Apply Now: 2024 Astronomy Masters Scholarships for African Students

International Astronomical Union (IAU) Scholarships

IAU Scholarship: The 32nd General Assembly of the International Astronomical Union (IAU) will be held in Cape Town, South Africa, in 2024. The General Assembly will be held in Africa for the first time in the IAU’s 100-year history, providing an excellent opportunity to showcase the continent’s cutting-edge research infrastructure and excellent talent in science.

The National Organising Committee of the IAU GA2024 seeks to award high-impact “Astronomy in Africa” scholarships to eligible African candidates in anticipation of the 32nd General Assembly. The scholarships will enable outstanding candidates to pursue a two-year Master of Science (MSc) degree in South Africa beginning in 2023.

The Africa 2024 scholarships will pay for international student fees, one international return flight, visa fees, medical insurance, housing, and a stipend. Furthermore, scholarship recipients will have the opportunity to volunteer at the General Assembly 2024, allowing them to interact with the global astronomy community.

Brief Scholarship Details

Sponsor(s): International Astronomical Union (IAU)

Host Country: South Africa

Academic Program: Masters

Award Value: Fully Funded

Eligible Country: African Countries

Application Deadline: 7 October 2022

Full Benefits of IAU Masters Scholarships

• A single return air ticket will be covered for international students awarded the scholarship. The GA2024 NOC will cover the cost of visas for study.
• The Africa 2024 scholarships will cover international student fees, one international return flight, visa costs, medical insurance, accommodation, and a stipend.
• In addition, scholarship recipients will benefit from the opportunity to volunteer at the General Assembly 2024, giving them an opportunity to interact with the global astronomy community.

Requirements for IAU Masters Scholarships

• Candidates from any African country are eligible to apply for Astronomy in Africa scholarships.
• Applicants must be eligible to register for an MSc degree at a South African university specializing in astrophysics/astronomy. 
• Candidates must have liaised with potential supervisors from recognized South African universities.
  • Potential supervisors must provide an accompanying letter of support for the candidate, which includes a brief statement of the proposed research project.

Interview date, Process, and Venue for IAU Masters Scholarships

SELECTION PROCESS

• Shortlisting will take place through the Science sub-committee of the GA2024 NOC, along with external reviewers.
• Applicants will be shortlisted based on academic grades, quality of motivation, suitability for research as assessed through reference letter and CV, and the associated letter of support from the potential supervisor. Diversity and regional representation will be taken into account during the shortlisting process. Preference will be given to non-South African applicants.
• Shortlisted candidates will be invited to a virtual interview from 24 October to 4 November 2022.
• Successful candidates (and supervisors) will be notified during the week of 7-11 November 2022.

NOTE: Successful candidates will be informed during the week of 7 – 11 November 2022. The award of the scholarship is contingent on acceptance into an MSc programme in astronomy or astrophysics at a university in South Africa.

How to Apply

• Apply online here
• Arrange to have one reference letter to be sent directly to [email protected], by the application deadline, and with your name in the subject line.
• Candidates must submit a motivation and upload a CV (maximum of 2-pages, 12-pt font), recent academic transcripts, and a scan of their undergraduate degree certificate.
• Candidates must upload a letter of support from their potential supervisor. The letter must include a brief statement of the proposed research project.

Click Here to Apply

Visit the IAU Official Website for More Information