If you are passionate about plants, biodiversity, and environmental research, the SAAB Scholarship 2026 could be your opportunity to fund your MSc studies in Botany. The South African Association of Botanists (SAAB) is offering funding to support postgraduate students in botanical sciences for the 2026 academic year.
In this detailed guide, you’ll find everything you need to know about the SAAB Scholarship 2026, including eligibility requirements, bursary value, required documents, and a simple step-by-step application process.
About the SAAB (South African Association of Botanists)
The South African Association of Botanists (SAAB) was founded to promote and maintain the status of the Botany profession across all sectors. It represents academic botanical disciplines and has members from universities, academic institutions, and research organisations across South Africa.
SAAB plays an important role in:
- Promoting botanical research
- Supporting postgraduate students
- Advancing plant science in Southern Africa
- Encouraging academic excellence in botany-related fields
SAAB Scholarship 2026: Fields Covered
The SAAB Scholarship is awarded to students pursuing:
- MSc studies in Botany
- MSc studies in botanically related fields
This opportunity is ideal for students specialising in:
- Plant ecology
- Plant systematics
- Conservation biology
- Environmental science (with botanical focus)
- Biodiversity studies
- Agricultural botany
SAAB Scholarship 2026 Value & Benefits
- Number of bursaries available: 3
- Total value per bursary: R50 000
- Funding breakdown:
- R25 000 in Year 1
- R25 000 in Year 2 (subject to satisfactory academic progress)
Additional Benefit
- Complimentary SAAB student membership for 2 years
Funding is renewable for the second year provided the student performs satisfactorily in the first year.
SAAB Scholarship 2026 Eligibility Requirements
Before applying, make sure you meet all the minimum requirements. Failure to meet any requirement may result in disqualification.
Applicants must:
- Be a resident of a SADC country:
- South Africa
- Namibia
- Botswana
- Zambia
- Zimbabwe
- Lesotho
- Eswatini
- Angola
- Malawi
- Democratic Republic of Congo
- Tanzania
- Seychelles
- Mozambique
- Mauritius
- Madagascar
- Comoros
- Have completed a BSc Honours degree in Botany or a related field
- Be in the first year of full-time MSc study in Botany or a related field
- Have achieved a minimum overall average of 70%
- Be studying at a recognised tertiary institution in South Africa
- Have a supervisor who is a paid-up SAAB member
Required Documents for SAAB Scholarship 2026
You must submit the following documents with your online application:
- Certified copies of full academic transcripts
- If not available, submit current marks and a letter from your course coordinator confirming results (on official letterhead)
- Updated Curriculum Vitae (CV) with 2 references
- Motivational letter (written by you) outlining:
- Your academic goals
- Career plans
- Summary of your proposed research
- Motivational letter from your supervisor
⚠️ Important:
- Applications submitted via email will NOT be accepted.
- Missing documents may result in disqualification.
How To Apply for the SAAB Scholarship 2026 (Step-by-Step Guide)
Follow these simple steps to complete your application successfully:
Step 1: Prepare Your Documents
Ensure all required documents are:
- Certified (where applicable)
- Clear and legible
- Saved in the correct format for upload
Step 2: Complete the Online Application Form
Applications must be submitted online via the official Google Form:
👉 SAAB Scholarship Application Form 2026
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdoLeMbFnivh_lwrrkcmeJ0UAJWw1F71yjpPRBUC-uTZPTroA/viewform
Step 3: Upload Supporting Documents
Attach all compulsory documents before submitting your form.
Step 4: Submit Before the Deadline
Ensure your application is submitted before the closing date.
SAAB Scholarship 2026 Closing Date
Closing Date: 28 February 2026
Late applications will NOT be accepted. It is strongly advised to apply well before the deadline.
When Will Successful Applicants Be Contacted?
- By mid-March 2026 (for Masters studies)
- By mid-April 2026 (for Honours Masters studies)
If you do not receive feedback by then, please consider your application unsuccessful.
Why Apply for the SAAB Scholarship?
The SAAB Scholarship is more than just financial assistance. It offers:
- Support from a recognised botanical association
- Academic recognition
- Networking opportunities within the botany community
- Professional growth in plant sciences
If you are passionate about advancing plant science in South Africa and the SADC region, this scholarship could help you take the next step in your academic journey.
Final Tips for a Strong Application
- Write a clear and passionate motivational letter
- Highlight your academic achievements
- Explain the impact of your research
- Proofread your application carefully
- Apply early