South African-German Centre for Development Research Scholarship: Eligibility and Application Process

The South African-German Centre for Development Research (SA-GER CDR) Scholarship is a fully-funded program that provides opportunities for African students to pursue a Master’s or PhD degree in Development Studies at the University of the Western Cape’s Institute for Social Development. The scholarship is open to applicants from Sub-Saharan African countries with an excellent academic record. The SA-GER CDR is a unique partnership between the University of the Western Cape, South Africa, and the University of Bonn, Germany, with funding from the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD).

The SA-GER CDR Scholarship is highly competitive, and only a limited number of scholarships are awarded each year. The scholarship covers tuition fees, travel expenses, and a monthly stipend for the duration of the program. The program aims to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of development issues in Africa, with a focus on the role of governance, policy, and sustainable development. The SA-GER CDR Scholarship is an excellent opportunity for African students to gain valuable knowledge and skills in the field of development studies and contribute to the development of their home countries.

Overview of the South African-German Centre for Development Research Scholarship

The South African-German Centre for Development Research (SA-GER CDR) Scholarship is a prestigious scholarship program that is designed to support students who wish to study a Master’s degree in Development Studies. The scholarship is a two-year program that is offered by the Institute for Social Development at the University of the Western Cape in South Africa.

The SA-GER CDR Scholarship is funded by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) and is open to students from Sub-Saharan Africa who have a strong academic background and a passion for development studies. The scholarship covers all tuition fees, a monthly allowance, travel expenses, and health insurance.

The SA-GER CDR Scholarship is highly competitive, and only a limited number of scholarships are available each year. To be eligible for the scholarship, students must have a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field of study, such as social sciences, economics, or politics. They must also have a minimum of two years of work experience in a development-related field.

The SA-GER CDR Scholarship is an excellent opportunity for students who are passionate about development studies and want to make a difference in their communities. The program provides students with the knowledge and skills they need to become leaders in the field of development and to contribute to the sustainable development of their countries.

Overall, the SA-GER CDR Scholarship is a highly respected scholarship program that provides students with an excellent opportunity to study development studies at a world-class institution. The program is highly competitive, but for students who are passionate about development studies, it is an opportunity not to be missed.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for the South African-German Centre for Development Research Scholarship, applicants must meet certain academic requirements, language proficiency, and relevant experience.

Academic Requirements

Applicants must have completed an undergraduate degree or an honors degree with an outstanding academic record. They must have achieved at least a second class upper division or equivalent. Applicants with a first class or upper second-class honours degree are preferred.

Language Proficiency

Applicants must be proficient in English. They must provide proof of their proficiency in English by taking the TOEFL test. Applicants must achieve a minimum score of 570 (paper-based) or 230 (computer-based) or 88 (internet-based).

Relevant Experience

Applicants with relevant work experience in the field of development are preferred. However, this is not a requirement for the scholarship. Applicants without relevant work experience but with an outstanding academic record will also be considered.

In summary, the South African-German Centre for Development Research Scholarship is open to applicants who have completed an undergraduate degree or an honors degree with an outstanding academic record. Applicants must be proficient in English and provide proof of their proficiency by taking the TOEFL test. Relevant work experience is preferred but not required.

Application Procedure

Applying for the South African-German Centre for Development Research Scholarship is a straightforward process that requires applicants to follow a few simple steps. The application procedure involves filling out an online application, submitting required documents, and undergoing an evaluation process.

Online Application

The first step in applying for the SA-GER CDR Scholarship is to visit the official website and access the online application platform. Here, applicants can create an account and complete the electronic application form. The online application form requires applicants to fill in their personal and contact information, academic certificates, CV, motivational letter, and passport.

Required Documents

Applicants must submit the following documents to complete the application process:

  • Academic certificates: Certified copies of all academic certificates and transcripts must be provided. These documents must be in English or German.
  • CV: A detailed CV outlining the applicant’s academic and professional background must be submitted.
  • Motivational letter: A one-page letter explaining why the applicant is interested in pursuing a particular course must be submitted.
  • Passport: A copy of the applicant’s passport must be provided.

All documents must be submitted in PDF format and uploaded to the online application platform.

Evaluation Process

Once the application deadline has passed, the SA-GER CDR Scholarship selection committee evaluates all applications. The evaluation process is based on academic excellence, professional experience, and the applicant’s motivation for pursuing the course.

Shortlisted candidates are invited for an interview, which can be conducted in person or via video conferencing. The final selection is made based on the candidate’s academic and professional background, motivation, and interview performance.

In conclusion, the SA-GER CDR Scholarship application procedure is straightforward and requires applicants to fill out an online application, submit required documents, and undergo an evaluation process. Applicants are advised to read the instructions carefully and provide accurate information to avoid disqualification.

Courses and Programmes

The South African-German Centre for Development Research (SA-GER CDR) offers various courses and programmes in partnership with the University of the Western Cape (UWC) and Ruhr-University Bochum. These programmes aim to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of development research and management, equipping them with the necessary skills to contribute to the development of their communities.

Master’s Programmes

The SA-GER CDR offers two Master’s programmes: Master in Development Studies (MDS) and Master in Public Administration (MPA). The MDS programme focuses on interdisciplinary development studies, while the MPA programme focuses on public administration and governance. Both programmes provide students with the opportunity to gain practical experience through internships and fieldwork.

The MDS programme is a two-year course that covers various topics such as development theories, research methods, and project management. Students are required to complete a research project in their second year. The MPA programme is a one-year course that covers topics such as public policy, public finance, and public sector management. Students are also required to complete a research project.

