About The SANBI (South African National Biodiversity Institute)
The South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) plays a crucial role in South Africa’s sustainable development, biodiversity resource management, and ecosystem rehabilitation. SANBI conducts research and disseminates information related to biodiversity, manages the operations of the Scientific Authority, and provides technical support. The Scientific Authority, established in 2004 under the National Environmental Management’s Section 60 of the Biodiversity Act of 2004 (NEMBA), assists the government in regulating trade in threatened or protected species (TOPS) and species listed in the Appendices to CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora).
SANBI also ensures the proper functioning and enhanced biodiversity of South Africa’s National Botanical and Zoological gardens, contributing to education and entertainment.
SANBI MSc Bursary 2025-2026
SANBI is offering the MSc Bursary for postgraduate students interested in conserving South Africa’s biodiversity. The bursary supports a research project where the candidate will provide information for the Scientific Authority’s non-detriment findings for a plant species listed in CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora). The selected candidate will work with a suitable supervisor at a South African university and register before March 31.
The bursary covers living expenses and university fees for two years, with a value of R150,000 per annum.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants for the SANBI MSc Bursary 2025-2026 must meet the following criteria:
- South African citizens or non-citizens.
- Intend to study for an MSc degree and undertake a research project on a CITES-listed plant species.
- Register or intend to register at an accredited South African university before March 31.
How To Apply?
To apply, download and complete the application cover sheet: SANBI MSc Bursary Application Cover Sheet 2025-2026.
Submit the completed application cover sheet and required documents via email to students@sanbi.org.za and students.sanbi@gmail.com with the subject line “Scientific Authority MSc Bursary (Priority plant project).” Include a letter of interest explaining why you deserve the bursary.
Documents Required
Submit the following documents:
- Letter of Interest (motivation for the bursary)
- Full Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Two reference letters (one from an academic supervisor)
- Certified copy of academic records
- Certified copy of highest qualification
- Certified copy of ID or passport (if not a South African resident)
Ensure that each document is clearly named. Ideally, submit all required documents and the completed application cover sheet as a single PDF file. The email size should be less than 9MB.
Closing Date
The application deadline for the SANBI MSc Bursary 2025-2026 is March 22, by 09:00.
SANBI will contact the selected candidate within 30 days after the closing date. If you don’t receive a response within this timeframe, consider your application unsuccessful.
Contact Details
For inquiries about the bursary program, contact Tasneem Variawa at SANBI:
- Tel: +27 (0)12 843 5188
- E-mail: T.variawa@sanbi.org.za
