Wits University PhD and LLM Bursaries 2027

The NRF SARChI Chair in Equality, Law and Social Justice at Wits University offers PhD and LLM by Research bursaries for 2027 focused on equality, law, and social justice themes.

What it offers

• PhD bursary: about R200,000 (means-tested) or about R150,000 (minimum average of 65%)
• LLM bursary: about R190,000 (means-tested) or about R145,000 (minimum average of 65%)
• Bursaries must be held as primary funding and are for full-time study at Wits University

Who can apply

• South African or other African country nationals
• Minimum average of 65% in previous degree (LLB or LLM)
• Maximum entry age: not older than 30 (LLM) or 32 (PhD) in 2027

What you'll do

• Pursue research in one of these areas:
  • Intergenerational equity and women's land rights
  • Impact of intergenerational injustice on the right to housing
  • Contributions of African regional bodies to ESC rights development and enforcement
  • Role of ESC rights in addressing inequalities among vulnerable groups in Africa
  • Advancing equality and social change through the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights

How to apply

Submit to judy.mafika@wits.ac.za by 30 September 2026:

• Covering letter explaining interest in the bursary
• One- to two-page summary research proposal specifying the research issue
• Copy of ID or passport
• Curriculum vitae (CV)
• Full academic records
• Contact details of two academic referees

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
• Unsuccessful applicants will not be notified after end of October 2026
• Enquiries: Professor Cathi Albertyn (cathi.albertyn@wits.ac.za) or Professor Lilian Chenwi (lilian.chenwi@wits.ac.za)