Researching Africa's wildlife economy

The wildlife economy is complex requiring multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary approaches to addressing barriers and unlocking opportunities. Postgraduate studies could be undertaken in a number of disciplines such as animal sciences, business, conservation ecology, economics, law, politics, and philosophy. At AWEI, we are keen to encourage and support postgraduate studies on the wildlife economy at Stellenbosch University in South Africa and elsewhere.

We are particularly interested in people who would like to engage with AWEI community members work on our thematic research priorities: 

• Wild foods – Dr Wiseman Ndlovu (PI), Dr Hayley Clements, Dr Biandri, Joubert, Dr Thabang Teffo, Ms Lydia Bhebe

• Wild enterprise – Dr Hayley Clements (PI), Dr Wiseman Ndlovu, Dr Francis Vorhies, Dr Michael Musgrave, Dr Matt Child, Ms Francine Barchett, Ms Sarah Schumann, Mr Thapelo Lebopa, Mr Kumbirai Takawira, Dr Susan De Witt, Mr Jeremy van der Riet, Mr Nilton Cuna, Ms Klarine Schutte, Dr Keith Tidball

• Wild standards – Dr Francis Vorhies (PI), Dr Wiseman Ndlovu, Mr Kumbirai Takawira, Mr Thapelo Lebopa, Ms Lydia Bhebe

• Wild policy – Dr Francis Vorhies (PI), Dr Hayley Clements, Dr Wiseman Ndlovu, Dr Keith Tidball, Mr Joseph Goergen, Dr Michael ‘t Sas-Rolfes, Dr Tariro Kamuti, Prof Barbara Van Asch, Ms Klarine Schutte, Mr Nilton Cuna 

How to apply to study with AWEI at Stellenbosch

We are looking for high-quality, in-residence postgraduates - two years for MScs and three years for PhDs - committed to undertaking impactful research in support of Africa's wildlife economy. We will consider candidates from diverse disciplinary backgrounds and explore collaborative opportunities with appropriate academic units within the University.

If you are interested, please email an initial enquiry to awei@sun.ac.za. Ideally, contact us at least a month or two in advance of the relevant university and funding deadlines noted further below. 

You will need to prepare and send us the following documents: 

• a letter of motivation
• a note outlining your research interest (600-800 words)
• a copy of your CV
• a link to your LinkedIn profile
• a copy of your academic transcripts
• a sample of your writing (e.g., a research report, a Masters chapter, or published paper)

Provided you meet the AWEI selection requirements, we will support you in submitting your application to the university. Submissions to the university without prior engagement with AWEI will not be considered.

Degree options

AWEI is part of the Faculty of AgriSciences and collaborates across university faculties and departments. More information on postgraduate studies in the Faculty is available here: Faculty of Agrisciences

Degrees can be registered in a number of disciplines In AgriSciences or in other faculties. More information on other Faculties is available here: Postgraduate programmes

University information

On the University's website, you will find very useful information and guidance on registering for a postgraduate degree. 

Full and partial bursaries are also a possibility (ranging from those that just cover fees to those that provide support for living costs and project expenses). 

You can discuss options with us and also explore some available options through the Stellenbosch Postgraduate Office here. Note that if you are applying for NRF funding, the deadlines are mid-year for study in the subsequent year.

For PhD students, Stellenbosch hosts the African Doctoral Academy offering excellent preparatory training and support.

Researching Africa's wildlife economy at other universities

Postgrads and postdocs at other universities undertaking research on the wildlife economy are most welcome to contact us to explore how we might be able to support your research, either formally or informally. 

Please send us an email outlining your research topic. Also include your CV and a link to your LinkedIn profile.