ABOUT THE COMPANY – SANBI
The South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) was established in 2004 under the South African Department of Environment, Forestry, and Fisheries, in accordance with the National Environmental Management Biodiversity Act.
SANBI’s main objective is to conduct research and disseminate information on biodiversity, as well as contribute to the management of biodiversity resources in South Africa. The institute is also responsible for ecosystem rehabilitation and restoration. SANBI manages the National Botanical and Zoological gardens, which play a significant role in enhancing biodiversity for educational and entertainment purposes.
ABOUT THE SANBI JOAN WRENCH SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAMME – FIELDS COVERED
SANBI is offering the Joan Wrench Scholarship for postgraduate students in the 2022 academic year. The scholarship is open to students pursuing Honours, Masters, and Doctoral studies in various fields relevant to SANBI’s mandate and identified as priorities. These fields include horticulture, plant systematics, taxonomy, plant pathology, biological invasions, ecology, climate change, urban ecology, restoration ecology, conservation, freshwater ecology, and more. For a comprehensive list of the projects and fields covered, applicants can refer to the SANBI Joan Wrench Scholarship Projects document.
ABOUT THE SANBI JOAN WRENCH SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAMME – COVERAGE VALUE
The Joan Wrench Scholarship, established in 2018, aims to recognize academic achievement and provide financial support for practical training and postgraduate studies in biodiversity-related fields. The scholarship follows national equity targets for awarding. The values of the scholarship per programme are as follows:
- Honours programme: R96,000 for one year only
- Masters programme: R144,000 per year for two years
- Doctoral programme: R180,000 per year for three years
The scholarship covers living expenses and university fees, while project running expenses are covered separately.
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS FOR THE SANBI JOAN WRENCH SCHOLARSHIP
Applicants must meet the following minimum requirements:
- South African citizenship
- Registration at any South African university
- Residency in the Western Cape for at least three months each year of study for lab work, fieldwork, and consultations
- Undertaking a research project aligned with SANBI’s mandate
- Unemployed
- Not participating in any other scholarship or bursary program
- Proactive and enthusiastic about conducting research
HOW TO APPLY FOR THE SANBI JOAN WRENCH SCHOLARSHIP
Applicants must complete the SANBI Joan Wrench Scholarship cover sheet and submit the required supporting documentation, including an ID document, driver’s license, letter of interest, Curriculum Vitae, academic records, highest qualification, provisional registration/application from the university, project outline, academic letters of reference, and letters of willingness to supervise from future university and SANBI supervisors.
Applications should be submitted electronically via email to students@sanbi.org.za and students.sanbi@gmail.com, with the subject line “Joan Wrench Kirstenbosch Scholarship studentships.”
CLOSING DATE FOR THE SANBI JOAN WRENCH SCHOLARSHIP
The closing date for applications is 30 September at 16:00. Ensure that your application is submitted before the closing date to be considered.
CONTACT THE BURSARY PROVIDER
For any inquiries regarding the scholarship program, contact Dr. Ferozah Conrad at f.conrad@sanbi.org.za or Rene du Toit at r.dutoit@sanbi.org.za.
