Study
Researching the wildlife economy
AWEI offers opportunities for in-residence postgraduate research on the wildlife economy at Stellenbosch University.
Note that the first step is to send us an email – see required documents under “How to apply” below.
Degree options
AWEI is part of the Faculty of AgriSciences and collaborates across faculties. Read the latest information on postgraduate studies in the Faculty. Degrees can be registered in a number of disciplines ranging from agricultural economics and animal sciences to food science and wood product sciences.
MSc by research
Applications close mid-September each year, to start at the beginning of the following year
PhD by research
Applications close mid-September each year, to start at the beginning of the following year, or in April to start in the July of the same year
Degrees registered in other Faculties can also be considered, such as:
MPhil by research and coursework
Applications close at the end of September each year, to start at the beginning of the following year
PhD by research
Applications close mid-September each year, to start at the beginning of the following year, or in April to start in the July of the same year
Student support
Full and partial bursaries are 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.
How to apply
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.
Please first email AWEI to make an enquiry (awei@sun.ac.za), ideally a month or two in advance of the relevant university (and funding) deadlines outlined above.
You will need to 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.
Stellenbosch University also offers several postgraduate coursework degrees which may be of interest:
Postgraduate Diploma in Environmental Management
Postgraduate Diploma in Sustainable Development
Postgraduate Diploma in Development Finance
Researching the 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.
E-learning journeys
We are currently developing a portfolio of e-learning journeys for practitioners and students.These journeys will eventually be offered through a 'cloud campus' providing a online space for learning and engaging on key topics relevant to Africa's wildlife economy. See below for more information.
AWEI e-learning journeys
Liberalising intra Africa trade in wild meat
A research report, summary, and seven-part series on addressing non-tariff barriers facing wild meat trade across the African continent.
Can wildlife coexist with crops and livestock?
A series of five dialogues in which you learn about ways in which wildlife is coexisting with crop farming and livestock ranching.
What's next for Zimbabwe's wildlife economy?
A series of six dialogues in which you learn about the exciting challenges and the real challenges to scaling up a national wildlife economy.
AWEI Cloud Campus - under development
The AWEI Cloud Campus - under development -will enable to stakeholders in the wildlife economy from the public and private sectors, communities, and non-profits to learn and interact, and in so-doing to build and support a growing network of professionals able to strengthen the enabling environment for the wildlife economy and to scale up thriving and responsible wildlife enterprises. Key elements of the Campus will include learning journeys, fireside chats, discussion groups, and professional networks.
In preparation for this concept note, we developed a mock prototype of what the Cloud Campus might look like on Mighty Networks. Think of it a hybrid of an online learning platform, an event management system, and a social network. With the aim of encouraging stakeholders to return to Campus regularly to attend talks, engage in discussions, sign up for learning journeys, and interact with each other, the Campus will foster a continent-wide multidisciplinary network of changemakers to promote, enable, and scale up the wildlife economy.
If you would like to support the development of our Cloud Campus, please contact us
Intern at AWEI
AWEI usually takes on 2-4 unpaid interns per year.
Ideally, the interns are postgraduate students, but we will also consider undergraduates.
We prefer that the interns are in residence in Stellenbosch for a period of 8-12 weeks. However, the internship can be longer with remote engage before and after the residency period.
Contributions from interns could include producing a research paper, writing blog posts, disseminating AWEI research through mainstream and social media, participating in AWEI events, and securing funding for AWEI-related research.
We are particularly interested in students who would like to undertake a specific research project on a the wildlife economy alongside supporting the current work of the Institute. Students interested in broadening our outreach across the continent through posts, social media, and events are also welcome.
If you are interested in interning for AWEI, please email us a motivational letter and a copy of your CV.
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In a complex and changing world, AWEI generates strategic ideas, conducts independent analysis on wildlife economies, and collaborates with global scholar-practitioners to provide training and expertise for biodiversity conservation, climate resilience, and inclusive economic opportunities in Africa.
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In a complex and changing world, AWEI generates strategic ideas, conducts independent analysis on wildlife economies, and collaborates with global scholar-practitioners to provide training and expertise for biodiversity conservation, climate resilience, and inclusive economic opportunities in Africa.