Allan Gray Centre for Africa Entrepreneurship - Phd And Masters Scholarships, Study in South Africa

Scholarship Description:

The Allan Gray Centre for Africa Entrepreneurship (AGCAE) is situated within the School of Public Leadership (SPL) under the faculty of Economic and Management Sciences. Its purpose is to generate, incorporate, and disseminate knowledge aimed at enhancing data-driven and dialogue-based advancement of entrepreneurial ecosystems in Africa, ultimately fostering improved community well-being through entrepreneurship.

Long-Term Vision:

The AGCAE envisions promoting development in Africa through entrepreneurship, adopting an entrepreneurial ecosystem approach that hinges on data and meaningful dialogues.

Strategic Objectives:

1. Compile and integrate data concerning entrepreneurial ecosystems across African nations and regions.

2. Analyze and interpret data pertaining to entrepreneurial ecosystems in different African countries and regions.

3. Develop and effectively communicate research on entrepreneurial ecosystems, ensuring scientific rigor and societal relevance.

4. Establish a collaborative platform for stakeholders in Africa, such as academics, governments, entrepreneurship service providers, associations, philanthropic bodies, NGOs, and venture capitalists. This platform will facilitate the provision and utilization of entrepreneurial ecosystem data and knowledge.

5. Contribute to the advancement of scholarship related to entrepreneurship and economic development specifically in the African context.

Degree Level:

Allan Gray Centre for Africa Entrepreneurship - Phd And Masters Scholarships, Study in South Africa is available to undertake PhD, Masters level programs at Stellenbosch University.

Available Subjects:

Following subject are available to study under this scholarship program.

• All Subjects

Scholarship Benefits:

The AGCAE is currently accepting applications for its full-time, funded doctoral and masters research programmes. Applications will be considered for the following two scholarship opportunities: 

• AGCAE Doctoral Scholarships: Full-time doctoral scholarships valued at R250 000 per year for three years.
• AGCAE Master's Scholarships: Full-time masters scholarships valued at R150 000 per year for two years.

The application deadline is the 22nd of September 2023 and the new intake of full-time candidates will commence their studies in Stellenbosch on the 15th of January 2024.

Eligible Nationalities:

The scholarships are open to South African citizens and African foreign nationals. Preference will be given to previously disadvantaged South African and African foreign national citizens.

Eligibility Criteria:

Candidates must meet the following eligibility criteria to be considered for a scholarship:

• A candidate must meet the minimum criteria for admission to a PhD programme at Stellenbosch University. This requires a master's degree in a relevant discipline for PhD applications.
• A candidate must meet the minimum criteria for admission to a Master's programme at Stellenbosch University. This requires an honours degree in a relevant discipline for Master's applications.
• Candidates must have achieved a minimum mark of:
• 70% in their master's programmes to be eligible for the AGCAE Doctoral Scholarships.
• 70% in their honours' programmes  to be eligible for the AGCAE Master's Scholarships.
• Only applications in one of the AGCAE's 2023 AGCAE research themes will be considered.

There are limited scholarships available.  Submission of an application, even if you meet all of the criteria, does not guarantee funding.

The final allocation of scholarships is made at the discretion of the AGCAE and is subject to funding availability; and whether the Faculty is able to appoint a suitable supervisor.

AGCAE reserves the right to not award any scholarships.

Application Procedure:

Follow these steps to apply for the 2024 cohort of the AGCAE. 

1. Ensure that you meet the eligibility criteria before you submit an application. 

2. Download and complete either the PhD Application Form​ or the Master's 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 2023 AGCAE Research Themes to guide you in choosing a research topic.

3. 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.

​4. Submission of your application:

·Completed and signed application forms + supporting documents should be submitted to the Graduate School Office via email (GEM@sun.ac.za) by Friday 22 September 2023 at 23h59. No late applications will be accepted.

·Please ensure that your three references are informed that their referee letters, stating your capability to complete doctoral or master's studies, should be sent directly to the Graduate School via email (GEM@sun.ac.za) on or before Friday 22 September 2023 at 23h59. 

Applications which are incomplete will not be considered.

Due to the large number of applications received, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. 

If you have not received a response from the Graduate School Office by the 16th of October 2023, your application should be considered unsuccessful.

Contact details:

Any queries regarding the application process can be sent to GEM@sun.ac.za.