Study in South Africa: Funding Masters and PhD research opportunities in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Sustainability
Applications are now being accepted for 2027 Masters and PhD Scholarships at the Center for Sustainability Transitions (CST) at Stellenbosch Universityoffers talented researchers the opportunity to explore the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in advancing sustainability transformation.
This scholarship program seeks outstanding candidates who are interested in considering how AI can contribute to building a more just, equitable, and sustainable society, while seriously addressing the social, political, and environmental challenges associated with emerging digital technologies.
supported through National Research Foundation (NRF) The scholarship, in conjunction with the SARChI Chair held by Professor Raynette (Ongee) Biggs, will fund postgraduate research at Africa’s leading sustainability research centre.
The application deadline is June 16, 2026.
Research focus: Artificial intelligence and sustainability transformation
The call for this scholarship comes at a time when societies around the world are facing interconnected crises, including climate change, biodiversity loss, food insecurity, water scarcity, rising inequality and political instability.
According to the program announcement, achieving a sustainable future requires social and environmental transformation. While AI has emerged as a potentially powerful tool to address complex challenges, it also raises significant ethical, political, and environmental concerns.
Since the advent of generative AI technologies such as ChatGPT, the discussion around AI has expanded beyond technological innovation to include broader societal impacts.
The potential benefits of AI are:
- Enhance decision-making with advanced data analytics
- Accelerating scientific discovery and medical innovation
- Improved resource management and sustainability planning
- Automate repetitive and labor-intensive tasks
However, researchers are increasingly concerned about the following risks:
- Algorithmic bias and discrimination
- Privacy violations and surveillance
- Ethical concerns about data use
- High energy consumption associated with AI systems
- Unequal access to AI infrastructure and resources
- The growing technological gap between the Global North and the Global South
The successful candidate will explore these opportunities and challenges through interdisciplinary research that connects AI technologies and sustainability transformation.
Scholarship opportunities for master’s and doctoral candidates
The program seeks motivated students at Master’s or PhD level who have demonstrated strong academic performance and are interested in bridging sustainability science, sociology, technology research, and digital governance.
Applicants are encouraged to propose original research ideas that investigate the relationship between artificial intelligence and sustainability transitions on a local, national, regional, or global scale.
Potential research topics include:
- AI and climate governance
- Digital technologies for sustainable development
- AI ethics and environmental justice
- Technology and social inequality
- Governance of emerging technologies
- sustainable innovation system
- AI and biodiversity conservation
- Digital transformation in the global south
Candidates will be jointly supervised. Dr. Lloyd Hill Graduated from the Faculty of Sociology and the Faculty of Social Anthropology. Professor Raynette Biggs From the Center for Sustainability Transitions.
About the Sustainability Transition Center
The Center for Sustainability Transitions (CST) at Stellenbosch University is internationally recognized for its work in sustainability science, complexity studies and interdisciplinary research.
The center will serve as a hub for scholars studying social-ecological systems, sustainability governance, resilience, and transformation. We support innovative research aimed at addressing some of the world’s most pressing sustainability challenges.
Students who participate in the program will become part of an interdisciplinary academic community that brings together researchers from diverse backgrounds to explore practical solutions to achieve an equitable and sustainable future.
Funding and scholarships
Successful applicants will receive funding through the NRF Master’s or PhD Scholarship associated with Professor Biggs’ SARChI Chair.
The available funding categories are:
Full Cost Study (FCS) Funding
Available to:
- South African citizen
- permanent resident
- Those who have achieved excellent academic results
- students living with disabilities
- Financially disadvantaged applicants with a total annual household income of less than R350,000
Partial research cost (PCS) funding
Available to:
- The number of international students is limited
- South African applicants who are not eligible for FCS but meet the eligibility criteria for NRF.
Additional support may include:
- Tuition fee compensation
- Research related expenses
- Travel funding if available
- Access to CST’s specialized graduate training programs
Successful candidates will be expected to be primarily based in Stellenbosch during their study period.
Eligibility requirements
Applicants must meet all of the following requirements:
- Honors degree for master’s candidates or master’s degree for doctoral candidates
- Average minimum of 65% for most recent degree
- Academic or research experience related to sustainability, AI, digital technology, sociology, environmental studies, or related fields
- Ability to study full time
- have a strong interest in interdisciplinary research
In accordance with NRF’s funding guidelines, priority will be given to South African citizens and underrepresented groups.
Application process
The application process consists of two stages.
Step 1: Apply to the Department
Applicant must submit the following documents [email protected] by June 16, 2026:
- letter of motivation
- Detailed curriculum vitae (CV)
- transcript
- Copy of ID or passport
- Samples of recent academic papers
Final candidates will be invited for an interview. June 24, 2026.
Step 2: NRF application
Candidates selected in the first stage will be invited to submit a formal NRF scholarship application. July 3, 2026.
Final funding decisions are subject to NRF approval.
Why this opportunity matters
As artificial intelligence increasingly shapes economies, governance systems, and daily life, understanding its impact on sustainability has become a key research priority.
This scholarship program offers up-and-coming researchers the opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge knowledge at the intersection of AI, sustainability, and social change while receiving funding and mentorship from leading experts in the field.
For students passionate about technology, social change, environmental sustainability, and the future of the Global South, this fully-funded graduate opportunity provides a unique platform to develop impactful research that addresses some of the most important challenges of the 21st century.
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Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the organization providing this opportunity. For inquiries, please contact the official organization directly. Please do not submit your application or resume to GSO as it cannot be processed by GSO. Due to the large volume of emails we receive every day, we may not be able to reply to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding
