University of Cape Town RAENS Masters Bursary 2027–2028: R200,000 Annual Funding for Agroecology Research in South Africa

The Research for Agroecology Network Southern Africa (RAENS) Masters Bursary 2027–2028 is inviting applications for one full-time Master’s bursary focused on understanding the social, ecological, and environmental impacts of agroecological transitions in South Africa.

The opportunity is hosted by the Department of Environmental and Geographical Science at the University of Cape Town (UCT) under the DSTI/NRF Research Chair: Environmental and Social Dimensions of the Bio-economy. The selected Master’s student will conduct research as part of the RAENS project and work with a dynamic team investigating agroecological transitions at multiple sites across South Africa.

The bursary provides R200,000 per year tax-free for two years, with additional funding available for fieldwork costs. The project will also cover UCT fees, subject to the conditions outlined in the announcement.

Applications for the RAENS Masters Bursary close on 21 September 2026 at 9:00 S.A.S.T.

RAENS Masters Bursary 2027–2028

The Research for Agroecology Network Southern Africa (RAENS) is offering a Master’s research opportunity for a suitably qualified scholar interested in agroecology and the social, environmental, ecological, and economic dimensions of agricultural transitions.

The successful candidate will join the Bioeconomy Research Chair in the Department of Environmental and Geographical Science at the University of Cape Town and contribute to research being conducted through the RAENS project.

The position is designed for a researcher who is interested not only in academic research but also in participatory and farmer-led research in rural communities across South Africa.

The full-time Master’s research will involve fieldwork at multiple pilot sites in different provinces, meaning applicants should be prepared to travel and spend several weeks at a time conducting research in different locations.

Key Details of the RAENS Masters Bursary

Detail	Information
Programme	RAENS Masters Bursary
Study period	January 2027–December 2028
Start date	January 2027 or earlier if possible
Institution	University of Cape Town
Department	Department of Environmental and Geographical Science
Research Chair	DSTI/NRF Research Chair: Environmental and Social Dimensions of the Bio-economy
Project	Research for Agroecology Network Southern Africa (RAENS)
Study level	Master’s
Position	1 full-time Master’s bursary
Duration	2 years
Annual bursary	R200,000 tax-free
Fieldwork support	Additional funding available
Tuition	UCT fees covered by the project
Application deadline	21 September 2026, 9:00 S.A.S.T.
UCT Master’s application deadline	30 September 2026
RAENS interview period	Week of 21 September 2026
Expected RAENS outcome	By 25 September 2026
Application email	Fahdelah.Hartley@uct.ac.za
Further information	Brittany.Kesselman@uct.ac.za

About the Research for Agroecology Network Southern Africa

The Research for Agroecology Network Southern Africa (RAENS) is the broader research project under which this Master’s bursary will be funded and completed.

RAENS aims to establish a transdisciplinary agroecology research and knowledge network in Southern Africa.

The project seeks to strengthen existing agroecological initiatives while demonstrating the potential and scalability of agroecology across the region.

Its broader objectives include:

• Strengthening existing agroecology initiatives.
• Showcasing the potential of agroecological approaches.
• Exploring the scalability of agroecology.
• Supporting changes in agricultural training.
• Supporting changes in agricultural research.
• Promoting agroecological and regenerative approaches to food production.
• Supporting sustainable approaches to producing food, fibre, and fodder.
• Informing policy.
• Contributing to an enabling environment for agroecology uptake.
• Strengthening agroecology research and training.

The RAENS project takes a transdisciplinary approach, bringing together different forms of knowledge and expertise to understand agroecological transitions.

About the Master’s Research Opportunity

The successful candidate will investigate agroecological transitions at various sites in South Africa.

The research is intended to understand the experiences and implications of agroecological transitions for farmers.

This makes the opportunity particularly relevant to candidates interested in the relationship between agriculture, environmental sustainability, rural communities, livelihoods, ecological systems, governance, and food systems.

The Master’s student may develop research around either ecological and biophysical dimensions or social and economic dimensions of agroecological transition.

Research Area 1: Ecological and Biophysical Dimensions

One possible research direction focuses on the ecological and biophysical aspects of agroecological transitions.

Potential areas include:

Soil Health

The student may investigate how agroecological transitions affect or interact with soil health and sustainable soil management.

Biodiversity

Research may examine biodiversity and its relationship to agroecological farming systems.

Water Conservation

Water conservation is another potential area of investigation, particularly in relation to agricultural sustainability and resource management.

Recycling

Research could explore recycling approaches within agroecological systems and their contribution to sustainable production.

Integrated Pest Management

The student may also investigate integrated pest management as part of agroecological transition.

These topics provide opportunities to explore how farming practices can interact with ecological processes and environmental sustainability.

Research Area 2: Social and Economic Dimensions

The second broad research direction focuses on the social and economic aspects of agroecological transitions.

Potential areas include:

Social Cohesion

The research may investigate how agroecological transitions influence relationships, collaboration, and social cohesion within farming and rural communities.

Livelihoods

Another potential focus is the effect of agroecological transitions on livelihoods and the economic circumstances of farmers and communities.

Territorial Markets

The Master’s research may examine territorial markets and their role within agroecological food systems.

Governance

Governance is another potential area of research, including the ways institutions, communities, and other stakeholders influence agroecological transitions.

Indigenous Food and Farming Systems

The research can also explore indigenous food and farming systems and their relationship with agroecological approaches.

Diets

Another potential theme is the relationship between agroecological transitions and diets.

Community Resilience

Students may investigate how agroecological approaches contribute to or interact with community resilience.

Cross-Cutting Research Themes

In addition to the main research areas, the Master’s research will incorporate several cross-cutting themes.

These include:

• Youth
• Gender
• Climate change
• Indigenous knowledge

These themes can be integrated into research examining either the ecological and biophysical or social and economic dimensions of agroecological transition.

This provides scope for research that examines agroecology from multiple perspectives rather than treating agricultural transition solely as a technical or environmental issue.

Fieldwork and Farmer-Led Research

A major component of the Master’s position is fieldwork.

The selected student will travel to multiple pilot sites located in different provinces of South Africa.

Fieldwork may involve spending several weeks at a time at different research locations.

The fieldwork will support participatory, farmer-led research on agroecology.

Applicants should therefore be prepared for a research programme that involves substantial engagement outside the university environment.

The opportunity may be particularly relevant to candidates who already have experience working with rural communities in South Africa.

Participation in RAENS Activities

The selected Master’s student will not only conduct their individual research.

They will also be expected to participate in:

• RAENS meetings.
• RAENS events.
• Project-related research activities.
• Engagement with the broader RAENS research team.

This means the position combines independent Master’s research with participation in a wider research network.

Duration of the Bursary

The bursary supports two years of full-time Master’s study, covering the period from January 2027 to December 2028.

The second year of funding is subject to satisfactory progress.

Applicants should therefore understand that continued funding into the second year depends on satisfactory academic and research progress.

Financial Support

The RAENS Master’s bursary provides significant financial support for the selected candidate.

Annual Bursary

The total bursary value is:

R200,000 per year

The bursary is described as tax-free.

Over two years, this represents a total bursary value of:

R400,000, assuming the second year is funded following satisfactory progress.

Fieldwork Funding

In addition to the annual bursary, additional funding is available for fieldwork costs.

This is particularly relevant because the research involves travel to multiple pilot sites in different South African provinces.

UCT Fees

The project will also cover UCT fees.

The bursary therefore combines annual financial support with project funding for fieldwork and coverage of UCT fees.

Costs Not Covered

The announcement specifically states that the bursary does not include benefits or travel/relocation costs.

Applicants should therefore take potential personal travel and relocation expenses into account when considering the opportunity.

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must meet specific academic and research-related requirements.