PhD Programmes

The SA-GER CDR offers a PhD programme in Development Studies in partnership with UWC. This programme aims to provide students with advanced research skills and knowledge in development studies. Students are required to complete coursework and a research project.

The SA-GER CDR also offers a PhD programme in cooperation with Ruhr-University Bochum. This programme provides students with the opportunity to conduct research in various areas of development studies, including economics, political science, and sociology.

Overall, the SA-GER CDR’s programmes aim to equip students with the necessary skills and knowledge to contribute to sustainable development in their communities. Through internships, fieldwork, and research projects, students gain practical experience and apply their knowledge to real-world situations.

Scholarship Benefits

The South African-German Centre for Development Research Scholarship offers a range of benefits to successful scholarship holders. These benefits include:

Monthly Allowances

Scholarship holders receive monthly allowances to help cover their living expenses while studying. The amount of the allowance varies depending on the level of study and the specific scholarship. For example, Master’s students receive a monthly allowance of ZAR 8,500, while PhD students receive a monthly allowance of ZAR 10,000.

Travel Allowances

Scholarship holders may also receive travel allowances to help cover the cost of travel to and from South Africa and Germany. This is particularly useful for those students who need to travel to Germany to complete their studies. The travel allowance amount varies depending on the specific scholarship.

Full-Time Students

Scholarship holders must be full-time students to be eligible for the scholarship. This means that they must be enrolled in a full-time course of study at a participating institution. This ensures that scholarship holders are able to fully focus on their studies and make the most of the opportunities available to them.

Mobility Scholarships

The South African-German Centre for Development Research Scholarship also offers mobility scholarships to eligible students. These scholarships allow students to spend time studying or conducting research at a partner institution in another country. This is a great opportunity for students to gain international experience and broaden their horizons.

Overall, the South African-German Centre for Development Research Scholarship provides a range of benefits to successful scholarship holders. From monthly allowances to travel allowances and mobility scholarships, this scholarship offers a comprehensive package of support to help students achieve their academic and career goals.

Additional Opportunities

The South African-German Centre for Development Research Scholarship program offers more than just scholarships for Master’s and PhD studies. Students can also take advantage of various additional opportunities, such as internships and summer schools.

Internships

The SA-GER CDR offers internships to students from Sub-Saharan Africa who are enrolled in a Master’s or PhD program. These internships provide students with valuable work experience in the field of development research. Interns work closely with the SA-GER CDR staff and are involved in ongoing research projects and activities.

Interns are expected to work full-time for a period of 3-6 months. The internship is unpaid, but the SA-GER CDR provides a stipend to cover living expenses. Interested students can contact the SA-GER CDR for more information on how to apply.

Summer School

The SA-GER CDR hosts an annual summer school for students enrolled in the International Master in Development Management (MADM) program. The summer school is held at the University of the Western Cape in Cape Town, South Africa.

The summer school provides students with the opportunity to participate in a variety of academic and social activities. Students attend lectures and seminars on various topics related to development management, and also have the opportunity to network with other students and professionals in the field.

In addition to the academic program, the summer school also includes cultural and social activities, such as visits to local museums and cultural sites, and social events with other students and faculty.

Overall, the SA-GER CDR offers a range of additional opportunities for students interested in development research. Whether through internships or summer schools, students can gain valuable experience and skills that will help them in their future careers.

Deadlines and Important Dates

The South African-German Centre for Development Research (SA-GER CDR) offers scholarships to applicants from Sub-Saharan African countries with an excellent academic record. The DAAD merit scholarships are awarded annually to full-time students of the Masters in Development Studies, Public Administration, and Development Management programs at the Institute for Social Development (ISD), School of Government, at the University of the Western Cape (UWC).

Applicants for the Development Management program have until December 31, 2021, to apply. However, applicants for the Public Administration and Development Studies programs must submit their applications by June 20, 2022. Applications received after the closing date will not be considered for the scholarship program.

The SA-GER CDR scholarship program is highly competitive, and applicants are encouraged to submit their applications well in advance of the deadline. Applicants must ensure that they meet the eligibility criteria and provide all the necessary documentation, including academic transcripts, CV, motivation letter, and reference letters.

Successful applicants will receive a scholarship that covers tuition fees, travel, and living expenses for the duration of their studies. The scholarship is awarded for a maximum of two years for the Masters in Development Studies and for one year for the Public Administration and Development Management programs.

In conclusion, if you’re interested in pursuing a career in development studies and meet the eligibility criteria, you should consider applying for the SA-GER CDR scholarship program. Make sure to submit your application before the closing date to be considered for the 2023 intake.

Contact Information

For any inquiries or information regarding the South African-German Centre for Development Research Scholarship, interested applicants can visit the official website at cdr-sa.org. The website provides comprehensive information about the scholarship program, including eligibility criteria, application procedures, and deadlines.

In addition to the website, applicants can also contact the scholarship program through email or phone. The contact information is available on the website under the “Contact Us” section. The scholarship program has a dedicated team that is readily available to assist applicants with any questions or concerns they may have.

Applicants are encouraged to carefully read through the website and the scholarship guidelines before reaching out to the scholarship program for assistance. This will help ensure that the applicants have a clear understanding of the scholarship program and its requirements.

Overall, the South African-German Centre for Development Research Scholarship program is committed to providing support and guidance to applicants throughout the application process. With its user-friendly website and responsive customer service team, the scholarship program aims to make the application process as smooth and stress-free as possible for all applicants.

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