The University of the Witwatersrand (Wits University) has announced PhD and LLM by Research bursary opportunities for 2027 through the NRF-funded South African Research Chair in Equality, Law and Social Justice. The funding opportunity is based within the Wits School of Law in Johannesburg and is designed to support promising postgraduate researchers whose work contributes to equality, human rights and social justice in Africa. The bursaries provide an important opportunity for eligible South African and other African students seeking advanced legal research experience while addressing major social and economic justice challenges affecting communities across the continent. Research Areas Covered by the Bursary The 2027 bursaries are intended for applicants whose proposed research aligns closely with the research priorities of the NRF SARChI Chair in Equality, Law and Social Justice. Eligible areas 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 (ESC rights). The role of ESC rights in addressing inequalities affecting vulnerable groups in Africa. Advancing equality and social change through the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights. Applicants are therefore expected to demonstrate a clear connection between their proposed research and broader questions of equality, human rights, social justice and legal development in Africa. Bursary Value and Financial Support The NRF bursaries provide substantial financial support toward postgraduate study at Wits University. For 2027, funding is approximately R200,000 for PhD students and R190,000 for LLM students for eligible applicants who meet the higher academic or means-tested criteria. Applicants with a minimum academic average of 65% may qualify for partial funding of approximately R150,000 for PhD studies or R145,000 for LLM studies. The bursary is intended to serve as primary funding toward the relevant degree. However, applicants should carefully review the applicable NRF funding conditions because the final award remains subject to NRF approval and the relevant eligibility requirements. Eligibility Requirements Applicants must meet several important requirements to be considered. The opportunity is open to South African citizens and nationals of other African countries who intend to study full-time at Wits University. Candidates must conduct their research under the supervision of the Equality, Law and Social Justice Chair or an associated academic. A minimum average of 65% in the applicant’s previous degree, either an LLB or LLM, is required for NRF bursary consideration. Age restrictions also apply. Applicants must be 30 years old or younger for the LLM bursary and 32 years old or younger for the PhD bursary in 2027. Meeting the minimum requirements does not automatically guarantee funding, as applications remain subject to academic assessment, Chair approval, NRF requirements and successful admission to the relevant Wits School of Law programme. Documents Required for Application Applicants should prepare a complete application package before submission. The required documents include: A covering letter explaining the applicant’s interest in the bursary. A one- to two-page research proposal clearly outlining the proposed research issue. A copy of an identity document or passport. An updated curriculum vitae. Complete academic records. Contact details for two academic referees. The research proposal is particularly important because it should demonstrate the applicant’s understanding of the proposed legal or social justice issue and its relevance to the research priorities of the Chair. How to Successfully Apply Applicants should begin preparing their applications well before the deadline. The proposed research should be specific, academically credible and clearly connected to one of the advertised research themes. A strong application should demonstrate why the research matters, identify the legal or policy problem being investigated and explain how the proposed study could contribute to knowledge, equality or social justice in Africa. Applicants should also ensure that their academic records, CV, research proposal and covering letter are consistent and professionally presented. Academic referees should be selected carefully, preferably individuals who can provide informed assessments of the applicant’s research potential and academic ability. Importantly, acceptance by the Chair does not represent final bursary approval. Successful applicants must subsequently apply to the NRF online and to the Wits School of Law, with further details provided during the process. Application Deadline and Submission The closing date for the 2027 Wits PhD and LLM bursary opportunity is 30 September 2026. Applications should be submitted as early as possible and no later than the stated deadline. Applications should be sent to Judy Mafika at judy.mafika@wits.ac.za. Incomplete or late applications will not be considered. Applicants who have not received communication by the end of October 2026 should regard their application to the Chair as unsuccessful. Candidates seeking clarification about the research areas or bursary criteria can contact Professor Cathi Albertyn or Professor Lilian Chenwi at Wits University. Why This Opportunity Matters The bursary offers eligible African legal scholars an opportunity to undertake advanced research at a leading South African university while contributing to important debates around equality, human rights, housing, land rights and social justice. For prospective researchers, the opportunity can provide both financial support and access to academic supervision within a specialised research environment. Applicants who carefully align their proposals with the Chair’s priorities and demonstrate strong academic and research potential may therefore strengthen their prospects of being considered. Prospective candidates are encouraged to review the official Wits and NRF requirements carefully and submit complete applications before the 30 September 2026 deadline. VISIT OFFICIAL WEBSITE TO APPLY 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. All opportunities are sourced from official announcements and external sources for informational purposes only. Applicants are encouraged to verify all details, deadlines, and eligibility requirements from the official source before applying. Opportunities may be updated or changed by the providing organisations.