For my South African students passionate about English language and literature, the Babette Taute Scholarship Program offers an impressive amount of financial support.

Established in honor of the late Mrs. Babette Taute after she passed away in 1992, this prestigious scholarship empowers deserving students to pursue their Honours degrees in various branches of English studies.

About the Babette Taute Scholarship

The Babette Taute Trust was established in Mrs. Taute’s name and awards scholarships to South African citizens or permanent residents enrolled in full-time Honours programs at recognized universities.

Fields of Study Funded

Eligible students are those in full-time Honours programmes in any branch of English language or literature, including applied language studies, across South African universities.

Benefits for Recipients

Each scholarship is valued at R75 000. Recipients may hold other awards, provided the total value does not exceed R120 000; if necessary, the Babette Taute Scholarship amount will be adjusted.

Eligibility Criteria 

To qualify, applicants must:

  1. Be a South African citizen or permanent resident
  2. Be enrolled in a full-time Honours degree in English or related studies
  3. Demonstrate a strong academic record
  4. Display other merit indicators such as leadership, excellence in writing, teaching or translation
  5. Not exceed total bursary awards of R120 000 including this scholarship

How to Apply

  1. Obtain the application form from:
    • Your university’s Department of English
    • Their Financial Aid Office
    • Or directly from the Babette Taute Trust via:
  2. Complete the form and include all required documents (see below).
  3. Email your application before the closing date—21 November 2025.
  4. In your email’s subject line, use:
    “Babette Taute 2026 Application/Query: [Your Surname]”

Required Documents

Submit the following certified materials:

  1. South African ID or Permanent Residence certificate
  2. CV with academic and extracurricular highlights
  3. Writing sample (max 500 words) showcasing talent in any genre
  4. Brief overview (max 100 words) of your intended Honours course and its relevance to English studies
  5. Academic transcript and proof of Honours registration or acceptance
  6. Details of any other funding being received, ensuring total does not exceed R120 000
  7. Two academic referees’ contacts (as per application form)

Closing Date

The confirmed deadline for 2025 was 17 November 2023, and University of Pretoria lists 21 November as a recurring closing date; expect 21 November 2025 for the 2026 cycle.

Contact Details

For application-related questions, contact:

🎓 Download Our Bursary Application Checklist

Download our free Application Checklist to make sure you do not miss any required documents. Submitting a complete application is key to being shortlisted.

📥 Download Checklist (PDF)