Guy Butler Research Award Scholarship Requirements and How to Apply
The Guy Butler Research Award Scholarship is a prestigious internal postgraduate funding opportunity offered by Rhodes University in Makhanda, South Africa.
Check Your Personalized Bursary Options
Step 1: Choose Study Level
Step 2: Choose Field of Study
Step 3: Describe Your Interest
Tell us if you want bursaries, scholarships, admissions, or student loans?
It is specifically designed to support students pursuing research in fields related to the work of the renowned South African poet and academic, Frederick Guy Butler.
This scholarship is highly competitive and is focused on academic merit and the alignment of the student’s research with the specified fields of study.
Guy Butler Research Award Scholarship Eligibility Requirements
The scholarship is primarily aimed at candidates with a strong academic background who are commencing or continuing their research at Rhodes University.
- Must have a strong academic record, typically a minimum average of 65% or above in previous degrees.
- Must be accepted or provisionally accepted for full-time postgraduate studies (Honours, Master’s, or Doctoral degree) at Rhodes University.
- Must intend to pursue research in one of the designated fields of study.
- The award is open to South African citizens as well as international students (though preference is sometimes given to South African citizens).
- Master’s and PhD candidates must provide a brief research proposal discussed with their prospective Rhodes University supervisor.
- Students must commit to full-time attendance and participation in the academic life of the relevant department.
Fields of Study Supported
The Guy Butler Research Award is specialized, supporting research that aligns with the academic legacy of Guy Butler and related areas of English studies in Southern Africa.
- English Literature (specifically Southern African English Literature).
- South African English Drama.
- English Language and Linguistics.
- South African Journalism in English.
- Cultural Studies focusing on English-related topics in Southern Africa.
- English-in-Education.
Value and Tenure of the Award
The scholarship offers substantial financial support for the duration of the research programme, subject to satisfactory progress.
- Value: The value is variable, but recent offerings have provided competitive partial funding, generally in the range of R100,000 to R130,000 per annum depending on the level of study (Honours, Master’s, or Doctoral).
- Tenure: The award is initially for one year but is renewable based on the submission of a satisfactory progress report:
- Master’s: Renewable for a second year.
- Doctoral: Renewable for up to two additional years (maximum three years of total funding).
Guy Butler Research Award Scholarship Application Process
The application for the Guy Butler Research Award is managed by the Postgraduate Funding office at Rhodes University and requires a consolidated submission.
- Download the Application Form: Obtain the Rhodes University Postgraduate Scholarships Application Form from the official Rhodes University Research/Postgraduate Funding website.
- Complete the Form: Ensure all sections are completed accurately and concisely, marking the Guy Butler Research Award option.
- Prepare Supporting Documents: Gather all documents and ensure copies are certified where required.
- Compile into a Single PDF: Applications and all supporting documents must typically be submitted as one single PDF document.
- Submission: The complete application package must be emailed to the dedicated Postgraduate Funding office email address (pgfunding@ru.ac.za).
Required Documents
- An academic Curriculum Vitae (CV).
- Certified copy of your Identity Document (ID) or passport.
- A full academic transcript of all previous university studies to date.
- Proof of application for admission to Rhodes University (and acceptance letter, if received).
- A covering motivational letter detailing your interest in the award and proposed research area.
- Master’s & PhD Applicants: A brief research proposal (1-2 pages).
- Master’s & PhD Applicants: A letter of support from your prospective supervisor at Rhodes University.
- Continuing Students: A progress report from your current supervisor.
Guy Butler Research Award Scholarship Closing Date
The application deadline for the Guy Butler Research Award was 15 September 2026.
You must have applied for admission to Rhodes University before your funding application can be considered.
Guy Butler Research Award Scholarship Contact Details
- Contact: pgfunding@ru.ac.za
FAQs
No. This is an internal award. You must be accepted or provisionally accepted to study a postgraduate degree at Rhodes University in Makhanda.
It supports research primarily in English Literature, South African English Drama, English Language, and Cultural Studies with a focus on English-related topics in Southern Africa.
Yes. The award is open to full-time Honours, Master’s, and Doctoral degree candidates, provided their research aligns with the specified fields of study.
The closing date is around 15 September 2026.
Applicants typically need a strong academic record, with a minimum average of 65% or above in their previous degrees, as the award is highly merit-based.
Yes. The award is open to both South African citizens and international students, though the final selection may prioritise South Africans.
You must submit a brief research proposal, typically 1 to 2 pages long, along with a mandatory letter of support from your prospective Rhodes University supervisor.
The award is initially for one year. It is renewable annually based on satisfactory progress, up to two years for a Master’s and three years for a Doctoral degree.
The entire application, including all supporting documents, must be compiled into one single PDF document and emailed to the Rhodes University Postgraduate Funding office at pgfunding@ru.ac.za.
The award offers competitive partial funding, generally R100,000 to R130,000 per annum, depending on the study level. It is not always a full-cost bursary, but it is substantial support.
🎓 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)