Faculty’s Research Themes will be considered.
- All students who meet the below criteria will be considered.
Offered Benefits
Prospective students may apply for full scholarships, which amounts to at least R200 000 per year for three years
Application Process
Follow these steps to apply for the 2024 cohort of the Graduate School:
- Ensure that you meet the eligibility criteria before you submit an application.
- Download and complete the Application Form
- You will be required to write a letter motivating your suitability for the scholarship (maximum length: one A4 page), as well as a research concept note (no maximum length) on a research topic which you intend to study during your doctoral studies. These should be completed on the application form in the relevant sections.
- Please consult the 2024 Research Themes (below) to guide you in choosing a research topic. Research topics outside the listed research themes can be accommodated only if it falls within the current research themes that are active in one of the Faculty's academic departments.
- Compile the required supporting documents:
- In addition to the completed application form, the following supporting documents are required:
- Academic records: Full particulars of ALL previous and current tertiary studies. Please submit copies of certified diploma/degree certificates AND official study records (transcripts). Please note that academic records from student portals will not be acceptable.
- ID or passport: A certified copy of your ID (South African) or passport (international) photo page
- Proof of competency in English: Applicants either need to provide proof that they have obtained their qualifications from tertiary institutions where English is the language of instruction, or proof of English Language proficiency. This evidence must accompany your application and must not be older than 24 months from the date of application.
- Submission of your application:
- Completed and signed application forms + supporting documents should be submitted to the Graduate School Office via email ( ) by 15 August 2024. No late applications will be accepted.
- Please ensure that your three references are informed that their referee letters, stating your capability to complete doctoral studies, should be sent directly to the Graduate School via email ( ) on or before 15 August 2024.
- Applications which are incomplete will not be considered.
Established in 1918, Universiteit Stellenbosch (University of Stellenbosch) is a non-profit public higher education institution located in the suburban setting of the large town of Stellenbosch (population range of 50,000-249,999 inhabitants), Western Cape. This institution has also branch campuses in the following location(s): Tygerberg, Bellville, Saldanha. Officially accredited and/or recognized by the Department of Higher Education and Training, South Africa, Universiteit Stellenbosch is a large (uniRank enrollment range: 25,000-29,999 students) coeducational higher education institution. Universiteit Stellenbosch offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as bachelor degrees, master degrees, doctorate degrees in several areas of study. See the uniRank degree levels and areas of study matrix below for further details. This 101 years old higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on students' past academic record and grades. International applicants are eligible to apply for enrollment.