Scholarship modalities

The SSF grants two types of scholarships:

1. Scholarships for students who wish to do part of their studies (up to six months) at a Dutch university, with the goal of obtaining a Master’s or PhD degree in South Africa.
2. Travel allowances for short visits to the Netherlands to do research, attend academic courses (including summer schools), conferences and Master classes.

Academic activities supported

• Study activities that are part of, or contribute to, the completion of a Master or PhD studies/research at a university in South Africa;
• Study visits that contribute towards the completion of collaborative research projects involving Dutch and South African academics;
• Courses or other study activities the credits of which are accepted for the completion of a South African post-graduate degree course;
• Research activities that can be completed within three to six months and that contribute towards the completion of a South African post-graduate degree course;
• Travel allowances to the Netherlands to do research (also for non-degree purposes), attend academic courses, conferences and Master classes.

Financial coverage

• For a Master student  € 1200 monthly. This amount is meant to cover all monthly expenses (including medical insurance, rent, and the costs of visa).
• For a PhD student € 1300 monthly. This amount is also meant to cover all monthly expenses (including medical insurance, rent, and the costs of visa).
• Additionally a ‘one time amount’ of  € 1000 can be granted to cover travel costs.
• A one-time travel allowance for short visits amounts of € 1300

Eligibility

Applicants are:

• South African nationals
• Registered as a student at a South African university;
• Accepted at a Dutch university

Rules and regulations

A grant of a scholarship is subject to the following rules and regulations:

As soon as possible, (if possible before leaving to the Netherlands), you are kindly asked  to make an appointment with the secretary to present yourself in person and identify yourself in the Netherlands. Details about the payments can be discussed with him/her. Please note that to open a bank account in the Netherlands, a so-called BSN (personal number) is required. The international office of the Dutch university can inform you about that.

Once your scholarship term is over, it cannot be renewed.

Scholarships are awarded for a maximum period of six months.

Half way through your studies, the SSF can ask either your Dutch or South African tutor whether they are satisfied with your work. The SSF reserves the right to end the scholarship.

If you decide to amend your study plan, you need to notify the SSF by email.

If it becomes known that you use your scholarship for any other purpose than mentioned above, the foundation reserves the right to end the scholarship immediately.

You have to inform the Foundation of any scholarships you have applied for – before or after applying for this one. (This does apply to the study in the Netherlands and does not apply to your studies in general in South Africa. But if your university in South Africa is granting you e.g. a contribution for travel costs etc. you have to inform the Foundation about this. Also contributions from the Dutch university should be reported.) If you receive any other scholarship in either South Africa or the Netherlands without notifying the SSF, you may lose your SSF scholarship.

For the scholarship to be acknowledged, the Foundation requires:

• A report of your activities (both academic and social) must be sent to the Foundation no later than two months after your scholarship has ended. This small report should not be longer than 500 words.
• A copy of your publications, or theses produced as a result of your specific research or study in the Netherlands should be sent to the secretary (digitally and/or in hard copy).
• It is highly appreciated when you give any acknowledgement to the Foundation Study Fund for South African Students in your publications.

The scholarship will be terminated immediately and any payments that were received will have to be paid back:

• In case any of the information supplied on the application form is found to be untrue.
• In case the scholarship holder withdraws from the activity the scholarship was granted for.

Important notice
The student, while applying, confirms that he/she will abide strictly to all rules imposed by the Dutch government (e.g. Covid 19). The SSF is not responsible whatsoever for any inconveniences originating from sudden government measures (e.g. Covid 19).

Important notice delay
If the scholarship has not been used for whatever reasons, it loses its validity after one year automatically. The visit can be delayed (e.g. due to illness, or other travel restrictions) to a maximum of one year; any delays must be communicated to the secretary immediately.

The Board’s decisions are final. No correspondence relating to these decisions will be entered into.

Disclaimer

No rights can be derived from the texts on this website.

The Foundation Study Fund for South African Students accepts no legal liability for incorrect information provided by other websites.