Are you an aspiring African entrepreneur looking to pursue graduate studies in South Africa? The Allan Gray Centre for Africa Entrepreneurship (AGCAE) is now accepting applications for its fully-funded 2024 doctoral and master’s scholarships.
This is an incredible opportunity to gain world-class education while developing innovative solutions to Africa’s social and economic challenges.
Read on to learn more about the AGCAE scholarship, eligibility criteria, benefits, and how to apply.
About the AGCAE Scholarship
The Allan Gray Centre for Africa Entrepreneurship (AGCAE) is an initiative of the School of Public Leadership within Stellenbosch University’s Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences.
The Centre’s mission is to generate research and knowledge that fosters entrepreneurial ecosystems in Africa, using entrepreneurship as a tool to enhance community well-being.
For the 2024 academic year, AGCAE is offering two types of scholarships:
- Doctoral Scholarships: Full-time scholarships valued at R250,000 per year for three years. Open to students pursuing a PhD in entrepreneurship or related fields.
- Master’s Scholarships: Full-time scholarships valued at R150,000 per year for two years. Open to students pursuing a master’s degree in entrepreneurship or related fields.
The scholarships aim to support advanced research that contributes to the development of innovative solutions and sustainable entrepreneurial ecosystems across Africa.
Courses Available
The AGCAE scholarships are specifically for research in the field of entrepreneurship.
Applicants are encouraged to align their research proposals with one of AGCAE’s core research themes, which focus on building entrepreneurial ecosystems and promoting innovation in Africa.
Some potential research areas could include:
- Entrepreneurial education and training
- Social entrepreneurship and impact investing
- Technology and digital entrepreneurship
- Women and youth entrepreneurship
- Sustainable business models for African SMEs
Who Should Apply
To be eligible for the AGCAE scholarships, applicants must meet the following criteria:
Doctoral Scholarships:
- Meet Stellenbosch University’s PhD admission requirements, including holding a relevant master’s degree
- Preference given to South African citizens and African nationals, especially those from historically disadvantaged backgrounds
- Minimum 70% mark achieved in master’s program
Master’s Scholarships:
- Meet Stellenbosch University’s master’s admission criteria, including holding a relevant honors degree
- Open to South African citizens and African nationals, with preference for previously disadvantaged individuals
- Minimum 70% mark achieved in honors program
In addition, all applicants must submit:
- Academic transcripts and records
- Copy of ID or passport
- Proof of English language proficiency
Successful candidates will demonstrate strong academic performance, research potential, and a commitment to advancing entrepreneurship in Africa.
Benefits of the AGCAE Scholarship
The AGCAE scholarships provide generous funding to enable talented African scholars to pursue advanced research in entrepreneurship:
- Doctoral scholarships provide up to three years of funding at R250,000 per year
- Master’s scholarships provide up to two years of funding at R150,000 per year
This financial support covers tuition fees, living expenses, research costs and more, allowing recipients to focus on their studies and research without financial constraints.
Beyond funding, AGCAE scholars benefit from:
- Supervision by leading entrepreneurship faculty at Stellenbosch University
- Access to cutting-edge research facilities and resources
- Opportunities to engage with the vibrant entrepreneurial community in South Africa
- Potential to contribute to real-world impact through research and innovation
How to Apply
To apply for the 2024 AGCAE scholarships, follow these steps:
- Check your eligibility: Carefully review the eligibility criteria for the doctoral or master’s scholarship to ensure you qualify.
- Prepare your application:Write a motivation letter (max 1 page) explaining your suitability for the scholarship
- Develop a research concept note outlining your proposed study topic and how it aligns with AGCAE’s themes
- Gather required supporting documents (academic records, ID/passport, English proficiency proof)
- Complete the online application form: Fill out the relevant application form for the PhD scholarship or Master’s scholarship. Attach your motivation letter, research concept note, and supporting documents.
- Submit by the deadline: Email your completed application to [email protected] by September 30, 2024 at 23:59 SAST. Late applications will not be accepted.
- Arrange references: Request your references to email their recommendation letters directly to [email protected] by the September 30 deadline.
For more details, visit the official AGCAE scholarship website.
Application Deadline
The deadline to apply for the 2024 AGCAE Graduate Scholarships is September 30, 2024 at 23:59 SAST.
This is the final date to submit your completed application form and supporting documents via email. Make sure your references also send their letters by this deadline. No late applications will be accepted.
Conclusion
The Allan Gray Centre for Africa Entrepreneurship 2024 Graduate Scholarships present an exciting opportunity for African scholars passionate about using entrepreneurship to drive positive change.
With full funding for doctoral and master’s studies at Stellenbosch University, recipients can engage in cutting-edge research to develop innovative solutions for Africa’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.
If you meet the eligibility criteria and your research interests align with AGCAE’s vision, apply now before the September 30, 2024 deadline.
This scholarship could be the launchpad for your career as an entrepreneurial leader and changemaker.
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