SAJHR Bursaries 2027: Top-Up Funding for Human Rights LLM Students

Are you a law student in South Africa passionate about human rights? The SAJHR Bursaries 2027 offer a great chance for postgraduate students to get financial help. This top-up bursary from the South African Journal on Human Rights supports LLM studies in key legal areas.

About the SAJHR Bursary Programme

The South African Journal on Human Rights runs this bursary for South African students at public universities. It targets those in LLM programs focused on constitutional law, human rights law, or justice-related legal issues. The goal is to help students cover study costs and advance important legal research.

Fields of Study Covered

This bursary funds LLM degrees with research in specific areas. These include human rights, constitutional law, and justice-related law. Students must tie their work to these topics to qualify.

Bursary Value

The award provides up to R50 000 as a one-time top-up payment. It helps with expenses like books or research costs. The exact amount depends on each applicant’s needs and situation.

Eligibility Criteria

To apply, you must meet these rules:

• Be a Black South African or African student.
• Hold an LLB from a South African university with at least 65% average.
• Be registered for an LLM at a public South African university.
• Be in your first or second year of the LLM.
• Focus research on human rights, constitutional law, or justice-related law.

Schools like University of Fort Hare, University of Venda, University of Limpopo, University of Zululand, University of the Western Cape, and Walter Sisulu University get preference. Strong grades and financial need also help your case.

Required Supporting Documents

Gather these items for your application:

• Certified copy of your South African ID, passport, or permanent residence permit.
• Full academic transcript.
• Updated CV.
• Details of two references who can be contacted.
• A motivational letter that covers your financial need, interest in the field, and academic goals.

Make sure all documents are clear and complete.

How to Apply

Email your application to [email protected]. Use the subject line: SAJHR top-up bursary 2026. The deadline is 31 May 2026. Apply early to avoid last-minute issues.

Selection Process

Winners will hear back by the end of June 2026. If you get no response by then, assume your application did not succeed.

About SAJHR

Founded in 1985 by the Centre for Applied Legal Studies at the University of the Witwatersrand School of Law, SAJHR leads in public law scholarship. It focuses on constitutional, justice, and human rights topics.

Contact: Dr Joey Kok (Managing Editor) at [email protected].

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