Skye Foundation Postgraduate Scholarship

1. 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. 2

   Establish a record of exceptional academic merit and a clear plan for a higher degree or research under leaders in your field

3. 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. 4

   The dean sends the nomination to [email protected], copied to [email protected], by 31 January; nominations received are acknowledged by email

5. 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. 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. 7

   Verify current dates and details on the official site (skyefoundation.co.za) each cycle, noting the site is served over HTTP

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.