Apply for the Babette Taute Honours Scholarship 2027, offering R50,000 to eligible South African citizens and permanent residents pursuing full-time honours studies in English language and literature. Applications close 20 November 2026.
Background & Scholarship Description
The Babette Taute Trust is inviting applications for its 2027 Honours Scholarships, offering financial support to academically talented South African students pursuing full-time honours studies in English language and literature at South African universities.
Each successful applicant will receive a scholarship worth R50,000. The programme supports students studying different branches of English, including applied language studies, literature and other areas of English language study.
Scholarships are awarded on merit, with a strong academic record being an essential requirement. The selection panel also considers applicants’ intellectual ability, writing, leadership, cultural and social contributions, and other evidence of achievement.
Scholarship Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Scholarship | Babette Taute Honours Scholarship |
| Academic year | 2027 |
| Administering organisation | Babette Taute Trust |
| Scholarship value | R50,000 per award |
| Study level | Honours |
| Eligible study fields | English language and literature, including applied language studies |
| Study location | South African universities |
| Eligible applicants | South African citizens and permanent residents |
| Study mode | Full-time |
| Application deadline | 20 November 2026 |
| Final results deadline | 30 November 2026 |
| Application method |
Scholarship Benefits
The scholarship provides financial assistance to selected students undertaking full-time honours studies in English-related disciplines.
Each award is valued at R50,000 and is intended to support academically strong students pursuing further study at a South African university.
Scholarship funding is subject to an important financial condition: recipients must not receive grants totalling more than R120,000. Applicants must disclose other bursaries, scholarships or fellowships they have applied for or received for 2027, including the funding sources and amounts.
Students who receive additional financial grants after being awarded the Babette Taute Scholarship must inform the Trust immediately.
Qualifications
Education and Certification
Applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Be South African citizens or permanent residents.
- Intend to register for full-time honours study in 2027.
- Be pursuing a course in English language and literature or a related eligible branch of English study, including applied language studies.
- Demonstrate a strong academic record.
Applicants must provide a copy of their South African identity document or proof of permanent residence.
Academic Achievement and Other Criteria
The selection process considers academic merit broadly. In addition to university results, the committee is interested in intellectual range, initiative, writing ability and participation in cultural or social activities.
Applicants may strengthen their submissions with evidence of merit awards or excellence in activities such as teaching English, translation, interpreting, scriptwriting or other language-related work.
Additional Information
Required Application Documents
Applicants must submit a complete application containing the following:
1. Application form: Complete the Babette Taute Honours Scholarship application form for the 2027 academic year.
2. Curriculum vitae: Provide a brief CV of one to two pages highlighting academic achievements, activities, initiative and leadership over the previous two or three years.
3. Creative writing sample: Submit a piece of writing of no more than 500 words in a genre that demonstrates your talent. This could be a poem, narrative, previous assignment or another suitable piece of creative writing.
4. Academic transcript: Include an up-to-date official transcript or a certified copy of your university academic record. Additional confirmation of results not yet included in the transcript may be provided.
5. Supporting evidence: Include other evidence of suitability, such as merit awards or achievements in teaching, translation, interpreting or other language-related work.
6. Two academic referees: Provide the names and contact details of two academic referees who can comment on your ability as a university student of English. Applicants must approach referees in advance and provide them with the prescribed reference letter.
Important: Referees must submit their confidential reports directly to the Babette Taute Trust. The application instructions state that incomplete applications will not be considered and that reference letters must be submitted by the deadline.
Final Results
Applicants must submit their final results by 30 November 2026. Where official final results are not yet available, applicants should provide their final English grade endorsed by the Course Convenor or Head of Department. If no results are available, they should inform the Trust by email.
The Trust indicates that applications will not be prejudiced simply because official final marks have not yet been released.
Successful applicants will also be expected to submit their midyear and final results for the 2026 academic year, accompanied by a short letter explaining their progress and plans.
How to Apply
Submit the completed application and supporting documents electronically to:
To: Ms Lauren Smidt — lauren.smidt@sanlamtrust.co.za
CC: Naaznien Parker — naaznien.parker@sanlamtrust.co.za
Use the following subject line for the application email:
Babette Taute 2027 Application/Query: Surname
Applicants should ensure all required documents and confidential references are submitted by the deadline.
The supplied form contains inconsistent instructions for the year to use in the referees’ email subject line: one section refers to 2026, while the attached referee letter specifies 2027. Applicants should confirm the correct wording with the Trust before their referees submit their reports.
Important Dates
| Event | Deadline |
|---|---|
| Application and reference letters | 20 November 2026 |
| Submission of final results | 30 November 2026 |
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How much is the Babette Taute Honours Scholarship worth?
Each scholarship is worth R50,000.
2. Who can apply for the scholarship?
South African citizens and permanent residents planning to undertake full-time honours studies in English language and literature, including applied language studies, at a South African university may apply.
3. Is the scholarship available for other academic fields?
The scholarship is specifically intended for students studying English language and literature and eligible related disciplines. Applicants should ensure their proposed honours course falls within this focus.
4. What academic achievements are considered?
The selection panel considers academic results, intellectual ability, writing quality, leadership, initiative, cultural and social contributions, and other evidence of merit.
5. Can students receive other bursaries alongside this scholarship?
Applicants must disclose other funding received or applied for. The scholarship’s stated condition is that recipients must not receive grants totalling more than R120,000.
6. What writing sample must applicants submit?
Applicants must provide a piece of writing of up to 500 words that demonstrates their talent. Creative writing, poetry, narratives and suitable previous assignments may be submitted.
7. Are academic references compulsory?
Yes. Applicants must provide two academic referees, and confidential reference letters must be submitted directly by the referees. The application instructions state that incomplete applications will not be considered.
8. When is the application deadline?
Applications and references must be submitted by 20 November 2026. Final results must be submitted by 30 November 2026.
9. Where should applications be sent?
Applications should be emailed to lauren.smidt@sanlamtrust.co.za, with naaznien.parker@sanlamtrust.co.za copied.
10. Must applicants study full-time?
Yes. The scholarship is intended for full-time honours study, with the degree expected to be completed within one academic year.
Opportunities Feed Assessment
The Babette Taute Honours Scholarship may be valuable for academically strong South African students pursuing honours studies in English language and literature. The R50,000 award can provide financial support while recognising academic achievement, creative writing and wider contributions.
Applicants should prepare their creative writing sample, obtain their transcripts and secure both confidential academic references well before the deadline. They should also check the combined R120,000 funding limit and clarify the reference email subject-line discrepancy with the Trust.
Disclaimer: Opportunities Feed shares scholarship and educational opportunities for informational purposes. We are not affiliated with the Babette Taute Trust or Sanlam Trust and do not administer the scholarship. Applicants should rely on the official application form and Trust correspondence for authoritative requirements.
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