Science Bursaries In South Africa

Science Bursaries In South Africa

AVIATION, AIR TRAFFIC & PILOT BURSARIES

Air traffic controllers work in area control centres and airport control towers and are responsible for the route mapping of aircrafts using the most efficient route, tracking the aircrafts position using radar and ensuring the aircrafts safety in the airspace.
Airline pilots are responsible for flying passengers or cargo on short or long-haul flights for business, commercial or leisure purposes. An aircraft is usually operated by two pilots – a captain or pilot in command and a supporting first officer.
Commercial Pilot earn an average annual salary of R360 000, while Air traffic controllers earn an average annual salary of R300 000.

 

ACTUARIAL SCIENCE BURSARIES

Actuaries assess the probability of an event and the financial consequences thereof, using mathematical skills and statistical techniques. They provide financial, strategic and commercial advice with their knowledge of business and economics, as well as their understanding of statistics, probability theory and investment theory.
Actuaries earn an average salary of R612 000 per annum, with an entry-level actuary earning around R465 000 per annum.

 

AGRICULTURE & AGRICULTURAL RELATED STUDIES BURSARIES

Agricultural managers are responsible for overseeing the development of crops, animals and other commodities sold to companies or private customers. Agricultural managers manage the day-to-day operations of commercial agricultural operations, including crop planning, budgeting, hiring and management of production workers and farm maintenance supervision.
Farm Managers earn an average salary of R191 000 per annum.

 

ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY & GENERAL CHEMISTRY BURSARIES

Chemists search for and make use of new knowledge about chemicals to develop drugs, cosmetics and synthetic fibers. Chemists specialise in the following areas: organic and inorganic chemistry, physical and theoretical chemistry, analytical, medical, materials and macromolecular chemistry.
Analytical chemists work in laboratories with a team of other scientists, to study chemical compounds and their makeup.
The average annual salary for a Chemist is R250 000 and R165 000 for an Analytical Chemist.

 

ANIMAL SCIENCE BURSARIES

Animal scientists conduct research with regards to nutrition, growth, reproduction, genetics and development of domestic animals. They also conduct research on livestock and products produced by livestock such as milk, eggs, meat, leather, fibre and other products.

 

ANTHROPOLOGY AND ARCHAEOLOGY BURSARIES

Forensic anthropologists study bones (in the field called osteology) and profile research subjects via information gathering to determine the age, gender and physical condition of the body and bones at death. They work assist law enforcement agencies with processing skeletal evidence.
Archaeologists on the other hand, study human history by way of examining artefacts, such as prehistoric buildings and tools, as well as animal bones and microorganisms.
Anthropologists earn an average annual salary of R370 000 to R574 000 depending on years in the field.

 

BIOLOGY & BIOLOGICAL SCIENCE BURSARIES

Field biologists are those who conduct research in air, on land and in water regarding the study of plants, bird and animal behavior in natural ecosystems. Field biologists track land and aquatic animal movements, as well as collect plant specimens.
Biological scientists examine how living organisms relate to their surrounding environment, specialising in numerous animal, plant or environmental studies.

 

BIOMEDICAL BURSARIES

Biomedical technicians are responsible for installing, testing, calibrating and thereafter repairing biomedical equipment, as well as maintaining safe operations and training users.
Biomedical scientists conduct numerous scientific and laboratory test on tissue samples to assist with diagnose and treatment of diseases.

BOTANY & PLANT STUDIES BURSARIES

The botany field is a very broad one – it includes the study of more than 300 000 species of plants, from mosses to giant trees. In essence, Botanists are biological scientists who study plants, usually specialising in one group or type of plant or one approach to plant studies.

 

ECONOMETRICS BURSARIES

Econometricians utilise economic theory and quantitative analysis techniques to analyse economic relationships and apply them to everyday applications. They are usually responsible for designing, developing, maintaining, evaluating and replicating long and short term models.

 

ENVIRONMENTAL BURSARIES

Environmental managers oversee the environmental performance of public and private sector companies They also develop, implement and monitor environmental strategies that encourage sustainable development.
Environmental managers can also advise companies on how best to minimise their environmental impact – such as creating schemes for recycling, reduction and prevention of pollution, waster management and renewable energy.
Environmental Managers earn an average income of R442 000 per annum.

