PhD, MA and Honours bursaries for 2027
The NRF has introduced a new system from 2021 which has changed the process of applying for scholarships/bursaries for postgraduate research degrees linked to the SARChI Research Chairs.
Application forms are available online on the NRF website.
1.) Bursary applicants must link their application to this Research Chair by means of its Grant Unique Identifier (UID) on their applications under ‘Details of Degree (for Honours applications) and Reference Record (for Masters and Doctoral applications)’:
1.1) UID: 98765.
2.) They should also consult with the Chairholder about their applications beforehand.
3.) Note that NRF SARChI bursaries are intended primarily for South African citizens or permanent residents, and equity considerations apply.
Potential students who do NOT qualify for the NRF SARChI bursaries on offer are still eligible for acceptance into this Chair’s research programme, provided they meet the general University, departmental and research programme admissions criteria; have sufficient funds to cover their academic and living costs, AND there is appropriate supervisory capacity within the research programme to accommodate them.
General university and departmental requirements
Prospective students will also need to meet the requirements of Stellenbosch University and the Department of Sociology and Social Anthropology for acceptance into their proposed degree programmes in order to be able to proceed to registration.
Closing dates for applications for Honours and MA studies in the Department of Sociology and Social Anthropology are communicated on the departmental website in the second half of the academic year. Applications for doctoral studies are considered throughout the year.
Details on how to apply for postgraduate studies at Stellenbosch are available on the University’s postgraduate website: https://www.su.ac.za/en/apply/pg-studies/postgraduate-programmes-offer .
Departmental requirements for postgraduate studies can be found on the Department’s website: http://www0.sun.ac.za/sociology/
Applicants can also contact the Department’s Postgraduate Administrator, Ms Genay Gabriels, for assistance; e-mail: genay@sun.ac.za.
Call for 2027 academic year NRF Postgraduate Scholarships are open
The call for applications for the 2027 academic year are now open. Please note the closing dates below.
- Honours: 21 November 2025 (institutions have until the end of March 2026 to claim funds of recommended eligible students).
- First-time Master’s: 3 July 2026
- First-time Doctoral: 3 July 2026
All applications must be submitted electronically via the NRF Connect system at https://nrfconnect.nrf.ac.za/.
Details on how to apply for NRF Postgraduate funding or additional information on DSTI-NRF Postgraduate Funding for the 2027 academic year, please refer to the documents below:
Application and Funding Guide for Extension Support for Masters and Doctoral Scholarships 2027
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs) – 2027 CALL_13 April 2026
Application and Funding Guide for DSTI-NRF Masters and Doctoral Scholarships 2027
NRF Postgraduate Funding Framework 2027_ 30 March 2026F
Motivation to the Research Chair
Those wishing to join this SARChI research programme should send an individual motivation directly to Prof Robins at the following email address: slr@sun.ac.za. Potential applicants are also encouraged to engage with Prof Robins about their interests and the programme before applying (via e-mail in the first instance).
The motivation should contain the following:
1.) A letter setting out the applicant’s background, interest in the research programme, what they would bring to the programme, a brief outline of one or possibly more potential research topics (for development into a full research proposal if accepted), and any other information the applicant deems relevant in support of their application
2.) An example of the applicant’s recent academic writing (e.g. an academic essay, an Honours project, a chapter from a thesis or an academic article
3.) For applicants NOT currently or previously registered in the Department of Sociology and Social Anthropology at Stellenbosch University:
– an academic CV as well as copies of relevant academic transcripts
– the names and contact details of at least two academic referees.
Other documentation may be requested if required.
It is not expected that applicants will have fully developed research projects in mind when first applying. What will count more than a detailed proposal is a motivation that shows that they are actively interested in the overall scope of this SARChI research programme, are committed to developing a research project that will contribute to meeting its broad objectives and have the ability to succeed academically in the applicant’s chosen degree programme.
