Bursaries play a crucial role in South Africa because they provide financial help to students, allowing them to achieve their academic goals despite rising education costs. Recognising this need, the South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) offers bursaries to support students in their studies.
SANBI aims to develop future researchers focused on biodiversity and environmental sustainability. It also aims to improve knowledge of important issues, such as biological invasions, that can threaten the country’s rich biodiversity.
In this article, we will explore the SANBI bursaries, its goals, and how to apply, providing useful information for those interested in applying.
Table of Contents
What is a SANBI Bursary?
The South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) was established in 2004 under the National Environmental Management Biodiversity Act. SANBI’s main focus is on researching biodiversity and sharing important information to help manage the country’s natural resources.
As part of its mission, SANBI offers a bursary programme to support students studying biodiversity and environmental science. This programme aims to develop new talent in these fields, allowing students to conduct research that helps protect South Africa’s rich biodiversity. As a result, this bursary helps students pay for their education and encourages projects that address critical issues, such as biological invasions and ecosystem restoration.
Fields Covered by SANBI Bursary
The SANBI Bursary programme supports students pursuing Honours, Master’s, and Doctoral studies in areas that align with SANBI’s mission. To qualify, research projects must be relevant to SANBI’s objectives and prioritised in the SANBI Research Strategy.
SANBI focuses on four key strategic objectives:
- Foundational Biodiversity Knowledge: Research projects that aim to gather and share essential information about biodiversity, helping to inform important applied and strategic initiatives.
- Assessment of Biodiversity: Studies that evaluate the current state of biodiversity, including the pressures it faces and how these are being addressed.
- Integrated Knowledge for Policy: Research that provides comprehensive evidence on priority issues to guide policy and action.
- Enhancing Collections Value: Projects that aim to improve the impact and significance of the National Botanical Garden (NBG) and National Zoological Garden (NZG) collections through strategic research applications.
SANBI encourages a wide range of scientific topics, ensuring that all research contributes to the sustainable management of South Africa’s biodiversity. However, if you are unsure whether your project qualifies, it is advisable to contact SANBI before applying.
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Expenses Covered by SANBI Bursary
The South African National Biodiversity Institute bursary programme offers financial support to students pursuing Honours, Master’s, and Doctoral degrees by covering essential expenses. As a result, it helps students focus on their academic and research goals without the burden of financial worries.
The South African National Biodiversity Institute bursary covers the following expenses:
- University tuition fees
- Living costs
Total funding amounts for each degree are as follows:
- Honours studies: R120,000 for one year only
- Master’s studies: R150,000 per year for two years
- Doctoral studies: R180,000 per year for three years
Successful candidates will be notified within 30 days of the application closing date. If you do not hear back by then, please consider your application unsuccessful.
SANBI Bursary Eligibility Requirements
To apply for the SANBI bursaries, applicants must meet specific eligibility criteria. These requirements ensure that the bursary supports students who are genuinely committed to advancing biodiversity research in South Africa. Failing to meet any of these criteria will result in the application not being considered. Let us take a look at the eligibility criteria you meet to be eligible for bursaries for SANBI:
- You must be a South African citizen.
- You must be under the age of 35.
- You must intend to study full-time for an Honours, Master’s, or Doctoral degree in 2025.
- You must be pursuing your degree for the first time; funding is not available for a second Honours, Master’s, or Doctoral degree.
- Your research project must align with SANBI’s mandate and research strategy.
- You must be enroled at any university in South Africa.
- If applying for Master’s studies, you must have completed an Honours degree or a Postgraduate Diploma.
- You must have a confirmed place in a postgraduate programme, along with provisional acceptance from potential academic supervisors.
- You must be unemployed.
Find out the top bursary interview questions and answers
Documents Required For SANBI Bursary
When applying for the South African National Biodiversity Institute bursary, you must submit a complete set of supporting documents. This documentation is mandatory, and any missing items may disqualify your application. Here are the essential documents required to ensure your application is processed smoothly:
- Certified copy of your ID document
- Provisional registration or acceptance letter from the university
- Letter of interest
- Certified copy of your highest qualification
- Full Curriculum Vitae
- Project outline (one page for Honours and two pages for Master’s and Doctoral)
- Certified copies of your academic records/transcripts
- Two letters of reference from academic supervisors
- Letter from both a prospective university supervisor and a SANBI supervisor indicating their willingness to supervise your research
Know how to draft a Bursary Application Letter
How To Apply Online For SANBI Bursary?
Applying for the SANBI bursaries online is a straightforward process designed to make it easier for students to access financial support for their studies. By following the steps below, you can submit your application efficiently and ensure that all necessary information is provided.
- Step 1: Apply for the SANBI bursaries online at the following link: SANBI Bursary Application Form 2025.
- Step 2: Fill in all the required details, including your personal information, educational background, and research project specifics.
- Step 3: Ensure that you submit your completed application before the closing date to avoid disqualification.
SANBI Bursary Closing Date
The deadline for submitting your SANBI Bursary application is 25 October 2024. It is vital to submit your application before this date to ensure it is reviewed and considered for the bursary.
Remember, late submissions are not accepted under any circumstances, and any applications received after the deadline will be disqualified without exception. So, to avoid this, it is advisable to start your application early, ensuring that you gather all required documents and complete all sections of the form well before the closing date.
SANBI Bursary Contact Detail
If you have any questions or require further information about the SANBI bursaries programme, you can contact the South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) directly. However, remember to reach out to them only if the bursary application is still open.
You can get in touch with the institute through the following:
- Dr Ferozah Conrad: Email – f.conrad@sanbi.org.za
- Ms René du Toit: Email – r.dutoit@sanbi.org.za
Conclusion
The SANBI Bursary is an excellent opportunity for students interested in biodiversity and environmental science. It provides financial support while allowing students to work on important research projects that help protect South Africa’s natural environment. So, if your research aligns with SANBI’s goals, this bursary can help you continue your studies without financial worries. However, make sure you meet the eligibility criteria and submit your application before the deadline. If you have any questions, feel free to contact SANBI directly.
About to take your first step towards bursary application? Regenesys is here to provide you with the course quotation to assist you in beginning your journey for the bursary. Besides, our career counsellor will offer you guidance to help you navigate the bursary application process. Connect With Us Now!
SANBI Bursary 2025 – FAQs
What is the SANBI Bursary?
The South African National Biodiversity Institute bursary is a financial aid programme provided by the South African National Biodiversity Institute. It supports students studying biodiversity and environmental science, helping them conduct research that contributes to environmental sustainability.
Who is eligible to apply for the SANBI Bursaries?
Eligibility requires that applicants be South African citizens under 35, planning to study full-time for an Honours, Master’s, or Doctoral degree in 2025. The research project must align with SANBI’s goals, and applicants must be enroled at a South African university and unemployed.
What expenses does the SANBI Bursaries cover?
The bursary covers tuition fees and living costs. Honours students receive R120,000 for one year, Master’s students get R150,000 per year for two years, and Doctoral students are awarded R180,000 per year for three years.
How do I apply for the SANBI bursaries online?
To apply, visit the SANBI application form link, fill in the required details, and submit the completed application before the closing date. Ensure you attach all the necessary documents.
What is the SANBI Bursary application deadline?
The deadline for submitting the South African National Biodiversity Institute bursary application is 25 October 2024. Late applications will not be accepted, so it’s advisable to start the process early.