 

FARMING BURSARIES

Farmers (also known as agriculturers) engage in agriculture by raising living organisms for food or raw materials. Farmers generally raise field crops, vineyards, orchards and livestock.

 

FOOD SCIENCE & FOOD TECHNOLOGY BURSARIES

Food scientists study the ingredients and chemical, microbiological and physical properties of food to ensure that it is safe for consumption. Food scientists evaluate the flavour, colour, texture and nutritional value of food.
Food technologists ensure that food processes and products are developed, manufactured and modified efficiently and safely. Food Technologists earn around R175 000 per annum.

 

FORESTRY BURSARIES

Foresters practice forestry, which is the profession as well as the art and science of managing forests. These professional harvest timber, manage protected areas and provide ecological restoration, among other activities.
Foresters earn an average annual salary of R245 000.

 

GENETICS BURSARIES

Genetic scientists (also known as Geneticists) use their knowledge to treat and guide patients with hereditary disorders or diseases.
Genetic counselors test patients for hereditary conditions and provide advice on possible treatments.

 

GEOGRAPHY & GEOGRAPHIC BURSARIES

Geographers study the earth, as well as it’s land, inhabitants and other features. Geographers also examine cultural and political structures that relate to geography.

 

GEO RELATED BURSARIES (GEOMATICS, GEOPHYSICS, GEOHYDROLOGY, GEOCHEMISTRY, GEO-INFORMATICS)

-Geomatics (also known as geospatial science or surveying engineering) is the science of gathering, storing, processing and thereafter delivering spatially referenced information or geographic information.
-Geophysics is the scientific use of chemistry, physics, advanced mathematics and geology to study the earth and its oceans, atmosphere, internal make-up, electrical and other fields.
-Hydrogeology is the study of how groundwater moves through the rocks and soil of the earth
-Geochemistry is the science whereby experts use their knowledge of chemistry and geology to seek out natural resources such as minerals, oils and natural gas. They also use their knowledge and skills to increase quality of water and reduce pollution.
-Geoinformatics is the science and technology whereby information science infrastructure is developed and used in addressing the problems of geoscience, geography, cartography and related branches of engineering and science.

 

GENERAL SCIENCE BURSARIES

The bursaries listed below cover various fields within the Science faculty, so anyone studying towards a Science qualification (regardless of the field of study) could be eligible to apply for these bursaries.

 

GEOLOGY BURSARIES

Geologists study the structure, composition and history of the earths crust, as well as examining minerals, fossils and rocks in order to identify the processes affecting the earths development. These experts also apply their knowledge of mathematics, biology, chemistry and physics in order to try locate petroleum and mineral deposits and underground water sources.
Geologist (entry level) earn an average income of R292 000 per annum.

 

GRAIN & CROP STUDIES BURSARIES

Grain farmers are responsible for growing grain such as wheat, corn, rye, sorghums and others. These farms usually specialize in 2 or 3 types of grains.
Grain merchandisers buy and sell grains (such as the ones mentioned above) and can work as a broker for other grain buyers and sellers, as well as manage futures accounts.
Crop farmers have a vast knowledge and experience of crop science – from pest control, to horticulture and business contracts.

 

HORTICULTURE BURSARIES

A horticulturist or horticultural worker is responsible for growing, harvesting and selling plants, trees, shrubs and flowers. They generally work at landscape companies, nurseries, botanical gardens, arboretums and parks.
Horticulturists earn around R167 000 per annum.

 

HYDROLOGY & HYDROGEOLOGY BURSARIES

Hydrologists are experts in measuring water volume and steam flow, among other body properties. They also collect samples of water and soil to test for certain properties, as well as analyse data on the environmental impacts of drought, pollution, erosion and other problems.
Hydrogeologists study the movement, location and quality of subterraneous water formations – these findings are used for aquifer protection, construction projects and for safely disposing of hazardous waste.
Hydrologist earn an average annual salary of R264 000, while Hydrogeologist earn around R300 000.

 

MARINE BIOLOGY, OCEANOGRAPHY, AQUATIC SCIENCE, MARITIME STUDIES & RELATED STUDIES BURSARIES

-Marine biology is the study of living beings in the ocean – from plankton to whales and everything in between.
-Oceanography is split into various categories: physical oceanography, biological oceanography and chemical oceanography all of which have different tasks and working environments. Generally, oceanographers study and conduct research on water, sea life, climates and weather that help with the preservation of natural resources of waters.
-Aquatic science studies the freshwater and oceanic environments of the earth.

