GreenMatter Fellowship PhD at University of Cape Town Application for 2026/2027
Detailed guide on GreenMatter Fellowship PhD at the University of Cape Town Application 2026/2027. Are you an aspiring researcher with a strong interest in biodiversity conservation, environmental sustainability, or natural resource management? The GreenMatter Fellowship PhD Programme at the University of Cape Town (UCT) for the 2026/2027 academic year is now open for applications, offering a prestigious funding opportunity for South African graduates who wish to pursue doctoral studies in critical environmental and biodiversity-related fields. This fellowship is designed to strengthen South Africa’s environmental sector by developing high-level research skills and producing future leaders in conservation science and sustainability.
GreenMatter, a national non-profit organisation focused on building capacity in the biodiversity and environmental sector, partners with leading institutions such as the University of Cape Town to support postgraduate training and transformation. Through this PhD fellowship, GreenMatter invests in academic excellence, transformation, and research that directly contributes to biodiversity conservation, climate resilience, and sustainable development in South Africa.
The GreenMatter PhD Fellowship at UCT provides substantial financial support, which may include tuition fees, a generous stipend, and research-related costs for the duration of the doctoral programme. Beyond funding, fellows benefit from structured mentorship, professional development, networking opportunities, and exposure to real-world environmental challenges within South Africa’s biodiversity sector. The programme strongly supports previously disadvantaged individuals and candidates whose research aligns with national environmental priorities.
By applying for the GreenMatter Fellowship PhD at the University of Cape Town 2026/2027, candidates gain more than financial support, they become part of a growing community of scholars committed to advancing biodiversity research, policy, and practice in South Africa.
In addition, satrends.co.za offers a wide range of other bursary categories to suit your preference. Click on the links below to access other kinds of bursaries.
Universities in South Africa Bursaries Available for 2026
Government Departments Bursaries Available for 2026
Field of Studies Specified Bursaries Available for 2026
Keep reading to learn more about the eligibility criteria, research focus areas, application process, funding benefits, and closing date for the GreenMatter Fellowship PhD at UCT for the 2026/2027 academic year.
About GreenMatter
GreenMatter is a national initiative focused on transforming graduate-level skills in the biodiversity sector. It was co-founded by the South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI), with the Lewis Foundation leading the development of the Biodiversity Human Capital Development Strategy (BHCDS).
The initiative aims to address critical skills shortages while promoting social transformation, research excellence, and employment opportunities within South Africa’s growing green economy. GreenMatter supports organisations with biodiversity mandates by developing highly skilled professionals in research, management, policy, and applied environmental fields.
About GreenMatter Bursary Programme 2026/2027
GreenMatter awards bursaries to postgraduate students (Honours, Masters, and PhD) studying at the University of Cape Town. The programme targets students whose studies align with priority skills areas in the biodiversity sector, as identified through the BHCDS.
Applicants must have started their studies in December 2019 or during 2026 to be eligible.
Fields of Study Covered by the GreenMatter Bursary
The bursary supports a wide range of biodiversity-related disciplines, including but not limited to:
- Agricultural extensionists with biodiversity specialisation
- Bioinformatics and ICT specialists with biodiversity skills
- Curators of biodiversity collections
- Ecologists (marine, aquatic, and terrestrial systems)
- Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) practitioners
- Civil engineers with biodiversity specialisation
- Environmental and biodiversity lawyers
- Geneticists and molecular biologists specialising in conservation
- GIS specialists and technicians
- Biodiversity education and Human Capital Development specialists
- Monitoring specialists, species protection officers, and inspectors
- Policy developers, analysts, urban and regional planners with biodiversity insight
- Protected area managers
- Resource economists with biodiversity focus
- Social scientists specialising in environmental and indigenous knowledge systems
- Social ecologists
- Soil scientists
- Statistical ecologists and biodiversity modellers
- Taxonomists
- Wildlife veterinarians
Bursary Value and Benefits
The GreenMatter bursary is valued at R90 000 per year and is renewable annually, subject to satisfactory academic performance, for a maximum of three years.
The bursary provides:
- Financial support for tuition fees, research costs, and living expenses
- Mentoring and career guidance
- Access to learning networks and professional development platforms
Eligibility Requirements for GreenMatter Fellowship PhD at University of Cape Town 2026/2027
To be considered, applicants must meet all of the following minimum requirements:
- Be a South African citizen (preference given)
- Have completed a Masters degree
- Be studying full-time towards a PhD qualification (excluding 2nd and 3rd year PhD studies)
- Be registered at the University of Cape Town
- Be studying in a field aligned with GreenMatter priority skill areas
- Have commenced studies in December or in 2026
Failure to meet any of the above criteria will result in disqualification.
How to Apply for GreenMatter Fellowship PhD at University of Cape Town 2026/2027
Applications must be completed online via the following link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/J2ZSXP6
Applicants are required to download and read the GreenMatter Fellowship PhD Guidelines (PDF) before submitting their application.
Required Supporting Documents
The following documents must be submitted with your online application. Incomplete applications will not be considered:
- Proof of South African citizenship (certified ID or passport)
- Certified academic record
- Degree certificates (Honours and Masters – certified copies)
- Thesis proposal
- Two reference letters:
- One academic reference
- One employer reference (if applicable) or an alternative academic/voluntary reference
- Curriculum Vitae (including work or volunteer experience)
- Motivation letter explaining alignment with GreenMatter priority skills
- Any additional supporting documents
Document naming format: “Initial and Surname, Document Name” (e.g. J Abrahams, ID Document)
Submission of Applications
Completed application forms and all supporting documents must be emailed to both of the following addresses:
Selection Process and Feedback
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
If you have not received feedback by 30 August, please consider your application unsuccessful.
Closing Date for GreenMatter Fellowship PhD at University of Cape Town 2026/2027
Application Deadline: 15 July
Late applications will not be accepted. Applicants are encouraged to submit well before the closing date to avoid disqualification.
Contact Details of GreenMatter
For further information or queries regarding the bursary programme, contact GreenMatter directly:
Email: janavi@greenmatter.co.za | moshadi@greenmatter.co.za
