South African Association of Botanists (SAAB) Scholarship 2025
The South African Association of Botanists (SAAB) is pleased to announce its scholarship programme for the 2025 academic year. This initiative aims to support postgraduate students pursuing studies in botany and related fields, fostering the growth of botanical sciences within South Africa and the broader Southern African Development Community (SADC) region.
About the Bursary Provider: South African Association of Botanists (SAAB)
Established to promote and uphold the profession of botany across various sectors, SAAB represents numerous academic botanical disciplines. Its membership comprises individuals from universities, research institutions, and other academic entities throughout the country. The association is dedicated to advancing botanical research, education, and conservation efforts, ensuring the continued development and recognition of botany as a vital scientific field.
Fields Covered by the Scholarship
The SAAB Scholarship is available to students enrolled in postgraduate programmes related to botany. Specifically, the scholarship supports:
- Honours degrees (4th year level)
- Master's degrees (MSc)
These programmes should be pursued at recognised tertiary institutions within South Africa.
Bursary Coverage and Value
The scholarship offers financial assistance as follows:
- Honours Level: Three scholarships, each valued at R15,000, will be awarded for one year of study. Recipients will also receive a complimentary one-year SAAB membership.
- Master's Level: Three scholarships, each totaling R50,000, will be granted. This amount is disbursed over two years, with R25,000 provided in the first year and an additional R25,000 in the second year, contingent upon satisfactory academic progress. Recipients will also receive a complimentary two-year SAAB membership.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must meet the following criteria to be considered for the SAAB Scholarship:
- Residency: Must be a resident of one of the SADC countries, which include South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Lesotho, Eswatini (Swaziland), Angola, Malawi, Democratic Republic of Congo, Tanzania, Seychelles, Mozambique, Mauritius, Madagascar, and Comoros.
- Field of Study: Must be pursuing a postgraduate qualification in botany or a related field.
- Academic Achievement: Must have achieved a minimum overall average of 70% in previous academic studies.
- Institutional Enrollment: Must be enrolled at a recognised tertiary institution in South Africa.
- Supervisor's Membership: Must have a supervisor who is a paid-up member of SAAB.
For Master's applicants:
- Honours Degree: Must have completed a BSc Honours degree with a minimum overall average of 70%.
- Stage of Study: Must be in the first year of MSc study.
Application Process
Interested candidates must submit their applications online. The application form can be accessed at the following link:
Required Documentation
Applicants are required to provide the following documents along with their online application:
1. Curriculum Vitae (CV): A comprehensive CV including contact details of two references.
2. Supervisor's Motivational Letter: A letter from your academic supervisor endorsing your application.
3. Academic Transcripts: Certified copies of your academic records.
4. Personal Motivation Letter: A one-page letter detailing your proposed research interests and motivations for pursuing postgraduate studies in botany.
Application Deadlines
- Master's Applicants: The application deadline is 28 February 2025.
- Honours Applicants: The application deadline is 31 March 2025.
Please note that late applications will not be considered. It is advisable to submit your application well in advance of the deadline to ensure all materials are received on time.
Selection and Notification
The selection process is competitive and based on academic merit and the completeness of the application. Successful applicants will be notified by:
- Master's Applicants: Mid-March 2025.
- Honours Applicants: Mid-April 2025.
If you have not received feedback by these dates, please consider your application unsuccessful.
Contact Details
For any queries related to the SAAB Scholarship programme, please contact:
- General Enquiries: [saabsecretary@gmail.com](mailto:saabsecretary@gmail.com)
- Academic Enquiries: Prof. Kelsey Glennon at [Kelsey.glennon@wits.ac.za](mailto:Kelsey.glennon@wits.ac.za)
The SAAB Scholarship represents a significant opportunity for postgraduate students passionate about botany to advance their studies and contribute to the understanding and conservation of South Africa's rich plant biodiversity. By supporting emerging scholars, SAAB aims to cultivate a new generation of botanists who will play a crucial role in addressing ecological challenges and promoting sustainable environmental practices within the region.
