Wits University Fully Funded PhD & LLM Research Bursaries in Law, Equality & Social Justice

The NRF SARChI Chair in Equality, Law and Social Justice at Wits University offers fully funded PhD and LLM by Research bursaries for 2027, focusing on themes such as intergenerational equity, women's land rights, housing rights, and African regional human rights mechanisms.

What it offers

• NRF bursaries for 2027:
  • PhD: about R200,000 (means-tested or for students with averages of 75% or more); R150,000 for students with a minimum average of 65%
  • LLM: about R190,000 (means-tested or for students with averages of 75% or more); R145,000 for students with a minimum average of 65%
• Bursaries must be held as primary funding and require full-time study at Wits University.

Who can apply

• Applicants must be South African or from other African countries.
• A minimum average of 65% in your previous degree (LLB or LLM) is required.
• Maximum entry age: must not be older than 30 years (LLM) or 32 years (PhD) in 2027.

What you'll do

• Pursue a PhD or LLM by Research in one of the specified research areas under the supervision of the Chair or associates.

How to apply

Submit the following documents to Judy Mafika (judy.mafika@wits.ac.za) by 30 September 2026:

• A covering letter stating your interest in the bursary
• A one- to two-page summary research proposal specifying your research issue
• A copy of your ID or passport
• A curriculum vitae (CV)
• Full academic records
• Contact details of two academic referees

Note: Acceptance by the Chair is subject to NRF approval and successful application to the Wits School of Law programme.

Good to know

• Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.
• If you do not hear back by the end of October 2026, your application was unsuccessful.
• Enquiries about research scope or bursary criteria should be directed to Professor Cathi Albertyn or Professor Lilian Chenwi.