Stellenbosch Mellon Scholarship 2027: How to Apply

Key facts

Status: Applications closed Closed 31 October 2024
Provider: Stellenbosch University
Study level: Postgraduate
Academic year: 2027
Last checked: September 2026

The 2025 round closed on 31 October 2024 and the 2024 round on 27 October 2023 after an extension.

Written by Keagan HendricksStaff Writer (Unisa Alumnus)

Reviewed & verified by Naledi KhumaloSenior Admissions and Bursaries EditorVerified

No open round · the last round we could find closed on 31 October 2024 Stellenbosch closes its scholarship and financial assistance applications for 2027 on 31 October 2026, so expect the Mellon call to close on or about that date. Latest update ↓

The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, the largest funder of the humanities in the world, supports Master’s students at Stellenbosch University’s Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences through scholarships administered by the faculty’s Graduate School. The scholarships fund full-thesis Master’s research in a small set of themes and come with money for writing retreats, conferences and publication.

About the Stellenbosch Mellon Scholarship

Degree: full-thesis Master’s in the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, full-time.
Themes: African cultural studies; identity, gender and queer studies; the Anthropocene and ecocriticism.
Value: R170 000 over 18 to 24 months.
Extras: possible funding for writing retreats, conference attendance (about R8 000) and publication costs (about R11 000).

Stellenbosch Mellon Scholarship eligibility requirements

South African or international applicant, not older than 30.
A first-class distinction, at least 75%, in the final year of an Honours degree or equivalent.
Accepted for a full-time Master’s at Stellenbosch in one of the themes, with supervision confirmed by the department.
Able to start in February of the scholarship year.

How to apply for the Stellenbosch Mellon Scholarship

Apply for admission to the Master’s through Stellenbosch’s postgraduate application system and secure a supervisor in the relevant department.
Download the scholarship application form from the Graduate School’s pages on sun.ac.za.
Email the form to graduateschool@sun.ac.za with the scholarship name in the subject line, attaching: a certified ID or passport; a certified academic transcript and Honours certificate; a motivation letter of no more than 600 words; a research proposal of no more than 500 words; a writing sample; and a recommendation letter from your prospective supervisor.

Stellenbosch Mellon Scholarship closing date

Late October each year for the following academic year. Expect on or about 31 October 2026 for 2027.

Contact details

Dr Candice Steele, Graduate School, Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences
Email: graduateschool@sun.ac.za

Humanities postgraduates should also apply to the NRF and to the Babette Taute scholarship for English Honours. See our postgraduate bursaries list.

FAQs

1. When does the Stellenbosch Mellon scholarship close for 2027? +

The 2025 round closed on 31 October 2024 and the 2024 round on 27 October 2023 after an extension. Stellenbosch closes its scholarship applications for 2027 on 31 October 2026, so expect the Mellon call to close on or about that date. Confirm with the Graduate School in the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences.

2. What does it fund? +

A full-thesis Master's in the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences in one of three themes: African cultural studies; identity, gender and queer studies; and the Anthropocene and ecocriticism.

3. How much is it? +

R170 000 over 18 to 24 months, plus possible funding for writing retreats, conference attendance and publication costs.

4. Who qualifies? +

South African or international applicants under 30 with a first-class distinction (at least 75%) in the final year of an Honours degree, accepted for a full-time Master's at Stellenbosch with confirmed supervision, and able to start in February.

5. How do I apply? +

By email to graduateschool@sun.ac.za with the application form, a certified ID or passport, certified transcript and Honours certificate, a motivation letter of up to 600 words, a research proposal of up to 500 words, a writing sample and a supervisor's recommendation.

6. Who do I contact? +

Dr Candice Steele at the Graduate School, graduateschool@sun.ac.za.

Update note (checked September 2026): the 2025 round closed on 31 October 2024 and the 2024 round on 27 October 2023 after an extension. Stellenbosch closes its scholarship and financial assistance applications for 2027 on 31 October 2026, so expect the Mellon call to close on or about that date. Confirm with the Graduate School, because the themes and number of awards change with each grant. The details below are from the last published call.

This round is not open right now. Check the provider’s own site for the next round.

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About Stellenbosch University

Public university (research-intensive)

Stellenbosch University (SU) is a public research-intensive university in the town of Stellenbosch in the Cape Winelands. Stellenbosch grew from the Stellenbosch Gymnasium and Victoria College, and received full university status in 1918. Its students are widely known…

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Website: sun.ac.za