Babette Taute Honours Scholarships 2027: Apply for R50,000 Funding to Study English in South Africa
Babette Taute Honours Scholarships 2027: Apply for R50,000 Funding to Study English in South Africa
Students planning to pursue an Honours degree in English at a South African university in 2027 have an opportunity to secure financial support through the Babette Taute Honours Scholarships 2027.
The Babette Taute Trust, administered by Sanlam Trust, is offering several scholarships worth R50,000 each to eligible students undertaking full-time, one-year Honours programmes in English language and literature during the 2027 academic year.
The scholarships aim to support academically talented students pursuing studies in different areas of English, including literature, language and applied language studies.
About the Babette Taute Honours Scholarships
The Babette Taute Trust was established using a substantial portion of the estate left by the late Babette Taute. The Trust provides financial assistance to students studying English at South African universities.
For the 2027 academic year, the Trust will award several Honours scholarships, each valued at R50,000.
Unlike scholarships that consider academic performance alone, the selection process takes a broader approach to merit. In addition to a strong academic record, the trustees consider leadership in cultural and social activities, writing ability, publications, and achievements in teaching English or translation.
Scholarship Benefits
Successful applicants will receive:
- Funding amount: R50,000 per recipient.
- Study level: Honours degree.
- Study duration: One year.
- Study mode: Full-time.
- Academic year: 2027.
- Eligible disciplines: English language and literature, including applied language studies.
- Number of awards: Several scholarships will be awarded.
Recipients are permitted to hold other scholarships or bursaries, provided that the combined value of all awards does not exceed R120,000. The Babette Taute Scholarship may be reduced if necessary to comply with this limit.
Who Can Apply?
To qualify for the Babette Taute Honours Scholarships, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Must be a South African citizen or hold permanent resident status in South Africa.
- Must have a strong academic record.
- Must be intending to enrol in a full-time, one-year Honours programme in 2027.
- Must be studying a discipline within English language and literature, including applied language studies.
- Must demonstrate academic merit and, where applicable, achievements in leadership, writing, publications, teaching or translation.
Important: International students who are neither South African citizens nor permanent residents of South Africa are not eligible.
Required Application Documents
Applicants must submit a complete application containing the following documents and information:
1. Completed application form
Applicants must complete the official Babette Taute Honours Scholarship application form.
2. Curriculum Vitae (CV)
A brief CV of one to two pages highlighting academic achievements, intellectual interests, leadership experience and participation in social or cultural activities over the past two to three years.
3. Writing sample
Applicants must submit an original piece of writing of no more than 500 words. This can be a poem, short narrative, creative writing piece or an existing academic assignment that demonstrates their writing ability.
The writing sample should showcase the applicant’s talents rather than simply repeat information already included in their CV.
4. Academic transcript
An up-to-date official university academic transcript or a certified copy of the applicant’s academic record must be submitted.
5. Supporting evidence
Applicants may include additional evidence demonstrating their suitability, such as academic awards, publications, or achievements in teaching, translation, interpreting, scriptwriting and other language-related activities.
6. Two academic references
Applicants must provide the contact details of two academic referees who can comment on their academic ability and suitability as students of English.
Applicants must approach their referees before submitting their applications. Referees must send their confidential reference letters directly to the Babette Taute Trust.
Incomplete applications will not be considered, and both reference letters must be submitted by the application deadline.
How to Apply for the Babette Taute Honours Scholarships 2027
Interested and eligible students should follow these steps:
- Obtain and complete the official application form.
- Prepare a one-to-two-page CV.
- Submit a writing sample of no more than 500 words.
- Obtain an official academic transcript.
- Identify two academic referees and request their support.
- Ensure that both referees submit their confidential references directly to the Trust.
- Email the completed application and supporting documents to the designated contacts.
Application submission details:
- Primary contact: Lauren Smidt, Sanlam Trust.
- Email: lauren.smidt@sanlamtrust.co.za
- Copy (CC): naaznien.parker@sanlamtrust.co.za
- Email subject: Babette Taute 2027 Application/Query: (Surname of Applicant).
Applicants should ensure that their email subject line follows the prescribed format, as applications may not be processed if the required information is missing.
Application Deadline: 20 November 2026
The closing date for applications and reference letters is 20 November 2026. Applicants are encouraged to approach their referees early to ensure that the confidential references are submitted before the deadline.
The selection outcome is expected to be communicated in early December 2026.
Applicants who have not yet received their final 2026 academic results should submit the available academic information. Final results must be forwarded to the Trust by 30 November 2026. Where official results are unavailable, applicants should provide their final English grade endorsed by their course convenor or Head of Department, or notify Sanlam Trust accordingly.
Where to Get the Application Form
The application form can be obtained from the Department of English, the Financial Aid Office at the applicant’s university, or directly from the Babette Taute Trust through the contacts listed above.
Download the official scholarship notice and application form:
https://uct.ac.za/sites/default/files/media/documents/uct_ac_za/49/2027-study-year-notice-taute.pdf
For further enquiries, applicants can contact Lauren Smidt at lauren.smidt@sanlamtrust.co.za, copying naaznien.parker@sanlamtrust.co.za.
Source: Babette Taute Trust / University of Cape Town (UCT), 2027 Scholarship Notice.
