Overview

In the world of higher education, the pursuit of knowledge and academic excellence can often be hindered by financial barriers. Recognizing the need to support deserving students, the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation Turning the Tide Masters Scholarship was established to provide financial assistance to individuals pursuing their Master’s degrees. With a commitment to fostering education and advancing fields of study related to humanities, arts, and social sciences, this scholarship opens doors for future scholars who aim to make an impact in their respective disciplines. 

The Graduate School of the Arts and Social Science Faculty, Stellenbosch University, partnered with the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, is inviting students to apply for the “Turning the Ti​​de” Masters Scholarship for the 2025 academic year. 

The Foundation is a not-for-profit corporation and is the biggest supporter of the arts and humanities in the USA. The Foundation awards grants and funding in 4 main program areas: Higher Learning; Arts and Culture; Public Knowledge; and Humanities in Place. The Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences of Stellenbosch University is pleased to announce, in partnership with the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, a limited number of full-time scholarships for Master’s (100% research). Scholarships are available in all the disciplines that form part of our Faculty but this particular scholarship funding is available only for a research topic that falls within one of the following areas:

• African Cultural Studies
• The Anthropocene and Ecocriticism
• Identity, Gender and Queer Studies

Who Can Apply?

• You may be a South African citizen or an international student
• You must not be older than 30 years of age
• You must have achieved a first-class distinction (minimum 75%) in the final year of your Honours degree
• You must apply for entrance to study at Stellenbosch University (you must also contact the department that you intend studying in and obtain a letter of support indicating that there is supervisory capacity for your research project)
• You must intend on studying towards a full-time Masters (full thesis), at the Graduate School of the Arts and Social Science Faculty at Stellenbosch University, in 2025
• You must be able to start your studies in February 2025
• You must have achieved excellent academic results

Application Procedure

• Prepare Your Application: Applicants will need to submit academic transcripts, letters of recommendation, and a personal statement that highlights their passion for their field of study and their long-term goals.

Required documents

• ID document, if an South African citizen (certified copy)
• Passport, if an international student (certified copy)
• Full academic transcript (certified copy)
• Honours degree or foreign equivalent (certified copy) (or official proof from your institution that the degree will be delivered before December 2024, if the certificate is not available)
• Motivational letter to support your application (maximum 600 words) (read our tips on how to write a motivational letter for your bursary application)
• Pre-proposal or research idea explaining your proposed research question and conceptualization on one of the three project themes (more details can be found on the application form) (maximum 500 words)
• Sample of your writing: Honours research essay for MA applicants and any published academic articles related to your application
• Letter of recommendation from potential supervisor at the Stellenbosch University Faculty of Arts & Social  Sciences

What Financial Support is Available?

• The scholarship will be awarded to the value of R170 000, over 18 months to two years.
• Scholars together with their supervisors, may also apply for funding for the following:
  • Writing retreat
  • local conference attendance (of R8 269)
  • publication costs (of R10 920).