The University of the Witwatersrand is offering PhD and LLM bursaries for 2027 to law researchers from African countries. The bursaries support postgraduate law study and research at Wits in Johannesburg, South Africa.
Interested applicants should review the scholarship details early and prepare their applications through the university application portal.
Application Deadline
- 30 September 2026
Tell Me About The Bursary
The NRF SARChI Chair in Equality, Law and Social Justice, based at the School of Law, University of the Witwatersrand (Wits), Johannesburg, invites applications for PhD and LLM by Research bursaries commencing in 2027. The programme focuses on advancing equality, law, and social justice in Africa through cutting‑edge research.
Which Fields are Eligible
Research areas include:
- Intergenerational equity & women’s land rights
- Intergenerational injustice & housing rights
- African regional bodies & ESC rights
- ESC rights & vulnerable groups
- Equality & African Court on Human Rights
Type
- Postgraduate Bursary | PhD & LLM by Research | Law & Social Justice | South Africa
Who Can Apply
Applicants must:
- Be South African or from other African countries.
- Study full‑time at Wits University under the supervision of the Chair or associates.
- Hold a minimum average of 65% in their previous degree (LLB or LLM).
- Meet the maximum entry age requirement: 30 years (LLM), 32 years (PhD) in 2027.
How Are Scholars Selected
- Based on academic merit (minimum 65% average; higher funding for 75%+).
- Quality of proposed research in one of the eligible areas.
- NRF approval and successful application to the Wits School of Law.
Which Countries are Eligible
- South Africa and other African countries.
Where Will the Bursary Be Taken
- University of the Witwatersrand (Wits), Johannesburg, South Africa.
How Many Scholars
- Limited bursaries available; competitive selection.
What is the Benefit of the Bursary
- PhD: ~R200,000 (means‑tested or 75%+ average) / ~R150,000 (minimum 65% average).
- LLM: ~R190,000 (means‑tested or 75%+ average) / ~R145,000 (minimum 65% average).
- Funding is primary support towards the degree.
How Long Will the Bursary Last
- For the normal duration of the PhD or LLM research programme.
Required Documents
- Covering letter (motivation).
- Summary research proposal (1–2 pages).
- Copy of ID or passport.
- Curriculum Vitae (CV).
- Full academic records.
- Contact details of two academic referees.
How to Apply
- Prepare all required documents.
- Send applications to Judy Mafika – [email protected] by 30 September 2026.
- Enquiries:
- Prof. Cathi Albertyn – [email protected]
- Prof. Lilian Chenwi – [email protected]
- Apply separately to the NRF online system and the Wits School of Law once accepted by the Chair.
📍 Location: Wits University, Johannesburg, South Africa
👉 Visit the Application Webpage for Details
