SANBI: Biological Invasions Internships and Bursaries for 2027

The South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) is inviting applications for its 2027 Biological Invasions Research Development Internships and postgraduate bursaries. A total of 15 Research Development Internships, three Honours bursaries and one MSc or PhD bursary are available to eligible South African citizens interested in conducting research related to biological invasions and biodiversity management.

These opportunities are aimed at candidates who want to contribute to scientific research that improves the understanding, monitoring and management of invasive species in South Africa. Successful applicants will have the opportunity to develop research projects aligned with SANBI’s responsibilities and contribute to work that supports the protection of the country’s biodiversity.

Applications are open to eligible candidates who meet the relevant academic requirements and can link their research to a public university in South Africa. Applicants are encouraged to prepare their supporting documents carefully and submit their applications before the closing date.

Available Internships and Bursaries

SANBI is offering the following opportunities for 2027:

15 Research Development Internships
3 Honours bursaries
1 MSc or PhD bursary

The internships are intended for candidates who have completed an Honours degree or an equivalent qualification and want to develop a research proposal related to biological invasions. The postgraduate bursaries provide financial support for eligible students pursuing further studies in a relevant research field.

Candidates should select the opportunity that matches their current academic qualifications and intended research pathway.

Internship Stipend and Bursary Funding

The financial support differs according to the type of opportunity and the level of study.

Research Development Internship

Successful Research Development Interns will receive a monthly stipend of R9,876.

The internship focuses on developing a suitable research proposal that aligns with SANBI’s work on biological invasions. Interns are expected to be based at an academic institution with a strong connection to SANBI staff working in this research area.

Postgraduate Bursaries

The available bursary amounts are as follows:

Honours: R120,000 for one year.
Master’s degree (MSc): R150,000 per annum for two years.
Doctoral degree (PhD): R180,000 per annum for three years.

Bursary payments are made directly to the postgraduate student after academic fees have been paid. Applicants should take this payment arrangement into account when planning their studies and finances.

Running expenses for approved research projects are covered separately, depending on the specific project and the availability of funding. Applicants should not assume that all research-related costs will automatically be covered, as funding arrangements may differ between projects.

About the Biological Invasions Research Programme

Biological invasions occur when species are introduced beyond their natural ranges and become established in new environments, sometimes spreading and causing harm to ecosystems, biodiversity, livelihoods or economic activities.

Invasive species can affect indigenous plants and animals, change ecosystem processes and place pressure on natural resources. Research into these invasions helps improve the ability to identify risks, monitor changes, plan interventions and manage affected areas.

SANBI’s biological invasions research supports several mandated functions, including:

Status reporting and monitoring.
Incursion detection and response planning.
Eradication planning and coordination.
Risk analysis.
Taxonomy.

Applicants must ensure that their proposed research is relevant to at least one of these areas. Research proposals should demonstrate how the intended project could contribute to a better understanding or management of biological invasions in South Africa.

Potential applicants can consult the resources and project topics provided in the official announcement before developing a proposal. Anyone considering a different research topic is advised to contact SANBI before submitting an application to confirm whether the proposed project is suitable.

Minimum Requirements

Applicants must meet the eligibility conditions for the specific internship or bursary opportunity.

The general requirements include the following:

Applicants must be South African citizens.
Applicants must be linked to a public university in South Africa.
Candidates must demonstrate enthusiasm, initiative and a genuine interest in producing high-quality research.
The proposed research must align with SANBI’s mandated work on biological invasions.
Applicants must be able to meet the academic and research requirements applicable to their selected opportunity.

Additional Requirements for Research Development Interns

Research Development Internship applicants must have an Honours degree or an equivalent qualification.

Candidates who already hold an MSc or an equivalent qualification are not eligible for these internships under the stated requirements.

A key outcome of the internship will be the development of a research proposal that aligns with SANBI’s biological invasions mandate. Applicants should therefore be prepared to identify a suitable research topic, establish its relevance and work with appropriate academic and SANBI research contacts.

Interns are expected to be based at an academic institution with a strong link to SANBI staff involved in biological invasions research.

Requirements for Bursary Applicants

Honours, Master’s and doctoral bursary applicants must prepare a research outline appropriate to their intended qualification.
Honours applicants must submit a one-page project outline, while Master’s and doctoral applicants must submit a two-page project outline.
The research topic must be suitable for SANBI’s programme and supported by the relevant academic and SANBI contacts.

