Dudley D’Ewes Scholarship Requirements and How to Apply

The Dudley D’Ewes Scholarship supports post-honours studies for South African students. 

It is offered by the Khula Cape Foundation (formerly the Cape Tercentenary Foundation) and is designed for candidates who hold an honours degree and wish to build on that level. 

Applicants must focus their proposed study in the areas of literature, the visual and performing arts, or the natural and cultural environment, especially in the Western, Eastern or Northern Cape provinces. 

The Dudley D’Ewes Scholarship is an annual award made available by the Khula Cape Foundation for students who have already achieved an honours degree (or equivalent) and are moving into postgraduate work (post-honours level). 

The scholarship supports studies undertaken within South Africa.

The focus is on fields that help preserve the region’s cultural, artistic or natural heritage. 

The Foundation explicitly states that only projects aligned with its mission will be funded.

Which fields of study are eligible?

Eligible study fields include:

1. Literature.
2. Visual and performing arts.
3. Natural and cultural environment (including conservation, nature studies, cultural heritage).
   The scholarship is oriented especially toward impact within the Western Cape, Eastern Cape or Northern Cape provinces of South Africa.

Who can apply for the Dudley D’Ewes Scholarship? 

Applicants must meet all of the following criteria:

1. Hold a South African university honours degree.
2. Be planning to study, or already studying, a postgraduate or post-honours qualification in one of the eligible fields, in 2026.
3. Intend their work to contribute to the Foundation’s mission of promoting literature, arts and the environment in the region.
4. Be registered or intend to register at a recognised and accredited South African tertiary institution.
   Note that incomplete applications or those outside the specified fields are not considered.

What does the award cover?

Successful applicants receive:

1. A scholarship of up to R10 000, which is paid directly into the student’s fee account.
2. The award is for one academic year, but may be renewed in whole or in part for an additional year, provided the recipient submits a satisfactory progress report from their supervisor.
   There is no indication that the funding covers the full cost of study; it is a contribution toward tuition fees.

How to apply for the Dudley D’Ewes Scholarship 

The application steps for the 2026 intake are as follows:

1. Download the official application form from the Khula Cape Foundation’s website or related bursary listings.
2. Complete the form and prepare supporting documents, including:
   • A Curriculum Vitae (CV).
   • Official transcripts of academic records (on institution letterhead).
   • A one-page abstract or outline of your proposed course of study.
   • At least two letters of reference from referees, submitted by the referees themselves.
   • A brief motivational letter if you are applying on a basis of financial need.
3. Submit your application by email to [email protected], with “Dudley D’Ewes Scholarship 2026” in the subject line.
4. Ensure submission before the deadline, which for the 2026 round is 26 September 2025 at 12:00 midday.
5. Wait for notification of outcome — often six weeks after the closing date.

What the selection committee will consider

When reviewing applications the Foundation looks for:

1. Academic achievement (honours degree complete).
2. A clear plan for postgraduate work in eligible fields.
3. A demonstration of how the proposed study will contribute to literature, arts or natural/cultural environment in the specified provinces.
4. Quality of supporting documentation (CV, transcripts, abstract, referees).
5. Commitment to advancing the Foundation’s mission beyond simply receiving funding.

Dudley D’Ewes Scholarship Closing Date

The closing date was 12:00 midday on 26 September 2025 for the 2026 scholarship year.

Due approximately six weeks after the closing date.

If considered, may be renewed for a further year subject to supervisor’s report.