Stellenbosch University Andrew W. Mellon Foundation Scholarship 2025

For students passionate about exploring the humanities and social sciences, the Stellenbosch University Andrew W. Mellon Foundation Scholarship offers a unique and invaluable opportunity for postgraduate studies. This prestigious scholarship is aimed at students who excel in the fields of African Cultural Studies, Identity and Gender Studies, Queer Studies, and Ecocriticism. With the backing of the renowned Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, this scholarship empowers students to delve into critical research that advances knowledge and contributes to pressing societal issues.

About Stellenbosch University

Stellenbosch University, situated in the Western Cape of South Africa, is one of the country’s oldest and most respected academic institutions. The Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, one of the university’s ten faculties, plays a pivotal role in fostering intellectual curiosity and creative expression. This faculty offers a broad spectrum of undergraduate and postgraduate qualifications, ranging from Drama, Music, and Visual Arts to Political Science, Sociology, and Social Anthropology.

In partnership with the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, Stellenbosch University aims to provide outstanding students with the resources and support they need to further their academic careers while contributing meaningfully to society through their research.

About the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation

Founded in 1969, the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation is one of the most influential supporters of the arts and humanities globally. The Foundation arose from the merger of two philanthropic organizations, the Avalon Foundation and the Old Dominion Foundation, both of which had significant impacts on arts funding. Today, the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation continues its mission through four key program areas: Higher Learning, Arts and Culture, Public Knowledge, and Humanities in Place. The Foundation’s financial support extends to higher education institutions around the world, helping them address critical societal and academic challenges.

Fields of Study Supported by the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation Scholarship

The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation Scholarship at Stellenbosch University is offered through the Graduate School of the Arts and Social Sciences Faculty. It supports students pursuing full-time Masters (full thesis) studies in any discipline within the faculty. However, it is restricted to research topics that align with one of the following critical themes:

• African Cultural Studies: This field explores the cultural practices, traditions, and expressions across Africa, focusing on how these evolve and contribute to identity formation, societal change, and cultural preservation.
• Identity, Gender, and Queer Studies: Research in this area delves into the complexities of identity construction, gender roles, and sexuality, particularly from marginalized perspectives, examining how these intersections shape social dynamics.
• The Anthropocene and Ecocriticism: As the world faces environmental degradation and climate change, ecocriticism provides a critical lens to analyze literature and other forms of expression about nature and the human impact on the planet during the Anthropocene era.

Scholarship Value and Additional Benefits

The Stellenbosch University Andrew W. Mellon Foundation Scholarship is valued at R170,000, which is awarded over an 18-month to 2-year period. This financial support is designed to cover living expenses, research materials, and tuition fees, making it possible for students to focus fully on their studies.

In addition to the primary scholarship, scholars have the opportunity to apply for extra funding for academic activities that can enhance their research experience:

• Writing Retreats: Scholars can receive funding to attend retreats that focus on improving academic writing skills and fostering creativity.
• Local Conference Attendance: Up to R8,269 is available to attend local conferences, enabling scholars to present their research and network with experts in their field.
• Publication Costs: Scholars can apply for R10,920 to cover the costs of publishing their research, ensuring their work reaches a wider academic audience.

Eligibility Criteria for the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation Scholarship

To qualify for this scholarship, applicants must meet several key requirements:

1. Nationality: The scholarship is open to South African citizens as well as international students.
2. Age Requirement: Applicants must be under the age of 30.
3. Academic Excellence: A first-class distinction, with a minimum of 75% in the final year of an Honours degree, is required.
4. University Admission: Applicants must apply for entry into the Graduate School of the Arts and Social Science Faculty at Stellenbosch University for a full-time Masters (full thesis) program. They must also secure a letter of support from their intended department, ensuring there is supervisory capacity for their proposed research.
5. Research Alignment: The proposed research must align with one of the three designated themes: African Cultural Studies, Identity, Gender, and Queer Studies, or The Anthropocene and Ecocriticism.
6. Commencement Date: Scholars must be able to begin their studies in February 2025.

Tip: Amandla Omoya Trust Bursary 2025

Application Process for the 2025 Andrew W. Mellon Foundation Scholarship

Students interested in applying for the Stellenbosch University Andrew W. Mellon Foundation Scholarship should follow the steps outlined below:

Step 1: Download and Complete the Application Form

Applicants can access the official application form on Stellenbosch University’s website. Be sure to save the form as a PDF before submitting it via email.

Step 2: Gather the Required Documents

Ensure that the following documents are included with your completed application form:

• A certified copy of your ID document (for South African citizens) or passport (for international students).
• A full academic transcript of your Honours degree.
• A certified copy of your Honours degree certificate, or official proof from your institution that the degree will be conferred by December 2024.
• A motivational letter (maximum 600 words) explaining why you should be awarded the scholarship.
• A pre-proposal or research idea outlining your proposed research question (maximum 500 words) aligned with one of the three project themes.
• A sample of your writing, such as your Honours research essay or any published academic work.
• A letter of recommendation from your prospective supervisor at Stellenbosch University.

Step 3: Submit Your Application

Completed applications must be submitted via email to graduateschool@sun.ac.za, with the subject line reading: “Andrew W. Mellon Foundation Scholarship Application.”

Step 4: Contact Stellenbosch University

If you have any questions or concerns regarding the application process, you can contact the Graduate School of the Arts and Social Sciences at Stellenbosch University:

• Contact Person: Dr. Candice Steele
• Email: graduateschool@sun.ac.za

Important Notes:

• The application must be submitted in English only.
• Applicants are encouraged to contact their respective department before applying to ensure there is availability for suitable supervision.
• Applications submitted after the closing date of 31 October 2024 will not be considered.

Related: How to Apply for NSFAS Funding for 2025

The Stellenbosch University Andrew W. Mellon Foundation Scholarship for 2025 is an incredible opportunity for students eager to advance their research in the humanities and social sciences. This prestigious award provides both the financial support and the academic framework needed to succeed in pursuing full-time Masters studies. With its focus on African Cultural Studies, Identity and Gender Studies, and Ecocriticism, the scholarship offers a platform for meaningful research that can make a lasting impact on society.