Stellenbosch Doctoral Scholarship 2027: How to Apply

Key facts

Status: Applications open Closes 31 October 2026
Provider: Stellenbosch University
Study level: Postgraduate
Academic year: 2027
Last checked: September 2026

The Harry Crossley Scholarship for 2027 is open and closes on 30 September 2026.

Written by Keagan HendricksStaff Writer (Unisa Alumnus)

Reviewed & verified by Naledi KhumaloSenior Admissions and Bursaries EditorVerified

Open · closes 31 October 2026 · 8 days left Latest update ↓

Stellenbosch University funds full-time doctoral candidates through its own Postgraduate Scholarship Programme (PSP), run by the Postgraduate Funding Office, and through the Harry Crossley Scholarship Programme. Both pay a living scholarship of R160 000 a year in their latest calls, on top of any faculty or NRF funding. This page explains both and links to the university’s other PhD scholarships.

About the Stellenbosch doctoral scholarships

Postgraduate Scholarship Programme (PSP): R160 000 a year for doctoral students for up to three years, R140 000 a year for Master’s students for up to two years, and R110 000 for one year of honours. Renewed annually on satisfactory progress.
Harry Crossley Scholarship: R160 000 a year for doctoral students for up to three years and R150 000 a year for Master’s students for up to two years, in all fields except theology and political studies. Structured Master’s degrees with a thesis worth less than half the credits are excluded.
PSP doctoral scholars are expected to submit at least two articles to peer-reviewed journals during their studies; Master’s scholars at least one.

Stellenbosch Doctoral Scholarship eligibility requirements

Accepted for, or registered in, a full-time doctoral programme at Stellenbosch University.
At least 70% for the previous degree.
Not employed full-time or for more than 20 hours a week.
Not holding another full scholarship at the same time.
Not in the fourth year of doctoral study (or the third year of a Master’s) for renewals.

How to apply for the Stellenbosch Doctoral Scholarship

Apply for admission to your doctoral programme and secure a supervisor first.
Go to the Postgraduate Funding Office pages and open the PSP application portal for your faculty, or the Harry Crossley application, when the call is open.
Upload a single PDF containing your ID or passport, full academic records and certificates, a research proposal of no more than 500 words, an academic writing sample or thesis, a recommendation letter from your supervisor and a CV listing publications and awards.
Submit before the closing date. The office offers Microsoft Teams consultations for applicants who need guidance.

Stellenbosch Doctoral Scholarship closing dates

Harry Crossley Scholarship 2027: 30 September 2026.
Postgraduate Scholarship Programme 2027: expected 31 October 2026 (opens 1 September).

Contact details

Postgraduate Funding Office: postgradfunding@sun.ac.za
Stellenbosch University switchboard: 021 808 9111

Doctoral candidates in economic and management sciences should also see the Stellenbosch GEM scholarship, and humanities candidates the Lisa Maskell scholarship and the Mellon Foundation scholarship. Everyone should apply to the DSI-NRF postgraduate scholarship.

FAQs

1. When do Stellenbosch doctoral scholarships close for 2027? +

The university's Postgraduate Scholarship Programme (PSP) opens on 1 September and closed on 31 October 2025 for 2026, so expect 31 October 2026 for 2027. The Harry Crossley Scholarship for 2027 closes on 30 September 2026.

2. How much is the doctoral scholarship? +

R160 000 a year for up to three years under both the PSP and the Harry Crossley programme in the latest calls. Master's awards are R140 000 (PSP) or R150 000 (Harry Crossley) a year for up to two years.

3. Who qualifies? +

Full-time doctoral candidates accepted at Stellenbosch University with at least 70% for the previous degree, not working more than 20 hours a week and not holding another full scholarship. Fourth-year doctoral students are not eligible for renewal.

4. What must scholars deliver? +

PSP doctoral scholars are expected to submit at least two articles to peer-reviewed journals during the scholarship, and Master's scholars at least one.

5. How do I apply? +

Through your faculty's online PSP application portal, uploading a single PDF with your ID, academic records, a 500-word research proposal, a writing sample, a supervisor's recommendation and a CV. The Harry Crossley application runs through the Postgraduate Funding Office.

6. Are there other Stellenbosch PhD scholarships? +

Yes: the GEM Elite and doctoral scholarships in economic and management sciences, the Lisa Maskell fellowships in the humanities, the Mellon Foundation scholarships and topic-specific calls such as the AI for sustainability scholarships that closed on 16 June 2026.

Update note (checked September 2026): the Harry Crossley Scholarship for 2027 is open and closes on 30 September 2026. The PSP opens on 1 September each year and closed on 31 October 2025 for 2026; expect the 2027 round to close on 31 October 2026.

Checked the requirements and closing date? Apply directly with the provider.

Apply on the provider’s website

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