Skye Foundation Postgraduate Scholarship
Skye Foundation (Skye Foundation Trust and Skye International Foundation Trust, founded 1997 by the Zylstra family; administered directly by the Skye Foundation Trust, with jointly-funded awards run alongside the Cambridge Trust and the Oxford Clarendon Fund)
The Skye Foundation funds outstanding young South Africans of exceptional merit to pursue postgraduate study and research under leaders in their field, at South African universities with strong research records or, at the trustees' discretion, at recognised institutions abroad. The scheme is nomination-only: candidates cannot apply directly and must be nominated by their faculty dean, with support from academic leaders in their discipline, by 31 January each year. Jointly-funded routes include the Skye Cambridge Scholarship (with the Cambridge Trust) and the Skye Foundation Oxford Clarendon Scholarship.
- Amount
- Generous, variable awards that may, depending on circumstances, cover tuition fees, living expenses and other costs; awards are generally for one academic year and may be renewed. The jointly-funded Skye Cambridge Scholarship covers the University composition fee, college fee and an annual stipend for up to 3 years.
- Deadline
- 31 January 2027
- Renewable
- Yes
Eligible Fields of Study
Skye Foundation (Skye Foundation Trust and Skye International Foundation Trust, founded 1997 by the Zylstra family; administered directly by the Skye Foundation Trust, with jointly-funded awards run alongside the Cambridge Trust and the Oxford Clarendon Fund) supports students in the following disciplines
Eligibility Requirements
- ✓ South African citizen
- ✓ Normally under the age of 30
- ✓ Outstanding academic achievement in a first or subsequent degree - a candidate of exceptional merit
- ✓ Intending to read for a higher degree or pursue research under leaders in the field (non-degree postgraduate courses only in exceptional circumstances)
- ✓ NOMINATION ONLY: candidates cannot apply directly - you must be nominated by the dean of your faculty and supported by academic leaders in your discipline
- ✓ For study abroad, preference goes to candidates who have not had the opportunity to study overseas
- ✓ For Cambridge awards: must be selected by both the Skye Foundation and the Cambridge Trust, and must have applied for admission to Cambridge by its deadline (generally early December of the previous year)
- ✓ Successful candidates studying abroad must sign an undertaking to return to South Africa after completing their studies and provide biannual progress reports
What's Included
- ✓ Tuition / composition fees
- ✓ Living and accommodation expenses
- ✓ Annual stipend (for jointly-funded Cambridge awards, paid for up to 3 years)
- ✓ Trustees may also fund research materials and equipment needed by selected candidates
- ✓ Funding tenable at South African universities with strong research records or, at the trustees' discretion, at recognised institutions anywhere in the world
- ✓ Access to world-leading routes such as Cambridge (via the Cambridge Trust) and Oxford (via the Clarendon Fund)
- ✓ Mentorship through study and research under leaders in your field
Work Commitment
No formal work-back, but candidates funded to study abroad must sign an undertaking to return to South Africa after completing their studies and submit biannual progress reports.
How to Apply
Steps to complete your Skye Foundation (Skye Foundation Trust and Skye International Foundation Trust, founded 1997 by the Zylstra family; administered directly by the Skye Foundation Trust, with jointly-funded awards run alongside the Cambridge Trust and the Oxford Clarendon Fund) bursary application
- 1
Note that this is a nomination-only scheme - you cannot apply directly to the Skye Foundation, and applications from candidates will not be acknowledged
- 2
Establish a record of exceptional academic merit and a clear plan for a higher degree or research under leaders in your field
- 3
Ask the dean of your faculty to nominate you, with letters of support from at least two faculty members or leaders in your discipline
- 4
The dean sends the nomination to [email protected], copied to [email protected], by 31 January; nominations received are acknowledged by email
- 5
Note that since 2024 the Foundation does not accept multi-year applications - awards are generally for one academic year and renewals depend on substantial progress
- 6
For Cambridge or Oxford joint awards, separately apply for admission (and to the Cambridge Trust or Clarendon Fund) by the university's own deadline
- 7
Verify current dates and details on the official site (skyefoundation.co.za) each cycle, noting the site is served over HTTP
Required Documents
- 📄 Dean's nomination with letters of support from at least two faculty members or leaders in the discipline
- 📄 Full curriculum vitae and an abridged 2-page version
- 📄 Full details of the course of study, including a motivation for the choice of institution, the supervisor's name and contact details (if applicable) and the course duration
- 📄 Copies of letters of acceptance from the university and college (if available)
- 📄 Details of the costs of tuition, living and other expenses
- 📄 The candidate's email, postal and home addresses and telephone numbers
- 📄 Full academic transcript
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I apply directly to the Skye Foundation?
- No. The Skye Foundation Postgraduate Scholarship is a nomination-only scheme. You cannot apply directly, and unsolicited applications will not be acknowledged. You must be nominated by the dean of your faculty and supported by academic leaders in your discipline.
- Who is eligible for a Skye Foundation scholarship?
- You must be a South African citizen, normally under the age of 30, with outstanding academic achievement, intending to read for a higher degree or pursue research under leaders in your field. Selection is based on exceptional merit.
- Where can I study with a Skye Foundation scholarship?
- Funding is tenable at South African universities with strong research records or, at the trustees' discretion, at recognised institutions anywhere in the world; for overseas study, preference goes to candidates who have not yet studied abroad. Jointly-funded routes include the Skye Cambridge Scholarship (with the Cambridge Trust) and the Skye Foundation Oxford Clarendon Scholarship. For Cambridge awards you must apply for admission by Cambridge's deadline, generally early December of the previous year.
- When is the deadline?
- Skye's How to Apply page gives 31 January as the closing date for nominations, so the next round closes on 31 January 2027. Your dean must send the nomination to [email protected] (copied to [email protected]) by then. Candidates for the joint Cambridge and Oxford awards must also apply to those universities by their own deadlines.
Ready to apply?
Applications close on 31 January 2027
Apply on Skye Foundation (Skye Foundation Trust and Skye International Foundation Trust, founded 1997 by the Zylstra family; administered directly by the Skye Foundation Trust, with jointly-funded awards run alongside the Cambridge Trust and the Oxford Clarendon Fund)'s official siteNeed help? Contact Skye Foundation (Skye Foundation Trust and Skye International Foundation Trust, founded 1997 by the Zylstra family; administered directly by the Skye Foundation Trust, with jointly-funded awards run alongside the Cambridge Trust and the Oxford Clarendon Fund):
Email: [email protected]
Information verified 2026-10-12. Always confirm details on the funder's official website before applying.
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