South African Association of Botanists (SAAB) Scholarship

Who can apply

• Be a resident in one of the SADC countries (South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Lesotho, Swaziland, Angola, Malawi, Democratic Republic of Congo, Tanzania, Seychelles, Mozambique, Mauritius, Madagascar, Comoros)
• Have completed a BSc Honours degree in Botany or a botanically related field
• Be in your first year of full-time study towards an MSc qualification, within a Botany or related field
• Have graduated with a minimum overall average of 70%
• Be studying at a recognised tertiary institution in South Africa
• Have a supervisor that is a paid-up member of SAAB

What the bursary covers

Value mentioned: R50 000, R25 000

Documents you will need

• Full academic transcripts, if available (certified copies) (if academic transcripts are not yet available, please submit your marks and a letter from your course coordinator, on the institutions letterhead, confirming your marks. Successful candidates will be required to submit their final academic transcripts before the bursary payment is made)
• Motivational letter written by yourself, stating your future academic and career plans, and a brief description of your proposed research (read our tips on how to write a motivational letter for your bursary application)
• Motivational letter from your supervisor

Full bursary documents checklist

How to apply

1. Check the requirements

   Make sure you meet every requirement listed above. Applications that miss one are usually rejected automatically.

2. Prepare your documents

   Scan clear copies of everything the provider asks for, certified where required.

3. Apply through the official channel
   SAAB Scholarship Application Form 2026

   Applications must be submitted online at: SAAB Scholarship Application Form 2026

   Note: applications received via email will NOT be accepted.

4. Submit before the closing date

   Usually closes around February. Late applications are almost never accepted.

Applications for the current cycle have closed. This bursary usually opens again each year, so prepare your documents now and check back.

Genuine bursaries never charge an application fee. How to spot bursary scams

Contact the bursary provider

• Email [email protected]

Contact the provider only with questions about this bursary. StudentBursaries.co.za does not process applications.

About South African Association of Botanists (SAAB)

The South African Association of Botanists (SAAB) promotes the botany profession across academia, government and industry.