Honours Degree

Applicants must hold an Honours degree with a minimum of 65% in a relevant field.

The announcement provides examples of relevant fields, including:

• Environmental science
• Conservation
• Anthropology
• Sociology
• Development studies
• Geography
• Botany
• Agriculture

Other closely related fields may potentially be relevant, but applicants should assess their academic background against the requirements stated in the official announcement.

Recent Qualification

The Honours degree must have been awarded within the last five years.

Applicants should therefore ensure that their qualification falls within this specified period.

No Existing Research Master’s Degree

Applicants should not already have a research Master’s degree.

The opportunity is intended for candidates who are seeking to undertake the relevant Master’s research programme.

Desired Competencies

Beyond the formal eligibility requirements, the project identifies several competencies that would be desirable in the successful candidate.

Strong Research Skills

Applicants should demonstrate strong research capabilities and the ability to engage with academic and field-based research.

Analytical and Conceptual Skills

Strong analytical and conceptual skills are desired because the research involves examining complex ecological, environmental, social, and economic dimensions of agroecological transition.

Experience in Rural South African Communities

Experience working with rural communities in South Africa would be valuable for this position, particularly given the participatory and farmer-led nature of the fieldwork.

Knowledge of Agroecology

Applicants with knowledge of agroecology are particularly relevant to the research project.

Commitment to Engaged Scholarship

The project seeks candidates who demonstrate a commitment to engaged scholarship.

This aligns with the project’s emphasis on participatory, farmer-led research and collaboration with communities and stakeholders.

Interdisciplinary Background

A background combining natural sciences with social sciences or humanities would be an advantage.

This interdisciplinary orientation reflects the broad scope of the research, which can involve ecological, environmental, social, economic, cultural, and governance dimensions.

Qualitative and Quantitative Research Skills

Experience combining qualitative and quantitative analysis would also be an advantage.

Applicants with interdisciplinary methodological skills may therefore be well suited to the nature of the research.

Communication and Interpersonal Skills

Good interpersonal and communication skills are required.

These are particularly important for fieldwork and engagement with farmers, communities, researchers, and other stakeholders.

Presentation and Facilitation

Strong presentation and facilitation skills are also desired.

These skills may be useful for participatory research, meetings, workshops, RAENS activities, and communication of research findings.

English Language

Applicants should be fluent in spoken and written English.

There is also a strong preference for candidates who speak an additional South African language.

Computer Literacy

Candidates should have computer literacy, including familiarity with:

• Microsoft Office
• Common analytical packages

Driver’s Licence

A driver’s licence is listed among the desired competencies.

Given the fieldwork requirements and travel to multiple sites, this may be particularly relevant to the practical requirements of the position.

Application Requirements

1. Letter of Motivation

Applicants must submit a detailed letter of motivation explaining:

• Why they are suitable for the position.
• Their relevant academic and professional background.
• Their specific research interests.
• How their interests relate to the RAENS Master’s bursary.

The letter should therefore directly connect the applicant’s background and research interests with agroecological transition and the objectives of the project.

2. Comprehensive CV

Applicants must submit a comprehensive curriculum vitae.

The CV should provide sufficient information about the applicant’s academic background, research experience, relevant fieldwork, competencies, and other experience relevant to the position.

3. Academic Transcripts

Applicants must provide their academic transcripts as part of the application.

These documents will allow the selection team to assess the applicant’s academic qualifications and performance.

4. Two Referees

Applicants must provide the names and contact details of two referees.

Applicants should ensure that the referees are appropriate individuals who can provide relevant information about their academic, research, professional, or other relevant capabilities.

Separate UCT Master’s Application

An important requirement is that the successful RAENS candidate must also apply separately for Master’s study at the University of Cape Town and to the Department of Environmental and Geographical Science.

The scholarship is subject to the candidate being accepted for Master’s study at UCT.

The relevant UCT Master’s application information is available through the Department of Environmental and Geographical Science.

