Onderstepoort PGSA

🎓 Financial Wellness Session Recap:

On 21st of August, OP PGSA and hosted a hybrid financial wellness session! 💼✨

A huge thanks to Joanelle Smith from for guiding our postgrads through key savings and investment strategies, encouraging early planning for a secure future.

Thank you to everyone who joined, both in person and online! 🙌

Missed it? No worries—head over to for more tips and resources on financial planning.

📣Calling all postgraduates in the Faculty of Veterinary Science!

The OP PGSA together with will be hosting a Financial Wellness Session on 21 August at 12:00 pm in the Faculty Boardroom (Arnold Theiler Building) OR Online!

Don't miss this hands-on financial wellness session—to teach you how to budget and save your money, as well as how to create plans that set expectations, to build financial accountability, and set a course for achieving seemingly unachievable goals!

CHECK YOUR UP EMAIL TO REGISTER! If you are not on our mailing list please send us an email at [email protected] and we will send you the link to register!

It was great running into Joanelle Smit from at Faculty Day! We're excited about the collaborative opportunities ahead and look forward to achieving some amazing things together!

The OP PGSA extends its gratitude to the Jotello Soga Library and the Research Commons for hosting an insightful SPSS Basic Workshop for postgraduate students. Special thanks to presenter, Lehlogonolo Tabana and organizer, Myleen Oosthuizen 🙌📊

📣FUNDING OPPORTUNITY📣

CALL FOR APPLICATIONS: The Department of Science and Innovation (DSI) and the National Research Foundation (NRF) have announced that applications for DSI-NRF Postgraduate Student Funding for the 2025 academic year is now open! Please note, continuing students who are eligible for a second or third year of DSI-NRF funding must submit a progress report rather than a new application.

Good to know:

▪️ The minimum academic requirement for postgraduate funding is 65%.
▪️ The entry age requirement is 28, 30 and 32 years or younger for honours, master’s and doctoral studies respectively, in the year of application, regardless of the first year of registration.
▪️ Successful applicants will be funded either at full cost of study (FCS) or partial cost of study (PCS).
▪️ FCS funding will only be awarded to South African citizens and permanent residents who require financial assistance (those whose combined household family income is R350 000 a year or less), who are living with a disability or who are exceptional academic achievers.
▪️ PCS funding will be awarded to 5% of international students, including South African citizens and permanent residents, who do not meet FCS criteria but who do meet other minimum requirements for the scholarship funding.
▪️ The scholarships are intended to support honours, master’s and doctoral candidates to pursue studies in all areas of science, engineering, technology, social sciences and the humanities.
▪️ Refer to the Application and Funding Framework document before beginning the online application process.
▪️ Ensure that you have the required supporting documents ready. (Copies should be clear and certified).

Postgraduate students must apply on the NRF Connect System by accessing the following link: https://ow.ly/R7Rm50S6sHz. Only digital applications will be accepted.

Visit https://ow.ly/aeWg50S6sHy to access the call summary information, guidelines and for the Ikusasa Student Financial Aid Programme (ISFAP) form.

📣INTERNSHIP OPPORTUNITY📣

Snippet 4/10: If you are an NRF-funded student and need to apply for 2025 Master’s/PhD Extension support, below is some need-to-know information.

IMPORTANT: Please do not try to create an application or submit queries without reading all of the funding call documents in detail here: https://www.nrf.ac.za/dsi-nrf-postgraduate-student-funding-for-the-2025-academic-year/

During June, we are highlighting some important information (FAQs) from the 2025 DSI-NRF Master’s and Doctoral funding call. Please refer to the call documents for full details.

Exciting news!

Our annual University of Pretoria Graduate Handbook is hot off the press! Packed with valuable insights and resources, it's your ultimate guide to upskill with the right skills. https://lnkd.in/g93j_jhW
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☕ Monthly Coffee Hour for Post-Grad Students! ☕

Need a break and a caffeine boost? Join us for our Monthly Coffee Hour!
6th June at 12pm, come to The Elephant Room (Cafeteria) for free coffee, delicious muffins, and great company. Connect with fellow students, share your experiences, and relax in a friendly atmosphere.

We're excited to announce that Prof. Marinda Oosthuizen will join us for this month's Coffee Hour!

Don't miss out—mark your calendar and bring a friend! See you there! 🎉

Get ready to unleash your potential at the Veterinary Science Career Fair! Join us at the Onderstepoort Campus for a day of networking, learning and exciting opportunities in the veterinary field. Don’t miss out!

