Call for Applications: Allan Gray Centre for Africa Entrepreneurship PhD and Masters Scholarships 2025

The Allan Gray Centre for Africa Entrepreneurship (AGCAE) is pleased to announce its 2025 PhD and Masters Scholarships. This prestigious opportunity offers a platform for individuals passionate about entrepreneurship-led development in Africa to pursue advanced degrees in one of the continent’s leading academic institutions, Stellenbosch University.

With a vision centered on fostering entrepreneurial ecosystems across Africa, AGCAE seeks to empower students who are committed to developing Africa’s entrepreneurial landscape. The centre uses data-driven and dialogue-based approaches to improve economic well-being, bridging gaps in entrepreneurial education and practice.

Scholarship Overview

AGCAE offers two primary scholarship options:

• PhD Scholarships: These are full-time doctoral scholarships valued at R250,000 per year for three years. Applicants must pursue research that aligns with AGCAE’s core research themes related to entrepreneurship in Africa.
• Masters Scholarships: These scholarships are available for full-time master’s students and are valued at R150,000 per year for two years. Like the PhD program, applicants must focus their research on topics within the AGCAE’s key research areas.

Both programs provide recipients with the necessary financial support to cover tuition fees, research expenses, and some living costs, enabling scholars to fully dedicate their time and effort to their studies.

AGCAE’s Strategic Objectives

The centre’s main mission is to enable entrepreneurship-led development in Africa through a platform that provides and uses entrepreneurial ecosystem data and knowledge. Some of its key priorities include:

• Creating and integrating entrepreneurial ecosystem data across African regions.
• Analysing and interpreting data to provide actionable insights on entrepreneurship.
• Developing and communicating research that is scientifically rigorous and societally relevant.
• Contributing to entrepreneurship education to drive economic development across Africa.

By supporting scholars in these areas, AGCAE aims to create a ripple effect that will benefit not only academic researchers but also policymakers, entrepreneurs, investors, and NGOs.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for the AGCAE scholarships, candidates must meet certain academic and personal requirements:

For PhD Applicants:

• Applicants must have completed a master’s degree in a relevant field.
• They must have achieved a minimum aggregate score of 70% in their master’s program.

For Masters Applicants:

• Applicants must hold an honours degree or equivalent in a relevant field.
• A minimum aggregate score of 70% in their honours program is required.

Both PhD and Masters scholarships are open to South African citizens and African foreign nationals, with preference given to previously disadvantaged South African citizens and African nationals. Additionally, candidates must align their research proposals with one of AGCAE’s specified research themes.

How to Apply

Interested applicants must follow a two-step application process. First, they should apply for the relevant PhD or Masters program at Stellenbosch University through its central applicant portal. After completing the university’s admission process, candidates must download and fill out the AGCAE scholarship application form.

In addition to the completed form, applicants should submit:

• Certified academic records.
• A personal motivation letter (maximum one page) describing their suitability for the scholarship.
• A research concept note detailing their proposed topic.
• A certified copy of their ID or passport.

The final submission, including all supporting documents, must be emailed to the Graduate School Office by the stipulated deadline.

Deadlines

• The application deadline for the AGCAE PhD and Masters Scholarships is September 30, 2024.
• Successful applicants will commence their studies on February 10, 2025, at Stellenbosch University.

Application Links:

• PhD Program: Stellenbosch University PhD Program
• Masters Program: Stellenbosch University Masters Program

Conclusion

The AGCAE PhD and Masters Scholarships offer an incredible opportunity for ambitious scholars who are passionate about Africa’s entrepreneurial growth. With a focus on data-driven ecosystem development, these scholarships provide the financial and academic support necessary to make a real impact on the continent’s future.

For more information, visit the official AGCAE website here.