VerifiedClosed · applications closed on 7 August 2026 GEM's Elite scholarship call usually closes in early to mid-August; check the GEM Elite scholarships page from June 2027. Latest update ↓
The Graduate School of Economic and Management Sciences (GEM) at Stellenbosch University runs two doctoral scholarship tiers: the GEM Elite Scholarship at R200 000 a year for six top candidates, and the standard GEM Doctoral Scholarship, which has paid R150 000 a year. Both fund three years of full-time, residential PhD study in the Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences and include cohort-based skills training and progress monitoring.
Key facts
- Value: R200 000 a year (Elite) or R150 000 a year (standard), for three years.
- Eligibility: a Master’s in economic and management sciences or a related field passed at 65% or above, and acceptance for a full-time PhD in the faculty with a supervisor’s support.
- Application: by email to GEM@sun.ac.za with a CV, transcripts, research proposal and motivation letter, plus three academic references sent directly by the referees.
- Closing date: mid-August in past years; the 2027 date has not been published.
Full guide
Our main Stellenbosch GEM Scholarship page has the complete requirements, fields of study, application steps and contact details. Doctoral candidates should also see our postgraduate bursaries list.
Contact details
- Email: GEM@sun.ac.za
- Telephone: 021 808 2220
- Website: su.ac.za/en/faculties/economy/gem
FAQs
1. Is a 2027 GEM Elite cohort confirmed? +
Not when we checked. GEM admitted cohorts in 2024, 2025 and 2026 and past calls closed in mid-August. Email GEM@sun.ac.za to ask about a 2027 intake.
2. What is the difference between the Elite and standard GEM scholarships? +
The GEM Elite Scholarship pays R200 000 a year to six candidates; the standard GEM Doctoral Scholarship has paid R150 000 a year. Both run for three years of full-time residential PhD study.
3. Who qualifies? +
Graduates with a Master's in economic and management sciences at 65% or above, accepted for a full-time PhD in Stellenbosch's Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences.
4. How do I apply? +
Email GEM@sun.ac.za with your CV, transcripts, research proposal and motivation, and have three academic referees send letters directly to the same address.
5. Where is the full guide? +
See our main Stellenbosch GEM Scholarship page for the complete requirements and application steps.
Update note (checked September 2026): GEM’s call for the 2027 Elite cohort closed on 7 August 2026, and applicants who have not heard back by 16 October 2026 should consider themselves unsuccessful. The new cohort starts on 18 January 2027. Source: su.ac.za.