Wits University PhD and LLM Bursaries 2027: Funding for African Law and Social Justice Researchers

Wits University offers NRF-funded bursaries for PhD and LLM by Research students focusing on equality, law, and social justice, with applications closing 30 September 2026.

What it offers

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

Who can apply

• Applicants must be South African or from other African countries.
• Minimum average of 65% in the previous degree (LLB or LLM) is required.
• Maximum entry age: 30 years or younger for LLM applicants and 32 years or younger for PhD applicants in 2027.

What you'll do

• Conduct 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
  • 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
• Study full-time at Wits University under the supervision of the Chair or associates.

How to apply

Submit the following documents to 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

Good to know

• Acceptance by the Chair is subject to NRF approval and successful application to the Wits School of Law programme.
• Incomplete or late applications will not be considered.
• Unsuccessful applicants will not be contacted after end of October 2026.
• For enquiries, contact Professor Cathi Albertyn (cathi.albertyn@wits.ac.za) or Professor Lilian Chenwi (lilian.chenwi@wits.ac.za).