Highlights
- Scholarship Value: R50,000 per student (covers tuition and study materials)
- The programme is aimed at supporting South African women in their final year of postgraduate studies
- Applicants must have achieved a minimum average of 65% in their most recently completed academic year
In an era where gender equality takes center stage, the Women’s Empowerment Network of South Africa (WENOSA) is pioneering a formidable initiative designed to support women in academia. The WENOSA Postgraduate Scholarship Programme is poised to empower South African women navigating their final year of postgraduate studies in fields where they have historically been underrepresented. This initiative is not just about funding; it’s about fostering change, nurturing talent, and championing diversity in various sectors.
Programme Overview
The new scholarship programme is tailored for South African women pursuing postgraduate studies (Honours, Master’s, or Doctoral) in critically underrepresented fields such as technology, engineering, economics, and the sciences. Moreover, it opens its arms to those in gender studies and disciplines contributing to gender equality and social change. WENOSA plans to award scholarships to 15 deserving applicants, with each scholarship valued at R50,000. This fund is primarily aimed at covering tuition fees and essential study materials.
Addressing Inequality
Statistics reveal a significant gender disparity in fields such as technology and engineering, where women have been consistently underrepresented. This programme seeks to address these inequalities by providing financial assistance and promoting women’s participation in these fields. By facilitating access to education for women from low-income households, this scholarship aims to dismantle barriers that have historically hindered women’s academic and professional progress.
Eligibility Criteria
The scholarship is open to South African women who have demonstrated academic excellence, maintaining a minimum average of 65% in their recent academic endeavors. Whether in an Honours, Master’s, or Doctoral programme, applicants must meet this criterion to qualify. Additionally, the programme gives preference to women from households with an annual income of R350,000 or less, ensuring that financial need is a pivotal part of the selection process.
Application Requirements
Applying for the scholarship requires a comprehensive set of documents, ensuring a holistic evaluation of each candidate:
- A completed WENOSA Application Form
- Official academic transcripts
- Proof of enrollment for the final year of study in 2025
- A 500–700 word motivation letter detailing the applicant’s commitment to gender issues and career aspirations
- Two recommendation letters
- A certified copy of the South African ID
- A detailed Curriculum Vitae
The Selection Process
WENOSA has outlined a clear roadmap for the selection process. The application deadline is set for 9 June 2025, followed by a rigorous review and shortlisting phase. Successful candidates will be notified by 30 July 2025, with scholarship funds disbursed directly to their respective universities in instalments.
Terms and Conditions
The scholarship comes with a set of expectations to ensure recipients maximize this opportunity. Maintaining an academic average of 65% is mandatory, and participants must submit bi-annual progress reports. These reports should highlight academic advancements, reflections on contributions to gender equality, and research progress. Moreover, recipients are encouraged to engage in WENOSA initiatives after graduation, fostering a community of empowered women dedicated to driving social change.
A Call to Action
The WENOSA Postgraduate Scholarship Programme is more than a financial assistance scheme; it is a call to action. It beckons South African women to break free from societal constraints, to dare to dream and to actively partake in shaping the future of their communities. By investing in women’s education, WENOSA is not just creating opportunities; it is building a movement towards a more equitable and inclusive society.
For more information or to take part in this transformative journey, interested parties can reach out to Sesethu Abrahams at sesethu@wenosa.org or 064 808 7536 or visit https://wenosa.org/postgraduate-scholarship-program/. Let’s join hands to work towards a future where women have the freedom and resources to excel in every field.
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