SAFe Think Programme Bursaries: The SAFe Think programme seeks to fund exceptional students wishing to undertake a Masters degree at a French University.

It was launched in 2010 with the view of strengthening the connections between South African research institutes and their French counterparts.

By assisting academic partners in establishing sustainable cooperation, the French government aims at facilitating the integration of South African research and policy-oriented institutions into French, European and francophone African scientific networks.

Bursaries Offered

The French government is offering bursaries allowing successful applicants to prepare a Masters degree in a French institution. The bursaries cover tuition fees, living costs, a roundtrip air flight ticket, visa fees and full medical and social insurance.

Bursaries are allocated for the duration of a French academic year, i.e. from September to May, either for the first (M1) or for the second (M2) year of the Masters programme.

In the event of a student being awarded a grant for the first year, he/she may be considered for a bursary extension covering the second year, based on the results obtained and on a full report on his/her first year in France.

Bursaries Requirements

Applicants must have graduated in the last 3 years in a discipline pertinent to the Masters programme which they are applying for.

A Bachelor’s degree is required to apply to the first year of the Masters programme, while an Honours degree is required to apply to the second year. The Masters programme targeted by applicants may be taught in French or English.

Given the bilateral nature of the partnership, preference will be given to South African applicants. However, all candidates meeting the requirements are encouraged to apply.

Disciplines Considered

Applicants from all fields of human and social sciences will be considered.

Application Procedure

Applications for this funding opportunity can be made through various South African research and policy-oriented institutes.

However, please be aware that applications must be addressed to a single organisation.

Selection will be carried out by the French Embassy, together with the South African institutes involved in the project.

Pre-selection will be undertaken by the institutes to which applications are submitted.

Short-listed candidates will then be invited for an interview with the selection committee.

Students need to undertake the university application process concurrently to applying for this funding opportunity in order to ensure that university application deadlines are met.

Time Frame for Applications and Selection

Time-Frame for Application and Selection Process

Online publication of the call for proposals: February

Deadline for applications: March

Departure to France: September

For more scholarship information and application, visit: SAFe Think Programme Bursaries