University of the Witwatersrand PhD and LLM Bursaries 2027: Up to R200,000 for African Law Researchers
Applications are open for 2027 PhD and LLM by Research bursaries at the University of the Witwatersrand School of Law, offering postgraduate funding for researchers focused on equality, socio-economic rights, land rights, housing, social justice, and African human rights law.
Overview
The University of the Witwatersrand School of Law, through the NRF-funded South African Research Chair in Equality, Law and Social Justice, offers postgraduate research bursaries for full-time doctoral and master's candidates beginning in 2027. The programme supports advanced legal research addressing structural inequality, human rights, and social transformation in Africa.
For 2027, the approximate bursary values are structured as follows:
- PhD Candidates: Approximately R200,000 for those qualifying for higher-level support, and approximately R150,000 (or part thereof) for those meeting minimum eligibility at the lower funding level.
- LLM by Research Candidates: Approximately R190,000 for higher-level support, and approximately R145,000 (or part thereof) for the lower funding level.
Applicants must propose research aligning with one of five specific areas designated by the SARChI Chair:
- Intergenerational equity and women’s land rights
- The impact of intergenerational injustice on the right to housing
- The contributions of African regional bodies to the development and enforcement of economic, social and cultural rights
- The role of economic, social and cultural rights in addressing inequalities among vulnerable groups in Africa
- Advancing equality and social change through the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights
Eligibility
Applicants must satisfy several academic, institutional, and demographic requirements to qualify for the bursary:
- Nationality: Open to South African nationals and applicants from other African countries.
- Study Mode & Location: Must undertake full-time study at Wits University in Johannesburg, South Africa, under the supervision of the Chair or associated academics.
- Academic Standing: Must possess a minimum academic average of 65% in their previous qualifying degree (an LLB for LLM applicants, or an LLM for PhD candidates). Academic averages of 75% or higher, alongside NRF means-tested criteria, link to the higher funding tier.
- Age Limits: LLM applicants must be 30 years old or younger in 2027. PhD applicants must be 32 years old or younger in 2027.
- Primary Funding: The NRF bursary must be held as the candidate's primary funding source for the degree.
How to Apply
The application process requires submitting a complete dossier of materials to the designated contact via email. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
Required Application Documents:
- A tailored covering letter explaining motivation, academic background, research interests, and long-term goals.
- A one-to-two-page summary research proposal fitting one of the five approved research areas.
- A copy of an identification document or passport.
- An updated curriculum vitae highlighting research, academic results, publications, and relevant legal experience.
- Full academic records.
- Contact details for two academic referees.
Applications must be submitted electronically to Judy Mafika at [email protected]. Successful initial selection by the SARChI Chair is contingent upon subsequent approval by the National Research Foundation (NRF) and formal admission to the appropriate Wits School of Law postgraduate programme.
Deadline
The initial application deadline is 30 September 2026. Candidates who do not receive communication regarding their application by the end of October 2026 should consider their submission unsuccessful.