The GreenMatter Fellowship Mapula Awards are focused on developing higher level skills for the UNESCO designated Biosphere Reserves in South Africa. Biosphere Reserves provide significant potential for incorporating socio-ecological benefits with traditional land management and are a national conservation focus.

The Mapula Award (Mapula meaning mother of rain) symbolizes the seeding environment that the founding award partners GreenMatter, The Mapula Foundation, Stellenbosch University and the Endangered Wildlife Trust (EWT), amongst others, are creating to decrease the scarcity levels by providing holistic development opportunities for local talent in Biosphere Reserve research and management.

Applicants are invited for the GreenMatter Fellowship – Mapula Awards for Doctoral study in South Africa for the 2015 academic year.

The Mapula Award will provide holistic support in the form of:

  • A R120 000 cash contribution towards costs of living and study fees;
  • The opportunity to access mentoring support, career guidance and platforms to engage in learning networks – estimated value of R50 000 per year.

Are you eligible?

To apply for this programme you must be:

  • A South African citizen;
  • In possession of a Masters Degree or about to graduate in the year of application;
  • Seeking funding for a full-time doctoral programme at a South African higher education institue; and
  • Able to motivate how your study aligns to the identified research areas.

Click here for the Mapula Award Research Areas

How to apply:

The application process for the Mapula Awards will open on Monday 13 October 2014 and close on Friday 7 November 2014.

Click here to get more information and to download the application form.

Completed application forms should be emailed to landiwe@greenmatter.co.za. Late or incomplete applications will not be considered. Applicants must apply to their chosen universities separately and awards are conditional on the applicant being offered a place at the relevant university.

Any questions regarding the GreenMatter Mapula Awards can be directed by email to landiwe@greenmatter.co.za and will be responded to within 2 working days.