Stellenbosch University Masters and PhD Scholarships 2027: A Unique Opportunity to Explore AI’s Role in Sustainability

As artificial intelligence continues to reshape economies, industries, and societies worldwide, a critical question is emerging among researchers and policymakers: can AI help solve humanity’s most pressing sustainability challenges, or could it deepen existing inequalities and environmental pressures?

Stellenbosch University is inviting postgraduate researchers to tackle exactly these questions through its Masters and PhD Scholarships 2027, offering funding opportunities for candidates interested in examining the intersection between artificial intelligence, sustainability, and social transformation.

The scholarships form part of a research initiative titled “The Use and Potential for AI in Transformations to Sustainability”, an interdisciplinary project that seeks to understand both the opportunities and risks associated with the rapid expansion of AI technologies.

Applications for the programme close on 16 June 2026, with successful candidates expected to begin research that could contribute to some of the most important global conversations of the coming decade.

Why This Scholarship Matters

Around the world, societies are grappling with interconnected challenges that include:

• Climate change
• Biodiversity loss
• Food insecurity
• Water scarcity
• Economic inequality
• Political instability

Researchers increasingly believe that addressing these issues requires transformative rather than incremental change.

Artificial intelligence is often presented as a powerful tool capable of accelerating sustainability efforts through advanced data analysis, improved decision-making, scientific discovery, predictive modelling, and automation. However, concerns are also growing about AI’s potential negative impacts, including:

• Algorithmic bias
• Ethical concerns surrounding data use
• Surveillance and privacy risks
• Significant energy consumption
• Unequal access to AI infrastructure
• Digital divides between developed and developing regions

These concerns are particularly significant in the Global South, where access to technology and digital resources remains uneven.

The Stellenbosch University scholarship programme aims to support research that critically examines these tensions and explores how AI can contribute to more equitable and sustainable futures.

The Research Theme: AI and Sustainability Transformations

The central focus of the scholarship project is understanding the role that artificial intelligence can play in supporting—or potentially undermining—transformations toward sustainability.

Rather than studying AI solely as a technological innovation, the programme encourages applicants to explore its broader social, environmental, political, and economic implications.

Potential areas of inquiry may include:

AI and Climate Action

Researchers could investigate how AI contributes to climate adaptation, emissions reduction, environmental monitoring, or renewable energy systems.

AI and Social Justice

Projects may examine whether AI technologies reinforce or challenge existing inequalities and how governance frameworks can promote fairness and inclusion.

AI Governance and Ethics

Questions around accountability, transparency, regulation, and responsible innovation are becoming increasingly important as AI systems influence public and private decision-making.

Sustainability and Digital Transformation

Researchers may explore how digital technologies are reshaping societies and whether these transformations support long-term sustainability goals.

The programme welcomes proposals that operate at global, national, regional, or local scales.

Who Should Apply?

The scholarship is designed for highly motivated postgraduate candidates who are passionate about interdisciplinary research and interested in understanding how technology influences society and sustainability.

Applicants with interests in the following areas are particularly encouraged to apply:

• Artificial Intelligence
• Sustainability Transformations
• Digital Technologies
• Social Change
• Climate Change
• Environmental Challenges
• Equity and Development
• Interdisciplinary Research

The programme seeks individuals who can think critically and systemically while working across traditional disciplinary boundaries.

Candidates should be comfortable engaging with diverse perspectives and collaborating within interdisciplinary research teams.

Academic Leadership and Supervision

Successful applicants will receive supervision from leading academics with expertise in sustainability science and social research.

The project will be jointly supervised by:

Dr Lloyd Hill

Department of Sociology and Social Anthropology

Professor Reinette “Oonsie” Biggs

Centre for Sustainability Transitions

Professor Biggs is internationally recognized for her work in sustainability science, social-ecological systems, resilience, and ecosystem governance. She holds a National Research Foundation South African Research Chair (SARChI) in Social-Ecological Systems and Resilience.

Students will become active members of both academic communities and may choose to register through either department.

Understanding the Academic Environment

Department of Sociology and Social Anthropology

The Department of Sociology and Social Anthropology is regarded as one of South Africa’s leading centres for social research and teaching.

The department has a strong tradition of interdisciplinary scholarship and focuses on major global and societal challenges. It has also developed growing expertise in examining the social implications of generative AI and emerging digital technologies.

Centre for Sustainability Transitions (CST)

The Centre for Sustainability Transitions serves as a major research hub dedicated to sustainability science, complexity studies, and transdisciplinary research.