 

MATHEMATICS BURSARIES (BUSINESS MATHEMATICS, APPLIED MATHEMATICS, MATHEMATICAL STATISTICS, FINANCIAL MATHEMATICS, BUSINESS MATHEMATICS)

Mathematicians conduct research in fundamental mathematics and in mathematical technique applications to science, management and related fields. Mathematicians also solve problems with mathematical methods.
The average annual salary for a mathematician is around R247 000.

 

MATERIALS SCIENCE BURSARIES

Materials Scientists are responsible for researching, studying and analysing the chemical properties and structures of composite, natural and man-made materials such as rubber, glass, metals, ceramics, polymers, alloys and semiconductors.

 

MICROBIOLOGY BURSARIES

Microbiologists study microbes or microorganisms to determine how they affect lives of humans and how to best exploit them. Microbiologists focus on the biology of microorganisms at cellular and molecular level, as well as their ecology, bacteria, viruses, fungi, archaea, algae and protozoa.
Microbiologist earn around R174 000 per annum on average.

 

NATURAL SCIENCE BURSARIES

Natural sciences managers are responsible for directing research and development projects – they supervise the work of biologists, chemists and physicists. Natural sciences managers coordinate production, testing and quality control, as well as directing activities relating to research and development.

 

PHYSICS BURSARIES

Physicists study tiny atomic particles to the Universe as a whole and everything in between. They observe natural phenomena and make use of mathematics to create theories to explain why the natural phenomena occur.
The average salary for a Physicist is about R355 000 per annum.

 

SOIL SCIENCE BURSARIES

Soil scientists evaluate and interpret the soil and soil related data in order to understand soil resources as they that affect the quality of the environment and are managed to protect the health of humans and the environment.

 

STATISTICS & STATISTICAL SCIENCE BURSARIES

Statisticians are responsible for collecting, processing and analysing quantitative data in order to make informed decisions. Statisticians produce reliable data, analysing the data to form a clear meaning and thereafter compiling practical conclusions from the data.
The average annual salary for a statistician is around R300 000.

 

TECHNOLOGY BURSARIES

Technicians work with complex systems and perform highly mechanical/ technical/ diagnostic tests.
The average annual salary of a technician differs according to the branch, here are a few salaries of different technician jobs:
Support Technician (Information Technology): R121 000 per annum.
Field Service Technician: R169 000 per annum.
Electronics Technician: R171 000 per annum.
Maintenance Technician: R178 000 per annum.
Electrical Technician: R202 000 per annum.
Engineering Technician: R218 000 per annum.
Mechanical Technician: R239 000 per annum.

 

VETERINARY SCIENCE & RELATED STUDIES BURSARIES

Veterinarians are experts who diagnose, prevent and treat numerous diseases and illnesses in a variety of animals. Veterinarians undertake tests, observe conditions and perform surgery on animals, they also prescribe medicine and therapy.
The average salary for a Veterinarian is around R464 000 per annum.

 

WATER, WASTE & SANITATION BURSARIES

-Water treatment plant operators are responsible for tasks such as adding chemicals to water, regularly inspecting equipment and monitoring the operating conditions.
-Waste management officers are responsible for organising and managing waste disposal, as well as collecting and recycling of items.
-Sanitation workers are those who clean or dispose of waste in a hygienic way. They may also collect trash or work in wastewater treatment plants.

 

WEATHER & CLIMATE RELATED BURSARIES

Meteorologists are responsible for predicting the weather and studying the causes of certain weather conditions. Meteorologists make use of mathematical and computerised models to forecasts on climate and weather patterns.
Climatologists study the Earth’s climate by collecting and analysing data from various sources such as air, soil, ice cores, water and plant life – this allows them to find weather patterns and determine how these patterns affect the earth and it’s beings.
Metrologist earn an average annual salary of R270 000.

 

ZOOLOGY, ENTOMOLOGY & NEMATOLOGY BURSARIES

-Zoologists study wildlife and how they interact with their ecosystem. Zoologists study animal behaviour, animal physical characteristics and the impact of humans on wildlife and natural habitats.
-Entomologists study the life cycle, classification, behaviour, distribution, ecology, population and physiology of insects.
– Nematologists study nematodes or roundworms. These scientific experts usually research nematodes their environment, collect samples and then take it to the laboratory for testing.