Kristina Plattner Scholarship 2027

ByPatie October 23, 2026October 23, 2026

The Kristina Plattner Scholarship 2027 supports eligible full-time MSc and PhD researchers in the University of Cape Town’s Department of Biological Sciences. Applications close on 31 October 2026.

This is a targeted research award, not a general scholarship for every biological-sciences topic. Your project must examine how climate change, fire or human activity affects the biodiversity, functioning or conservation of fynbos ecosystems.

Kristina Plattner Scholarship 2027 values and study-stage limits

MSc by dissertation: R150,000 per year, renewable for a total of up to two years.
PhD: R180,000 per year, renewable for a total of up to three years.

MSc applicants must be within their first two years of registration; PhD applicants must be within their first three. Full-time registration in UCT Biological Sciences and compliance with the university’s postgraduate funding policies are required.

The department can change the number or value of awards, and UCT may make no award. These figures therefore describe the advertised scholarship, not money guaranteed to every eligible applicant.

How applications are assessed

The selection weighting is 60% academic merit and 40% financial need. Academic achievements, publications or publication-quality research, and recognition of excellence contribute to the merit assessment. The research must also fit the scholarship’s stated scope.

As preparation advice, connect your proposed research question, methods and intended contribution clearly. A general interest in conservation is not the same as explaining what your particular fynbos project will investigate.

Prepare one complete PDF

The application pack requires the completed form, motivation, CV, academic transcripts, personal budget and a detailed research abstract. Both the motivation and abstract must be under 300 words. The abstract should explain the botanical theme, framework and methods.

Give the names and contact details of at least two academic referees who have taught, supervised or worked alongside you. Financial information should identify awards or income in rand and show monthly income and expenditure. Explain both your academic case and the funding gap honestly.

Before combining the files, check that your budget uses consistent periods and that other bursaries are identified accurately as applied for or received. This is practical application advice, not an extra selection condition.

Official application route

Read the official 2027 notice and application form. Forms are also available from Natalie Jodamus. Submit the completed single PDF to Natalie.Jodamus@uct.ac.za by 31 October 2026. Enquiries: 021 650 3627. The notice does not specify a closing hour.