Up to 271 South African learners will receive funding to pursue Postgraduate studies in the sciences – Honours, Master’s and Doctoral studies.
This is a direct benefit from the renewal of the National Research Foundation (NRF) and SASOL Foundation Trust agreement.
As a result of the agreement, an investment of about R52 000 000 will be injected until 2027. The NRF-SASOL Foundation will fund postgraduate students on a 50:50 cost sharing model which covers tuition fees, accommodation and living, electronic study device, transport and food allowances as well as assistive technology allowance for students living with a disability.
Since inception in 2011, the scholarship programme has sponsored over 400 postgraduate students, the majority of which having obtained uninterrupted funding for Honours, Master’s and Doctoral degrees.
Dr Gugu Moche, NRF Acting Deputy Chief Executive Officer (DCEO): Research, Innovation, Impact Support and Advancement (RIISA) said “this partnership is a significant step forward in fostering innovation and sustainability in these critical fields. By investing in education and research, we not only empower students but also contribute to a greener, more sustainable future.”
The Programme aims to bolster the number of science researchers from historically disadvantaged universities (HDUs) as well as Black and female scientists and those living with disabilities. Among its objectives, the scholarship aims to develop and sustain a pipeline of postgraduate candidates at HDUs as well as advance research capability and capacity in science disciplines at the institutions.
Gao Mothoagae, Vice President for Sasol Social Impact and Sasol Foundation, said “the partnership with the NRF exemplifies the transformative power of collaboration in driving meaningful societal change. More than just funding education, these institutions are fostering an ecosystem where knowledge, innovation, and opportunity thrive.”
The scholarship will fund full-time students pursuing postgraduate degrees in chemistry, environmental sciences, agriculture and related disciplines with specific focus on green economy skills at these institutions: University of Fort Hare; University of Limpopo; University of Venda; University of Free State (Qwaqwa Campus); North West University (Mahikeng Campus); and University of Mpumalanga.
Picture: Sasol