The Allan Gray Centre for Africa Entrepreneurship (AGCAE) is offering fully-funded PhD and Master’s scholarships for African students to pursue research and graduate studies in entrepreneurship and related fields at Stellenbosch University in South Africa. These scholarships aim to support and empower outstanding African scholars to contribute to the development of entrepreneurial ecosystems and sustainable economic growth in Africa.
Eligibility
To be eligible for the AGCAE PhD and Master’s Scholarships, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Nationality: Be a citizen of an African country
- Academic Record: Possess a strong academic background, typically with a first-class or upper second-class honors degree for Master’s applicants and a Master’s degree with a minimum GPA of 70% for PhD applicants.
- Field of Study: Alignment with one of the AGCAE’s research themes:
- Entrepreneurship and small business development
- Innovation and technology entrepreneurship
- Inclusive entrepreneurship and sustainable development
- Entrepreneurship education and policy
- English Language Proficiency: Demonstrate fluency in English, both written and spoken, to a minimum of IELTS 6.5 or equivalent.
- Research Proposal (for PhD applicants): For PhD applicants, a detailed research proposal outlining the proposed research project, including objectives, methodology, and timeline, is required.
- Leadership Potential: Exhibit leadership skills, initiative, and a commitment to making a positive impact on entrepreneurship and economic development in Africa.
- Motivation and Contribution: Articulate a clear motivation for pursuing a Master’s or PhD degree in entrepreneurship at Stellenbosch University and demonstrate a willingness to contribute to the advancement of knowledge and practice in entrepreneurship in Africa.
Benefits
The AGCAE PhD and Master’s Scholarships provide a comprehensive package of benefits to successful applicants:
- Full Tuition Coverage: Full tuition fee coverage for the duration of the Master’s or PhD program at Stellenbosch University.
- Generous Stipend: A generous monthly stipend of R250,000 per year for PhD applicants and R150,000 per year for Master’s applicants to cover living expenses such as accommodation, meals, and transportation.
- Research Support (for PhD applicants): For PhD applicants, access to research facilities, resources, and mentorship from experienced faculty members.
- Networking Opportunities: Opportunities to connect with fellow scholars, researchers, and industry professionals in the field of entrepreneurship in Africa and beyond.
- Mentorship Programs: Mentoring from experienced faculty members and industry experts in entrepreneurship.
- Contribution to Entrepreneurship Development: The opportunity to conduct groundbreaking research and contribute to the development of entrepreneurial ecosystems and sustainable economic growth in Africa.
Application Process
The application process for the AGCAE PhD and Master’s Scholarships is highly competitive and requires the submission of the following documents:
- Completed Online Application Form: A complete online application form with all required information.
- Academic Transcripts: Official academic transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended.
- Degree Certificate: A copy of the bachelor’s degree certificate for Master’s applicants and a copy of the Master’s degree certificate for PhD applicants.
- Research Proposal (for PhD applicants): A detailed research proposal outlining the proposed research project, including objectives, methodology, and timeline.
- Letter of Motivation: A compelling letter of motivation highlighting academic goals, research aspirations, and contributions to the advancement of knowledge and practice in entrepreneurship in Africa.
- Two Letters of Recommendation: Two letters of recommendation from academic supervisors or research mentors.
- Copy of Identity Document or Passport: A copy of a valid identity document or passport.
- Resume: A detailed resume highlighting relevant academic achievements, research experience, and publications.
Application Deadline
The application deadline for the AGCAE PhD and Master’s Scholarships is typically in April of the year prior to the intended start date of study. For the 2024/2025 academic year, the application deadline is April 30, 2024.
Selection Process
Applications for the AGCAE PhD and Master’s Scholarships are reviewed by a selection committee composed of experts in entrepreneurship and related fields. The committee considers the following factors:
- Academic Record: Strength of academic performance, including GPA, coursework, and research experience.
- Research Proposal (for PhD applicants): Clarity, originality, and feasibility of the proposed research project.
- Alignment with AGCAE’s Research Priorities: Alignment of the research proposal with AGCAE’s research themes and potential contributions to entrepreneurship development in Africa.
- Leadership Potential: Evidence of leadership skills, initiative, and a commitment to making a positive impact on entrepreneurship and economic development in Africa.
- Personal Statement: Clarity and persuasiveness of the letter of motivation, highlighting personal goals and research aspirations.
Personal Statement: Clarity and persuasiveness of the letter of motivation, highlighting personal goals, research aspirations, and contributions to the advancement of knowledge and practice in entrepreneurship in Africa.
- References: Insights and recommendations provided by academic supervisors or research mentors.
- Overall Fit: The applicant’s alignment with the scholarship’s objectives and their potential to contribute to the development of entrepreneurial ecosystems and sustainable economic growth in Africa.
Start of Program
The successful applicants of the AGCAE PhD and Master’s Scholarships will commence their studies at Stellenbosch University in September of the year following the application deadline.
For more information about the AGCAE PhD and Master’s Scholarships, application deadlines, and eligibility criteria, please visit the AGCAE website.
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