GreenMatter Fellowship PhD at University of Cape Town: Requirements and How to Apply

The GreenMatter Fellowship offers a highly prestigious postgraduate award aimed at cultivating environmental leaders in South Africa. 

The PhD fellowship is specifically designed to support talented individuals conducting research that addresses critical biodiversity and sustainability challenges.

It is important to note that the GreenMatter Fellowship is an ongoing programme, but the specific awards and host universities change yearly based on partnerships. 

While the fellowship has partnered with the University of Cape Town (UCT), applications are not always focused on UCT exclusively in every cycle. 

Eligibility Requirements: GreenMatter Fellowship PhD

The GreenMatter Fellowship targets candidates who not only excel academically but also demonstrate significant leadership potential and a clear commitment to the environmental sector.

  1. Be a South African citizen or a permanent resident.
  2. Be in possession of a Master’s degree in a relevant field.
  3. Be seeking funding for a full-time Doctoral (PhD) programme.
  4. The application is primarily for students commencing their PhD; students in their second or third year are typically not eligible.
  5. Be registered or provisionally accepted for studies at the University of Cape Town (or other partner institutions announced for the 2026 cycle).
  6. Be able to clearly demonstrate how the proposed research topic aligns with the GreenMatter priority skills areas in the biodiversity sector.

Priority Fields of Study

The GreenMatter Fellowship supports research that contributes to the Biodiversity Human Capital Development Strategy (BHCDS). 

Research topics must align with GreenMatter’s focus on solutions for a green economy.

  1. Biodiversity and Responses to Climate Change.
  2. Biodiversity and Water Security.
  3. Biodiversity and Food Security.
  4. Biodiversity and Social Change/Innovation.

Specific skills areas supported include:

  1. Ecologists (Marine, Aquatic, and Terrestrial Systems).
  2. Agricultural Extensionists with biodiversity specialisms.
  3. Civil Engineers with biodiversity specialisms.
  4. EIA Practitioners (Environmental Impact Assessment).
  5. Lawyers with environmental specialisms.
  6. Bioinformatics and ICT specialists with biodiversity skills.
  7. Curators of biodiversity collections.

GreenMatter Fellowship Coverage and Support

The Fellowship offers holistic support that goes beyond just financial assistance. It aims to develop a well-rounded environmental leader.

  1. Financial Award: A cash contribution, typically valued at around R90,000 per year (this amount is subject to change for the 2026 cycle).
  2. Coverage: Funds are intended to contribute towards tuition fees, research costs, and living expenses.
  3. Duration: Funding is generally provided for a maximum of three years, subject to satisfactory annual academic performance and renewal application.
  4. Holistic Support: Recipients gain access to a comprehensive programme that includes mentoring, career guidance, networking with peers and industry experts, and leadership development activities.

GreenMatter Fellowship Application Process

The GreenMatter Fellowship application is usually managed online, followed by the submission of supporting documents via email.

  1. Obtain the Guidelines: Download and carefully read the GreenMatter Fellowship PhD Guidelines from the official website.
  2. Complete the Online Form: The primary application is typically completed via an online survey tool. This form serves as the basis for initial assessment.
  3. Prepare Supporting Documents: Gather and certify all required documents listed below.
  4. Secure References: Ask two referees (one academic and one employer/volunteer reference is preferred) to write formal letters of recommendation.
  5. Submit via Email: All supporting documents are usually submitted as individual PDF files to the designated GreenMatter email address (check the 2026 call for the specific address).
  6. Ensure Timely Submission: Applications must be submitted before the stipulated deadline. Incomplete or late submissions are disqualified.

GreenMatter Fellowship Required Documents

The following certified copies and documents must accompany the application:

  1. Certified copy of South African ID or Passport.
  2. Certified copies of all previous Degree Certificates (Honours and Master’s).
  3. Certified Academic Transcripts (full academic records).
  4. A detailed Thesis Proposal for the intended PhD research.
  5. A comprehensive Curriculum Vitae (CV) detailing work and volunteer experience.
  6. A Motivational Letter explaining how your research aligns with GreenMatter’s priority skills areas and demonstrating your leadership potential.
  7. Two Reference Letters (submitted by the referee or the applicant, as per the year’s instructions).

GreenMatter Fellowship Closing Date

The official closing date for the 2026 application period has not been confirmed by GreenMatter.

Students applying for the 2026 academic year must monitor the official GreenMatter website from late 2025 for the confirmed opening, which is expected to close around March or April 2026.

GreenMatter Fellowship Contact Details

For all enquiries regarding the GreenMatter Fellowship, contact the organisation directly through their official channels.

FAQs

1. Is the GreenMatter Fellowship open to non-South African students? +

The bursary is primarily for South African citizens. However, permanent residents of South Africa are also eligible to apply for the PhD fellowship programme.

2. Can I apply if I am already in my second year of PhD study? +

No. The fellowship is generally reserved for students who are commencing their PhD studies. Students already in their second or third year are typically not eligible to apply.

3. What is the key focus of the GreenMatter research topics? +

The research must align with GreenMatter’s priority skills areas. This includes biodiversity, climate change, water security, food security, and social innovation related to the green economy.

4. Is the financial award fixed at R90,000 per year? +

The amount is variable and subject to change each year based on GreenMatter’s funding partners. Students must check the official 2026 call for the confirmed annual value.

5. What is the “holistic support” provided by the fellowship? +

The support includes financial aid, as well as crucial access to mentoring, professional networking platforms, career guidance, and specific leadership development training.

6. Is the University of Cape Town always the only university partner? +

No. While UCT is a frequent partner, GreenMatter often collaborates with other institutions like Stellenbosch University. Applicants must confirm the 2026 partner universities in the official guidelines.

7. What academic qualifications do I need to apply for the PhD award? +

You must be in possession of a completed Master’s degree in a field relevant to environmental studies, conservation, or sustainability.

8. What happens if I submit my application late? +

GreenMatter maintains a strict policy. Late applications, or those with missing or uncertified documents, will not be considered for the fellowship.

9. Do I need to be financially needy to apply for the fellowship? +

While academic excellence is key, GreenMatter has a strong transformation agenda. Candidates are asked to provide financial details, and preference is often given to financially disadvantaged black South African candidates.

10. Can I send my reference letters myself with the application? +

The official call for applications will specify the method. In some years, referees submit directly. In others, you submit the letters yourself. Check the 2026 guidelines for the correct procedure.

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