Right now you can secure a funded place to study how artificial intelligence can help or hinder sustainability at Stellenbosch University. The deadline is fast approaching – you have until 16 June 2026 to apply.
What the opportunity is
Stellenbosch University is offering fully funded Masters and PhD scholarships for 2027. The research project is titled “The Use and Potential for AI in Transformations to Sustainability”. It looks at how AI can support climate action, biodiversity, food and water security, while also exploring risks such as bias, high energy use and unequal access.
Who can apply
- Applicants for a Masters scholarship must hold an Honours degree; PhD applicants need a completed Masters.
- At least a 65 % average in the most recent degree.
- Strong interest in AI, sustainability, digital technologies, social change, climate challenges, equity, and interdisciplinary research.
- Ability to work across disciplines and in research teams.
- South African citizens or permanent residents are preferred, especially those from under‑represented groups.
- No age limit, but you must be a full‑time student and cannot hold another salaried job.
What you gain
- Funding through an NRF Masters or Doctoral scholarship linked to Professor Reinette “Oonsie” Biggs’s SARChI chair.
- Full Cost of Study (FCS) for South African citizens/permanent residents with a household income ≤ R350 000, or who are exceptional or have disabilities.
- Partial Cost of Study (PCS) for a limited number of international students and South Africans who do not qualify for FCS.
- Coverage of tuition, reasonable living and travel expenses where possible.
- Co‑supervision by Dr Lloyd Hill (Dept. of Sociology and Social Anthropology) and Prof Reinette Biggs (Centre for Sustainability Transitions).
- Access to the Centre for Sustainability Transitions and the Department of Sociology and Social Anthropology’s research communities.
- Experience in interdisciplinary sustainability research and exposure to AI ethics and policy debates.
How to apply – step by step
- Prepare your documents:
- Motivation letter (include a brief research idea linking AI and sustainability)
- Detailed CV with academic record, work experience, publications (if any) and two referees
- Transcripts of all qualifications
- Copy of ID or passport
- One recent piece of written work (e.g., journal article or thesis chapter)
- Email the documents to cstenquiries@sun.ac.za with the subject line PhD/Masters: AI for Sustainability. All materials must be received by 16 June 2026.
- Interview: Short‑listed candidates will be invited to an interview on Wednesday afternoon, 24 June 2026. Keep that afternoon free.
- NRF application: If you are selected, you will be asked to apply through the NRF system by 03 July 2026. You must link your application to Professor Biggs’s SARChI chair. Further instructions will be sent after the interview.
- Official application link: For full details and updates, visit the Stellenbosch University announcement page at Stellenbosch University Masters and PhD Scholarships 2027.
Tips to improve your chances
- Write a clear, concise motivation letter. Explain why AI and sustainability matter to you and outline a concrete research idea.
- Show how your previous studies or work relate to the project. Use specific examples.
- Choose referees who know your academic abilities and can speak to your research potential.
- Proofread all documents – spelling and formatting errors can hurt your application.
- Be ready for the interview: rehearse how you would explain your research idea to a non‑technical audience.
- If you need financial support, highlight any hardship or disability in your motivation letter; this can help you qualify for Full Cost of Study funding.
Final thoughts and next steps
This scholarship offers a rare chance to combine AI expertise with sustainability challenges while studying at a top South African university. If you meet the academic criteria and are passionate about interdisciplinary research, gather your documents now and email them before 16 June 2026. Keep the interview date free, and be prepared to complete the NRF step by early July. Good luck – your research could help shape a more sustainable future.