🎓 Hats off to the Class of 2024! 🎓
The OP PGSA would like to congratulate all the postgraduate students from the Faculty of Veterinary Science on their graduation. You've mastered the art of perseverance and paved the way to your dreams. Here's to new beginnings and the amazing adventures ahead! 🌟

The Deputy Dean of Research and Postgraduate studies, Prof Marinda Oosthuizen recently invited new and current postgraduate students to an Onboarding Programme at the Onderstepoort Teaching and Development Centre (OTDC) on the 15th and 16th of April. The Onboarding Programme was organized by Dr Monica van Niekerk, the postgraduate student advisor and the Onderstepoort Postgraduate Student Association (OP-PGSA). A series of informative sessions and activities were conducted over two days.

On Day 1, the workshop commenced with a warm welcome from the Deputy Dean Prof Marinda Oosthuizen followed by the introduction of support staff and the Onderstepoort Postgraduate Student Association. Prof Henriette van Heerden delivered a comprehensive presentation covering crucial topics such as research methodology, scientific misconduct, plagiarism, and provided some clarity on AI in academic writing. Mr Velly Nkosi then introduced students to ClickUP, a key online platform for academic resources, while Bianca Bezuidenhout introduced a soon to be launched Blackboard Module called OPPIHUB. The Dean, Prof Vinny Naidoo, shed light on the intricacies of research ethics, emphasizing the significance in academic research. Dr. Nicola Collins shared valuable insights into nurturing the supervisor-student relationship, underscoring its importance for successful postgraduate studies. The day concluded with a campus tour, engaging students in a fun activity of locating specific buildings on campus using clues.

On Day 2, students gathered in the library for an information session presented by Ms Myleen Oosthuizen and Ms Tertia Coetsee, familiarizing themselves with essential databases crucial for their research studies. Prof Geoff Fosgate offered a brief introduction to statistics. Ms Andria White facilitated a wellness session, demonstrating meditation techniques and stretches to promote mental and physical well-being among students and a few postgraduate students shared their personal experiences and challenges faced during their academic journey. Mr. Rowan Watson provided a security briefing to ensure students' safety when going out into the community. The day concluded with a relaxed atmosphere, as students enjoyed a braai and board games, providing social interaction after the enriching sessions.

📣Voting for our logo competition is officially closed! 🎨✨

Thank you to everyone who cast their votes and helped us choose our next logo!

Stay tuned for the announcement of the winning design! 🏆

🌟✨ Vote for your favourite logo! 🌟✨

Your vote matters! Help us choose the perfect logo that
reflects our values and vision. Every vote counts, so
don't miss this opportunity to make your voice heard
and be a part of something great! 🗳️✨

Click the link below to cast your vote for the best logo!
https://forms.gle/G6zdzzLy4WwD7WNSA
Voting closes on 25 March 2024.

📌Just a kind REMINDER that The Onderstepoort Campus Parkrun is on every Saturday!

Don't feel like running alone?
We got you!

We will meet at 07h45 at the Onderstepoort Village Entrance (at the circle).

We look forward to seeing you there tomorrow morning!

To register, click the link below:
https://www.parkrun.co.za/register/

On the 28th of February, the Department of Research and Innovation hosted a Research Funding Workshop at the Onderstepoort Teaching and Development Centre for the academic staff, postdoctoral fellows, and postgraduate students from the Faculty of Veterinary Science, co-ordinated by Onderstepoort Postgraduate Student Association.

Abe Mathopa (Manager of the Research Capacity Development) presented on Early Career Researchers Support Initiatives, specifically National Research Foundation (NRF) funding opportunities such as nGAP, Thuthuka, and Black Academics Advancement Programme (BAAP), as well as some institutional funding such as the Research Development Programme funding and their application processes. He also walked everyone through the NRF Rating system and encouraged current Ph.D. students/Post-doctoral fellows, and staff to consider becoming NRF-rated researchers.

Leanne van Zyl (Post Graduate Scholarship Manager) gave a talk on the Postgraduate Scholarship Office’ Responsibilities and informed the postgraduate students about the potential funding opportunities (internal and external) and the various sites where they can look out for such
opportunities.

We would like to thank both Abe and Leanne, for taking the time to share their valuable insight with the attendees of the workshop.

Faculty of Veterinary Science, Onderstepoort

Attention final year students! Join the University of Pretoria's mentorship programme and get connected with industry experts within your career field. The UP Mentorship programme will provide you with valuable insight to your chosen career path and foster a smooth transition from academia to the world of work.