There are therefore two distinct processes applicants should understand:

1. Application for the RAENS scholarship/bursary.
2. Application for Master’s admission at UCT.

The announcement advises applicants to wait for the outcome of the RAENS scholarship before applying to UCT.

Important Application Deadlines

Applicants should pay attention to two separate deadlines.

RAENS Masters Scholarship Deadline

The closing date for the RAENS Master’s scholarship application is:

21 September 2026 at 9:00 S.A.S.T.

This is the immediate deadline applicants must meet for the bursary application.

UCT Master’s Application Deadline

The closing date for the separate UCT application is:

30 September 2026

However, the announcement advises applicants not to apply to UCT until the RAENS scholarship outcome is known.

Interview Timeline

Short-listed candidates are expected to participate in interviews during the:

Week of 21 September 2026

The outcome of the RAENS scholarship is expected to be known by:

25 September 2026

Applicants who do not hear from the team by 28 September 2026 are advised to assume that their application was unsuccessful.

Expected Start Date

The expected start date for the Master’s bursary is:

January 2027

The announcement also states that the successful candidate may be able to start earlier if possible.

The overall study period is expected to run from January 2027 through December 2028, subject to the requirements of the programme and satisfactory progress.

Who Would Be a Strong Match for This Research Opportunity?

The position is particularly relevant to candidates who are interested in the intersection of:

• Agroecology
• Sustainable agriculture
• Environmental science
• Rural development
• Conservation
• Food systems
• Climate change
• Biodiversity
• Soil health
• Water conservation
• Indigenous knowledge
• Agricultural livelihoods
• Community resilience
• Governance
• Social sciences
• Farmer-led research

An interdisciplinary candidate with experience or interest spanning environmental and social dimensions may find the research structure particularly relevant.

South African and International Eligibility

The announcement states that, in line with UCT’s commitment to redress, preference will be given to South African candidates from historically excluded and disadvantaged groups.

The provided announcement does not explicitly state that applicants of other nationalities are excluded. However, it clearly indicates a preference for South African candidates from historically excluded and disadvantaged groups.

Prospective applicants from outside South Africa should therefore verify their eligibility and any UCT admission requirements directly with the university before applying.

Click HERE to read more and apply.

Conclusion

The RAENS Masters Bursary 2027–2028 at the University of Cape Town offers one full-time Master’s research opportunity focused on understanding the social, ecological, and environmental impacts of agroecological transitions in South Africa.

The selected candidate will become part of the DSTI/NRF Research Chair: Environmental and Social Dimensions of the Bio-economy and contribute to the broader Research for Agroecology Network Southern Africa (RAENS) project.

The research can focus on ecological and biophysical issues such as soil health, biodiversity, water conservation, recycling, and integrated pest management, or on social and economic issues such as social cohesion, livelihoods, territorial markets, governance, indigenous food and farming systems, diets, and community resilience. Cross-cutting themes including youth, gender, climate change, and indigenous knowledge will also be incorporated.

The opportunity provides a tax-free bursary of R200,000 per year for two years, additional funding for fieldwork, and coverage of UCT fees by the project. However, the bursary does not cover benefits or travel and relocation costs.

Applicants must have an Honours degree with at least 65% in a relevant field, awarded within the last five years, and must not already hold a research Master’s degree. Strong research, analytical, communication, facilitation, and interpersonal skills are desired, while experience with rural communities in South Africa, agroecology, engaged scholarship, interdisciplinary research, and qualitative and quantitative methods would be advantageous.

The RAENS bursary application deadline is 21 September 2026 at 9:00 S.A.S.T., while the separate UCT Master’s application closes on 30 September 2026. Applicants are advised to wait for the RAENS scholarship outcome before applying to UCT.

For candidates interested in agroecology, sustainable agriculture, environmental research, rural communities, food systems, and interdisciplinary research, this bursary provides an opportunity to undertake Master’s research as part of a broader Southern African agroecology research network.

Click HERE for more scholarship opportunities.