The University of the Witwatersrand (Wits University) is inviting applications for PhD and LLM by Research bursaries for 2027 under the NRF-funded South African Research Chair (SARChI) in Equality, Law and Social Justice. The opportunity is aimed at talented South African and African students interested in pursuing advanced legal research on issues surrounding equality, human rights, social justice and socioeconomic development. The bursaries are based at the Wits School of Law in Johannesburg, South Africa, and successful applicants will undertake full-time study under the supervision of the SARChI Chair or associated academics. Opportunity Overview Host institution: University of the Witwatersrand (Wits University)Location: Johannesburg, South AfricaStudy level: LLM by Research and PhDField: Law, Equality, Human Rights and Social JusticeFunding: NRF-funded bursaryStudy mode: Full-timeEligible applicants: South African and other African nationalsStart year: 2027Deadline: 30 September 2026 Research Areas Applicants are invited to develop research proposals connected to one of several priority areas identified by the NRF SARChI Chair in Equality, Law and Social Justice. These include: Intergenerational equity and women’s land rights The impact of intergenerational injustice on the right to housing The contribution of African regional bodies to the development and enforcement of economic, social and cultural rights The role of economic, social and cultural rights in addressing inequalities among vulnerable groups in Africa Advancing equality and social change through the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights These research themes provide an opportunity for emerging legal scholars to investigate some of Africa’s most important challenges involving inequality, human rights, access to land and housing, and social justice. What Does the Bursary Cover? The NRF bursary values for 2027 are approximately: PhD: up to R200,000 LLM: up to R190,000 Students with a minimum average of 65% may qualify for partial funding of approximately R150,000 for PhD students or R145,000 for LLM students. The higher bursary amounts are means-tested or available to students who have achieved an average of 75% or more, according to the information provided by Wits University. The bursary is intended to serve as the student’s primary source of funding toward the relevant degree. Who Can Apply? The opportunity is open to South African students and students from other African countries. Applicants must be prepared to study full-time at Wits University and conduct their research under the supervision of the SARChI Chair or an associated academic. For the NRF bursary, applicants must have achieved a minimum average of 65% in their previous degree. LLM applicants should hold the relevant LLB qualification, while PhD applicants should meet the academic requirements applicable to doctoral study, including the relevant LLB or LLM background. There is also an age requirement. For applications in 2027, applicants must be: 30 years or younger for the LLM bursary 32 years or younger for the PhD bursary Applicants should carefully verify their eligibility before submitting their applications. What Documents Are Required? Applicants will need to prepare a number of supporting documents as part of the application process. These include: A covering letter explaining why they are interested in the bursary. A one- to two-page research proposal clearly outlining the issue they intend to investigate. A copy of their national ID or passport. An updated curriculum vitae (CV). Full academic records. Contact details for two academic referees. The research proposal will be particularly important because applicants are expected to demonstrate a clear understanding of their proposed research area and its relevance to equality, law and social justice. Candidates should therefore ensure that their proposals are focused, well-structured and aligned with one of the research themes identified by the Chair. How the Application Process Works Applicants should understand that acceptance by the SARChI Chair does not automatically guarantee admission or funding. The bursary award is subject to NRF approval and successful admission to the relevant Wits School of Law programme. Once an applicant has been accepted by the Chair, they will still be required to apply to the NRF online as well as submit an application to the Wits School of Law. Further instructions will be provided to candidates during the process. Application Deadline The closing date for applications is 30 September 2026. Applicants are encouraged to submit their applications as early as possible. Incomplete or late applications will not be considered. Candidates who do not receive communication by the end of October 2026 should consider their application to the Chair unsuccessful. Why Apply? This opportunity offers an important pathway for young African scholars who want to pursue advanced research addressing some of the continent’s most pressing legal and social challenges. Through the SARChI Chair in Equality, Law and Social Justice, scholars can develop research expertise in areas such as women’s land rights, housing, socioeconomic rights, inequality, regional human rights institutions and the African human rights system. For students interested in careers in academia, legal research, human rights, public policy, social justice and development, the opportunity could provide valuable academic training and research experience. Applicants should begin preparing their documents well before the deadline, particularly their research proposals and academic references. How to Apply Applications should be sent to Judy Mafika at judy.mafika@wits.ac.za by 30 September 2026. For questions about the research areas and bursary criteria, prospective applicants can contact Professor Cathi Albertyn or Professor Lilian Chenwi at Wits University. Prospective applicants can also consult the NRF Postgraduate Funding Framework and the Wits Equality Chair webpage for additional information. This is a strong opportunity for eligible African students seeking to advance their legal research while contributing to important conversations around equality, human rights and social justice in Africa. View the official Wits University Opportunity For more opportunities such as these please follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn and WPChannel Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) does not take ownership or credit for the opportunities shared on this platform. 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