AGCAE PhD & Master’s Scholarships 2026 at Stellenbosch University

If you are an emerging researcher passionate about entrepreneurship, innovation and positive change in Africa, this is for you: the Allan Gray Centre for Africa Entrepreneurship (AGCAE) at Stellenbosch University has opened applications for its fully-funded PhD and Master’s scholarships for the 2026 intake. These scholarships are designed to support exceptional scholars whose work will bridge research, policy, and practice — helping to address real entrepreneurial challenges across Africa. Let's dig into details!

🎓 Scholarship Summary

• Location: Stellenbosch University, South Africa

• Host Institution: Allan Gray Centre for Africa Entrepreneurship (AGCAE), School of Public Leadership, Stellenbosch University

• Levels of Study: Master’s (full-time) and Doctoral / PhD (full-time)

• Number of Scholarships: Three (3) Master’s and Three (3) PhD scholarships for the Class of 2026 (to be confirmed against the official 2026 call)

• Value & Coverage: Approximately R150,000 per year for Master’s (two years) and R250,000 per year for PhD (three years) — based on recent cycles

• Target Group: Outstanding researchers from Africa (South African citizens and other African nationals), with preference for previously disadvantaged candidates

• Fields of Focus: Entrepreneurship & entrepreneurial ecosystems — research themes include Support, Talent, Policy, Funding, and Entrepreneurial Ecosystem Analytics

• Eligibility:

  • Master’s applicants: Honours degree in a relevant field with at least 70% average

  • PhD applicants: Master’s degree in a relevant field with at least 70% average

  • Commitment to full-time study and alignment with AGCAE’s research themes

• Duration: Two years (Master’s), Three years (PhD)

• Application Deadline: 17 October 2025

• Start Date: Early 2026 (typically February)

• Eligible To: African applicants (South Africans and other African nationals) with relevant qualifications and research interests

🧭 Scholarship Overview

The AGCAE scholarships are more than financial support: they are embedded in a structured research programme. Below are key features and structure one should expect.

• Research-Practice-Policy Nexus: AGCAE emphasizes research that informs entrepreneurship policy, ecosystem building, and entrepreneurial support practice.

• Themes: Current research themes include Support, Talent, Policy, Funding, and Entrepreneurial Ecosystem Analytics.

• Mentorship & Network: Scholars receive academic supervision, co-supervision, and access to AGCAE’s research and policy networks.

• Research Funding: Additional funding supports fieldwork, data collection, and conference participation.

🎁 Benefits

• Full tuition and programme fees covered

• Stipend / living allowance provided

• Research funding for data collection and fieldwork

• Opportunities for conference travel, workshops, and international exchanges

• Access to mentorship and co-supervision with leading scholars

• Engagement with a vibrant research community dedicated to African entrepreneurship

✅ Eligibility Criteria

1. Academic Qualifications

   • Master’s applicants: Honours degree (or equivalent) in entrepreneurship, business, economics, development studies, innovation, or social sciences

   • PhD applicants: Master’s degree in a relevant discipline

2. Academic Performance

   • At least 70% average in Honours for Master’s applicants

   • At least 70% average in Master’s for PhD applicants

3. Research Fit

   • Proposal must align with AGCAE’s research themes

   • Full-time study required

4. Nationality / Residency

   • Open to African nationals (including South Africa)

   • Preference for previously disadvantaged applicants

5. Documents Required

   • CV / resume

   • Certified academic transcripts and certificates

   • Motivation statement

   • Research proposal (2 pages max)

   • Proof of nationality

   • Academic references

📝 Application Procedure

• Apply to Stellenbosch University for the relevant postgraduate programme (Master’s or PhD)

• Complete the AGCAE scholarship application form via the official portal

• Submit required documents including transcripts, certificates, motivation, and proposal

• Deadline: 17 October 2025

• Shortlisted candidates may be invited for interviews; final decisions will be communicated by AGCAE

✨ Why Choose AGCAE?

• Research with real impact: bridging theory, policy, and practice

• Fully funded study with financial and academic support

• Access to world-class supervision and international networks

• Embedded in Africa’s leading entrepreneurship research hub

• Opportunity to shape the future of entrepreneurship in Africa

🔗 Official Link

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