To apply use the link below

https://forms.gle/2fuamztrPNeC25scA

Closing date: 30 March 2024

Join us in reflecting on this powerful op-ed by Professor Flavia Senkubuge, a medical doctor and UP’s Acting Vice-Principal for Student Life. In a world where the inclusion of women often feels like a mere concession, Professor Senkubuge calls for a radical shift in our societal architecture. It's time to break down the walls that confine women to the sidelines and embrace gender equity as the norm. Read the full article for a thought-provoking perspective on reshaping our thinking and honoring the divine feminine within each of us. Read more: https://ow.ly/T2U350QNzLZ

📌OP PGSA JOINS ONDERSTEPOORT CAMPUS PARKRUN📌

The campus parkrun is starting this Saturday!

Don't want to run alone? We got you!
Join the OP PGSA at this Saturday's parkrun. We will meet at 07h45 at the OP village entrance (circle)!
We'll be wearing red t-shirts so you won't miss us!

To register click the link below:
https://www.parkrun.co.za/register/

We have extended the submission deadline!!!

WIN A R500 GIFT VOUCHER!

Submissions close on 13 March 2024.
To submit your designs and for more information, head over to the link below.
https://drive.google.com/.../1LfdULrthwvItn4hHy1n.../view...

RESEARCH MSc PROJECT AVAILABLE
DEPARTMENT VETERINARY TROPICAL DISEASES
FACULTY OF VETERINARY SCIENCE, UNIVERSITY OF PRETORIA
Degree: Masters (Veterinary Science)
Number of available positions: 1
Study duration: 2 years (starting date: immediately)
Academic requirements: Honour’s degree or equivalent in a relevant field (e.g. microbiology, veterinary science) or similar suitable qualification
Funding: Project and related accommodation costs at Hans Hoheisen Wildlife Research Station will be covered. A stipend of R 120 000/annum is available.
Project title: Microbiological studies on tuberculous tissue lesions in African buffalo

Deadline for submission of applications: 12 March 2024

9 DAYS LEFT!!

WIN A R500 GIFT VOUCHER!

The time has come for a fresh and dynamic logo that mirrors the spirit, diversity, and forward momentum of our vibrant community.
The postgraduate experience deserves a logo that resonates with our shared values,
aspirations, and sense of belonging. We invite you to be a part of this exciting endeavor.

Let your creativity flow, and craft a symbol that reflects the strength, diversity, and unity of our postgraduate family. We can't wait to see the incredible designs that will emerge from the talents within our community.

Submissions close on 6 March 2024.

To submit your designs and for more information, head over to the link below.
https://drive.google.com/.../1LfdULrthwvItn4hHy1n.../view...

The Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) invites applications for the Mauritius-Africa Scholarship: Diplomas, Undergrad, Master's and PhD 2024. Follow this link to their website to apply/learn more: https://www.internationalscholarships.dhet.gov.za/index.php/scholarships/undergraduate-scholarships/355-mauritius-mauritius-africa-scholarship-scheme-2024. Deadline: 22 March 2024

Join this Web of Science orientation on 15 February at 10:00 by registering here: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_2sVJPmTpRf-K7e2cGCzPqw?t=1706010629708

🌸 Help Us Keep Girls in School! 🌸

Donate DISPOSABLE or RE-USABLE pads before the 1st of December 2023

Did you know that approximately 30% of school girls miss out on their education because they can't afford sanitary products? This leads to a devastating cycle of poverty, hunger, gender inequality, and a lack of quality education. 😔

But here's the good news! We've teamed up with Palesa Pads to provide a solution - reusable pads that can change lives. 🌟

Join us in our mission to keep girls from St Camillus Primary (Hammanskraal) in school where they belong! 📚

Don't miss out on this incredible opportunity to make a real difference. By supporting our pad drive, you can be a part of ! 📝

Bring your gentle and loving hearts, and come in your numbers to our various collection boxes placed around campus. Let's work together to break the barriers that hold these young girls back.

To get your hands on these life-changing reusable pads, follow this link to order: https://palesapads.com/collections/kits 🛍️ Pads can be delivered to you, or the the PGSA at the following address: ATT: Faith Nkosi, Department Veterinary Tropical Diseases

If you prefer to drop off disposable or reusable pads, you can do so at any of the following locations on campus:
📍 Cafeteria
📍 Departmental communal area
📍 CACS (Hospital)

🌟 New Research on Non-Typhoidal Salmonellosis! 📚 Dr. Abdullahi Sanni Ozomata's latest study sheds light on the hidden impact of NTS in Nigeria.

💡 Title: "Underestimated Economic and Social Burdens of Non-Typhoidal Salmonella Infections: The One Health Perspective from Nigeria"
📅 Published: April 19, 2023
📊 Results: In 2020, NTS led to 325,731 cases, 1043 human deaths, and a substantial economic burden.

🔍 This research uncovers the significant social and economic consequences of NTS, bringing awareness to its public health impact.