Astronomy in Africa Scholarships 2024 for African Students (Fully Funded to Cape Town, South Africa)
Deadline: 7th of October 2022.
In 2024, Cape Town, South Africa, will play home to the 32nd General Assembly of the International Astronomical Union (IAU) (GA2024). The General Assembly will be convened in Africa for the first time in the IAU’s more than 100-year existence, which presents a unique chance to highlight the continent’s cutting-edge research infrastructure and top-notch scientific expertise.
The National Organising Committee of the IAU GA2024 wants to give high impact “Astronomy in Africa” scholarships to qualified African candidates in advance of the 32nd General Assembly, which is aligned with the hosting of this historic event. Starting in 2023, the scholarships will enable exceptional individuals to pursue a two-year Master of Science (MSc) degree in South Africa.
Benefits
- A single return air ticket will be covered for international students awarded the scholarship. The GA2024 NOC will cover the cost of visas for study.
- The Africa 2024 scholarships will cover international student fees, one international return flight, visa costs, medical insurance, accommodation, and stipend.
- In addition, scholarship recipients will benefit from the opportunity to volunteer at the General Assembly 2024, giving them an opportunity to interact with the global astronomy community.
Requirements
- Candidates from any African country are eligible to apply for Astronomy in Africa scholarships.
- Applicants must be eligible to register for an MSc degree at a South African university specialising in astrophysics/astronomy.
- Candidates must have liaised with potential supervisors from recognised South African universities.
- Potential supervisors must provide an accompanying letter of support for the candidate, which includes a brief statement of the proposed research project.
Application Procedure:
- Apply online here
- Arrange to have one reference letter to be sent directly to info@astronomy2024.org, by the application deadline, and with your name in the subject line.
- Candidates must submit a motivation and upload a CV (maximum of 2-pages, 12-pt font), recent academic transcripts and a scan of their undergraduate degree certificate.
- Candidates must upload a letter of support from their potential supervisor. The letter must include a brief statement of the proposed research project.
Selection Procedure:
- Shortlisting will take place through the Science sub-committee of the GA2024 NOC, along with external reviewers.
- Applicants will be shortlisted based on academic grades, quality of motivation, suitability for research as assessed through reference letter and CV, and the associated letter of support from the potential supervisor. Diversity and regional representation will be taken into account during the shortlisting process.
- Preference will be given to non-South African applicants.
- Shortlisted candidates will be invited to a virtual interview during 24 October to 4 November 2022.
- Successful candidates (and supervisors) will be notified during the week of 7-11 November 2022.
