Bursaries with the C∙I∙B DST-NRF Centre of Excellence for Invasion Biology

The C∙I∙B DST-NRF Centre of Excellence for Invasion Biology is a national research centre with its home office based at Stellenbosch University and with partner institutions across the country. The C∙I∙B offers funding for research and post graduate studies that focus on understanding the effects  of invasive plants, animals and pathogens on the natural, social  or economic environment, and the management of these effects.

The principal aims of the Centre's work are to reduce the rates and impacts of biological invasions by furthering scientific understanding and predictive capability, and by developing research capacity.

Funding is provided through 3 programmes:

(Bursaries are available for studies at any SA university)

1. General bursary programme:

Provides bursaries and research funds to students at Honours, Masters and PhD level, who are supervised by one of C∙I∙B 's core team members at a partner institution or university.

2. Open bursary programme:

Provides bursaries and research funds to previously disadvantaged South African students at Honours, Masters and PhD level, whose supervisor is not one of C∙I∙B's core team members.

3. Post Doctoral Fellowships:

Fellowships are offered at partner universities and institutions and are open to foreign and South African applicants who have completed their PhD degrees.

• Level: Hons/4th year; Bursary value: R30 000; Project Funds: R10 000 and Duration: 1 year.

• Level: Masters;Bursary value: R70 000; Project Funds: R60 000 and Duration: 2 years.

• Level: PhD; Bursary value: R90 000; Project Funds: R90 000 and Duration: 3 years.

• Level: Post‐Doc; Bursary value: R180 000; Project Funds: - and Duration: 2 year.

Preparing for your bursary application:

Step 1 — View project options and scope.

Visit C∙I∙B's website to view all the projects or post‐doctoral fellowships that are offered by the different core team members.

Step 2 — Decide on a project topic of interest.

Select a project or a topic of your own that you are interested in and which is aligned with our research field and opportunities.

Step 3 — Find a supervisor to support you.

Approach a supervisor/*core team member  to discuss your ideas, and get the supervisor’s support.

Step 4 — Get all these documents ready:

• Proof of provisional acceptance from your host department, for  the level for which you are planning to enroll;
• Copy of up‐to‐date academic record;
• Two reference letters;
• Curriculum Vitae;
• Copy of ID or passport; and
• Open bursary applicants must have a written statement of acceptance from their supervisor.

Level specific documents required:

Hons/4th yr

• 1 page statement of interest in invasion biology.

Masters & PhD

• 2 page project outline .

Post Doc

• PhD Certificate (with  a certified English translation if not in English);
• 2 page project outline; and
• 2 submitted/published articles.

Submitting your bursary application

All applications must be submitted electronically.

Step 1 — Get nominated as bursary applicant.

General bursary & Post Doctoral applicants:

Your supervisor (if a core team member) nominates you as an applicant via our electronic application system.

Open Bursary applicants: (supervisor not a core team member)

You must send an e‐mail to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with the following information: your title, name , surname and e‐mail address; your supervisor’s title, name, surname, contact phone numbers, e‐mail address and name of the university. 

C∙I∙B will then nominate you as an applicant.

Step 2 — Get access to the application system.

An electronic e‐mail is generated which provides you with a link to the system and a unique “token” which gives you access to the online application form.

Step 3 — Submit your application electronically.

Before logging onto the application site, ensure that you have all documents ready in electronic format. You must complete the whole application in one session. Log on to the electronic system, complete the form and upload all your documents onto the system.

Step 4 — Your application gets accepted.

Your supervisor or C∙I∙B representative will now “accept” your application on the system, which makes it available for assessment by the C∙I∙B panel.

Application closing date: 2 November 2012.

Bursary awards are dependent on the outcome of the assessment by the panel. The submission of your application does not automatically qualify you for a bursary.