- Provider: Department of Science and Innovation and National Research Foundation
- Host country: South Africa
- Study level: Master’s, PhD
- Funding: Fully funded: Full-cost-of-study support including research trips to CERN. MSc: up to R150,000 per annum. PhD: up to R200,000 per annum.
- Who can apply: South African citizens starting full-time MSc or PhD studies in 2027 at a South African university. Applicants must have a 65% aggregate in their previous degree and a supervisor who is an SA-CERN member.
- Fields of study: Physics, Engineering, Technology
About the scholarship
The SA-CERN Programme Excellence Bursary supports South African researchers and students in accessing world-class facilities at CERN in Geneva, Switzerland. Funded by the Department of Science and Innovation and the National Research Foundation, this programme aims to build scientific capacity and foster international collaboration. It provides access to major research facilities such as the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) and ISOLDE, enabling participants to contribute to global science and technology innovation.
What it covers
- Full-cost-of-study support for the duration of MSc or PhD studies commencing in 2027.
- Sponsorship of research trips to CERN aligned with the student’s project.
- Annual bursary values of up to R150,000 for MSc and up to R200,000 for PhD.
Who can apply
- South African citizens.
- Applicants starting full-time MSc or PhD studies at a South African university in 2027.
- Candidates must have completed their previous degree with an aggregate of 65%.
- The research project must align with SA-CERN pillars (ALICE, ATLAS, ISOLDE, THEORY, or Technology Transfer).
- The supervisor must be an SA-CERN member.
How to apply
Complete the online application form and upload the following documents:
- An up-to-date CV.
- A copy of your full academic record.
- A statement of purpose addressing the proposed research topic and supervisor.
- A copy of your South African ID document.
- Three letters of recommendation.
- Copies of any research publications or reports authored or co-authored.
- A copy of your dissertation from your previous level of study.
Visit the official webpage to submit your application.
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