Founded as a flagship sustainability research and education centre, the CST focuses on:

• Sustainability transformations
• Social-ecological systems
• Governance
• Complexity science
• Just transitions
• Climate and environmental challenges

The centre supports research initiatives across Southern Africa and internationally.

Funding Opportunities Available

The scholarships will be funded through an NRF Masters or Doctoral Scholarship linked to the NRF SARChI Chair held by Professor Biggs.

Academic Eligibility

To qualify for NRF funding, candidates must achieve:

• A minimum average of 65% in their preceding degree.

Importantly:

• There is no age restriction.
• Candidates must study full-time.
• Successful recipients may not hold other salaried employment.

Full Cost and Partial Cost Funding

Funding may be awarded under two categories.

Full Cost of Study (FCS)

Available to:

• South African citizens
• Permanent residents

Priority may be given to:

• Exceptional academic achievers
• Students living with disabilities
• Financially needy applicants whose combined household income is R350,000 or less per year

Partial Cost of Study (PCS)

May be available to:

• International students
• South African citizens and permanent residents who meet NRF requirements but do not qualify for FCS funding

Where funding permits, support may also include:

• Tuition fees
• Research-related costs
• Travel expenses

Study Conditions

Scholarship recipients will be expected to spend most of their study period in Stellenbosch.

Additional requirements include:

• Successful completion of two non-credit-bearing CST modules
• Defence of a research proposal within the first year

Meeting these milestones is necessary for continuation into the second year of study.

Eligibility Requirements

For Masters Applicants

Applicants must hold an Honours degree.

For PhD Applicants

Applicants must hold a Masters degree.

All applicants must:

• Have an average mark of at least 65% in their previous qualification
• Demonstrate relevant postgraduate research experience
• Explain how their previous work aligns with the scholarship theme

According to NRF funding guidelines, preference will be given to:

• South African nationals
• Under-represented groups

Required Documents

Applicants must submit:

Motivation Letter

The letter should include:

• Academic background
• Professional experience
• Relevant skills
• Research interests
• A proposed research idea connecting AI and sustainability transformations

Curriculum Vitae (CV)

Including:

• Academic record
• Work experience
• Publications (if applicable)
• Contact details of at least two academic referees

Academic Transcripts

Official records of qualifications completed.

Identification

• South African ID, or
• Passport for international applicants

Writing Sample

One recent example of scholarly work such as:

• Journal article
• Thesis chapter
• Research paper

The Research Idea Requirement

A particularly important component of the application is the proposed research concept.

Applicants are required to briefly outline a potential project that connects:

• Artificial intelligence
• Sustainability transformation

The idea can focus on AI broadly or on a specific AI technology.

Research may examine local, regional, national, or global dimensions of sustainability challenges.

How the Application Process Works

The selection process consists of two stages.

Step 1: Departmental Application

Applicants must email all required documents to:

Email: cstenquiries@sun.ac.za

Subject Line:
PhD/Masters: AI for Sustainability

Application Deadline: 16 June 2026

Shortlisted candidates will be interviewed on:

Wednesday, 24 June 2026

Applicants are advised to keep the afternoon available for interviews.

Step 2: NRF Application

Candidates selected during Step 1 will be invited to submit an NRF application by: Click here to apply for Stellenbosch University Masters and PhD Scholarships 2027

03 July 2026

Applicants must link their submission to Professor Biggs’ SARChI Chair.

Final scholarship awards will depend on NRF approval during this second stage.

Why This Programme Stands Out

What makes the Stellenbosch University Masters and PhD Scholarships 2027 particularly noteworthy is their focus on one of the defining questions of the modern era: how emerging technologies can be directed toward creating more sustainable and equitable societies.

Stellenbosch University has established itself as a major research-intensive institution with a strong commitment to sustainability, climate action, and interdisciplinary scholarship. The university aligns many of its sustainability initiatives with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and broader African development priorities.

By bringing together expertise in sociology, sustainability science, and artificial intelligence, the programme offers students the opportunity to contribute meaningful research that could influence policy, governance, and technological development in South Africa and beyond.

Final Thoughts

The Stellenbosch University Masters and PhD Scholarships 2027 present an exceptional opportunity for aspiring researchers interested in the future relationship between artificial intelligence and sustainability.

As governments, businesses, and communities increasingly turn to AI-driven solutions to address environmental and social challenges, there is a growing need for scholars who can critically assess both the promises and pitfalls of these technologies.

For candidates with strong academic records and a passion for interdisciplinary research, this scholarship offers not only financial support but also access to leading experts, vibrant research communities, and the opportunity to shape conversations about sustainability in the age of AI.

Applicants should ensure that all required documentation is submitted before 16 June 2026 and prepare carefully for the two-stage selection process.