Funding and housing

We are aware that many students struggle to cover the fees as bursaries are limited, thus you are strongly encouraged to look and apply for scholarships (see lists below) before applying to our programme. Please also look at this bursaries portal for additional general opportunities. Please note that the course convener will not be able to assist you regarding fee, funding or housing issues.

Funding for South Africans

• UCT Postgraduate funding: For South Africans or permanent residents. An Application for Financial Assistance (form 10A) should be submitted before 31 October of each year. 

• The National Research Foundation: Please note that the linked document details the new application process.

• ARUA-CD masters scholarships (also see PhD scholarships)

• SANBI (opening shortly)

• City of Cape Town

• CSIR

• Cyril Ramaphosa Foundation

• Department of Environmental Affairs

• Digby Wells

• Nedbank

• NSFAS

• Puff and pass listings

• Science bursaries

Funding for Africans

• Beit Trust: for Postgraduate Masters or PhD Scholarships abroad for studies or research to graduates who are domiciled in Malawi, Zambia or Zimbabwe

• MasterCard Foundation Scholarship: Closes 30^th August. To apply you must already be accepted as a UCT student (a UCT student number is needed to apply), although you don't need to have been accepted into the ACDI master's programme.  Should you be eligible for applying to this scholarship, please contact Marieke Norton by the 31^st July to talk about what support we can offer you.

Funding for internationals

• UCT Postgraduate funding: Apply by 31 July.

• The National Research Foundation: Applications open between 1-31 July.

• Margaret McNamara Education Grants: Deadlines in September.

• World Wildlife Fund (WWF): Soon to be opened soon for candidates from African, Asia, Pacific, Latin America, Caribbean, Eastern Europe, Middle east.

Student housing

If you wish to live in UCT’s student accommodation, you are strongly encouraged to apply early. For all information regarding student accommodation, please contact the accommodation office.