The Guy Butler Research Award Scholarship offers a great opportunity for aspiring postgraduate students in English language, literature, and linguistics to further their studies free of all costs.
Offered by Rhodes University, this scholarship honors the legacy of Professor Guy Butler, a prominent linguist and champion of English studies in South Africa.
About the Guy Butler Research Award Scholarship
The Guy Butler Research Award Scholarship is offered annually by Rhodes University to support postgraduate studies in various English-focused disciplines.
It aims to nurture talented students who will make significant contributions to the fields of English Language, Literature, and Linguistics.
The scholarship provides financial assistance for full-time postgraduate studies (Honours, Masters, or PhD) in the following areas:
- English Language
- English Literature
- English-in-Education
- South African English Drama
- South African Journalism in English
- Cultural studies focusing on English-related topics in Southern Africa
- Research in the area of English bilingualism (as an additional language)
The scholarship amount varies depending on the level of study, with Honours students receiving R90,000, Masters students receiving R100,000, and Doctoral students receiving R120,000.
Additionally, the scholarship can be renewed for a further year at Masters level and two years at Doctoral level, subject to satisfactory academic progress.
Guy Butler Research Award Scholarship Application Form
Applications for the Guy Butler Research Award Scholarship are submitted online through the Rhodes University postgraduate funding portal. Ensure you meet the eligibility criteria before applying.
Here’s what you need to submit along with your application:
- Completed online application form
- Academic transcripts from all previous tertiary qualifications
- Curriculum vitae (CV) highlighting academic achievements and research experience
- Motivation letter outlining your research proposal, career aspirations, and how the scholarship will benefit your studies
- Official research proposal (for Masters and PhD applicants only)
- Contact details for three academic referees familiar with your work
You can have your application submitted via email to: [email protected].
Use “Guy Butler Research Award Application” as the email subject.
Please note that incomplete applications or applications submitted after the deadline will not be considered.
For the latest application deadline and detailed instructions, refer to the Rhodes University Postgraduate Funding Office website
The Guy Butler Research Award Scholarship Requirements
To be eligible for the Guy Butler Research Award Scholarship, you must meet the following criteria:
- Be a South African citizen or permanent resident
- Have an Honours degree in a relevant field with an average of 70% or higher (75% for PhD applicants)
- Be registered or intending to register for full-time postgraduate studies in one of the eligible fields at Rhodes University
- Demonstrate strong academic ability, research potential, and a commitment to your chosen field
- Have not previously received or currently hold the Guy Butler Research Award Scholarship
The Guy Butler Research Award Scholarship Closing Date
The application deadline for the Guy Butler Research Award Scholarship is typically in October of each year.
When the application window opens, I highly recommend applying well before the deadline to ensure your application receives due consideration.
For any inquiries regarding the Guy Butler Research Award Scholarship, please contact the Rhodes University Postgraduate Funding Office at 046 603 8755 or through email: [email protected].