Equity and Institutional Considerations

SANBI will award internships and bursaries in line with national equity targets and the need to diversify the research landscape.

Candidates based at historically disadvantaged institutions or newer public higher education institutions are encouraged to apply.

This consideration forms part of SANBI’s efforts to broaden participation in scientific research and support a more diverse research community.

Meeting the eligibility requirements does not guarantee selection. Applicants should ensure that their qualifications, proposed research and supporting documentation meet the requirements outlined in the official announcement.

Required Application Documents

Applications must contain all the required documents arranged in the order specified by SANBI. The complete application must be combined into a single PDF document.

The required documents are:

Completed application cover sheet: Obtain the cover sheet from the official SANBI resource page.
Research project information: Research Development Internship applicants must provide a provisional project title and a paragraph of fewer than 200 words explaining how the project relates to SANBI’s mandate. Honours applicants must provide a one-page project outline, while Master’s and doctoral applicants must provide a two-page project outline.
Full curriculum vitae (CV): Include relevant academic qualifications, research experience, skills and other information that supports the application.
Two academic reference letters: Obtain letters of reference from two academic supervisors.
Prospective academic supervisor or host support: Include a statement of support from the prospective academic supervisor or host.
SANBI staff support: Include a statement of support from a SANBI staff member who will act as a co-supervisor, co-host or contact.
Certified academic record: Provide a certified copy of the academic record.
Certified highest qualification: Include a certified copy of the highest degree obtained.
Certified identity document: Provide a certified copy of the applicant’s South African ID.

Applicants should check that every document is included, correctly arranged and legible before converting the application into a single PDF. The email must be smaller than 11 MB.

Incomplete applications or applications that do not follow the stated instructions may affect the assessment process.

How to Apply

Eligible candidates should follow these steps to prepare and submit their applications.

Step 1: Review the available research topics

Visit the official SANBI resource page to access the application cover sheet and information about potential research projects.

Official resource: https://tinyurl.com/yck5tmx4

Step 2: Identify a suitable research project

Select a research topic that aligns with SANBI’s biological invasions mandate and the relevant academic qualification. Candidates wishing to submit a different project should contact SANBI before applying to confirm its suitability.

Step 3: Contact the relevant academic and SANBI research contacts

Arrange the required academic reference letters and statements of support. Ensure that the proposed supervisor or host and the relevant SANBI staff member can support the application.

Step 4: Prepare the application documents

Compile the cover sheet, research information, full CV, reference letters, statements of support and certified documents in the required order.

Step 5: Combine the documents into one PDF

Check that the PDF is complete, readable and smaller than 11 MB.

Step 6: Submit the application by email

Send the completed application to both email addresses below:

Use the following email subject line:

SANBI Biological Invasions 2027 Bursary/Internship application

Applicants should retain a copy of the submitted application for their records and ensure that the email is sent before the deadline.

Important Application Dates

Closing date: Friday, 30 October 2026, at 16:00.

Late applications may not be considered. Candidates should allow enough time to obtain certified documents, contact academic supervisors, secure the required statements of support and prepare the final PDF.

SANBI reserves the right not to fill the advertised internships and bursaries. Applicants who have not received a response within 28 working days of the closing date may assume that their applications were unsuccessful.

Contact Details for Enquiries

Candidates who need further information can contact the relevant SANBI representatives.

Academic enquiries

Prof John Wilson

Email: [email protected]

Application process enquiries

Ms René du Toit

Email: [email protected]

Applicants should direct academic and research-related questions to the academic contact and questions about the application process to the designated application contact.

Official Research Resources

The announcement provides the following publications and resources for candidates who want to learn more about biological invasions and develop suitable research proposals:

Potential research projects and application materials are available at: https://tinyurl.com/yck5tmx4

Candidates are encouraged to review these resources before finalising their proposed research topic.

Final Reminder

The SANBI Biological Invasions Internships and Bursaries for 2027 provide an opportunity for eligible South African citizens to participate in research that supports biodiversity protection and invasive species management.

Applicants should carefully review the eligibility criteria, select a suitable research topic, secure the necessary academic and SANBI support, and submit all required documents as one PDF before 30 October 2026 at 16:00.

Only applications that meet the stated requirements and follow the prescribed submission procedure should be submitted.

Application email addresses:

Email subject: SANBI Biological Invasions 2027 Bursary/Internship application