SANS Killie Campbell Bursaries 2026: R25 000 for Postgraduate History Students

The South African National Society is offering the SANS Killie Campbell Bursary Programme for the 2026 and 2027 academic years. This bursary is for postgraduate history students in South Africa. It aims to support research, particularly in South African and KwaZulu-Natal history.

Application Closing Date: 31 July 2026
Location: South Africa
Programme Duration: 2026/2027 Academic Years
Stipend: Approximately R25 000
Minimum Qualification: Postgraduate Degree (Honours, Master’s, Doctorate)
Opportunity Type: Bursary

About the SANS Killie Campbell Bursary

The SANS Killie Campbell Bursary has been supporting postgraduate History students for about 40 years. It provides financial assistance to students undertaking advanced historical research at South African universities. The programme focuses on students pursuing postgraduate qualifications with research topics related to South African history.

A key aspect of this bursary is its preference for research that specifically focuses on the history of KwaZulu-Natal. This makes it a valuable opportunity for students with a deep interest in the region’s past. The bursary aims to encourage detailed and impactful historical research within South Africa.

About the South African National Society

The South African National Society is an organisation that supports historical research in South Africa. For many years, it has provided funding and resources to students and researchers. The society plays a role in preserving and promoting the study of South African history.

Fields of Study Covered

This bursary is specifically for postgraduate studies in a History-related field. Applicants can be studying towards an Honours degree, a Master’s degree, or a Doctoral degree. The core requirement is that the applicant’s research, dissertation, or thesis must focus on South African history.

There is a strong preference for research topics that delve into the history of KwaZulu-Natal. This focus helps to direct funding towards specific areas of historical inquiry that the society wishes to support.

Bursary Value

The SANS Killie Campbell Bursary is valued at approximately R25 000. The final amount awarded will be decided by the bursary selection committee. This funding can significantly help students cover their research and study expenses.

How the Bursary Will Be Paid

The bursary amount will be paid in two equal instalments of about R12 500 each. The first instalment is planned for September 2026. The second instalment will be paid after the Society receives a positive progress report from the bursary recipient’s supervisor.

Eligibility Requirements

To be considered for the SANS Killie Campbell Bursary, applicants must meet all the following criteria:

• Be currently studying towards a postgraduate qualification.
• Be conducting research in a History-related field.
• Have a research, dissertation, or thesis topic focused on South African history.
• Preference will be given to research focusing on KwaZulu-Natal history.
• Be registered at a recognised and accredited university in South Africa.
• Be able to provide details of their academic supervisor.
• Submit all required supporting information before the closing date.

Applicants who do not meet these minimum requirements will not be considered for the bursary.

Selection Process

Applicants may be invited to an interview with the selection committee. This interview can take place in person or electronically via platforms like Zoom. The South African National Society reserves the right not to award the bursary if no suitable candidate is found.

Responsibilities of Bursary Recipients

Successful applicants will have certain responsibilities. These may include presenting a brief outline of their research topic at a Society meeting. They will also need to provide satisfactory academic progress reports.

Furthermore, recipients might be asked to submit a soft copy of their completed dissertation or thesis. The Society may also request permission to publish the completed research on its website.

Documents and Information Required

There is no specific application form for this bursary. Applicants need to submit the following information and documents:

• Full name
• Gender
• Email address
• Telephone or cellphone number
• Personal and academic background
• Academic achievements
• Copies of qualifications
• Intended research or dissertation topic
• Outline of the proposed research
• Level of study (Honours, Master’s, or Doctorate)
• Name of the university
• Name of the faculty
• Proof of registration or payment to the institution
• Supervisor’s full name
• Supervisor’s contact details

Applicants must ensure all submitted information is complete and clear. Missing documents or information could lead to disqualification.

How to Apply

Applications can be submitted by email, post, or hand delivery. Applicants should only submit their application using one method to avoid duplicates.

Apply by Email

Interested applicants can email their applications to [email protected]. The email subject line should be “SANS Bursary 2026”. All required supporting documents must be attached to the email.

Apply by Post or Hand Delivery

Applications can also be sent to:
The Secretary
South African National Society
31 St. Andrews Drive
Durban North
Durban
4051

Closing Date

The closing date for applications for the SANS Killie Campbell Bursary is 31 July 2026. Applications received after this date will not be accepted. It is advisable for applicants to submit their applications early to ensure all documents are received on time.

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