The South African Journal on Human Rights (SAJHR) is offering competitive top-up bursaries to academically strong and financially needy LLM students at South African public universities.
This bursary supports your tuition and study-related expenses, helping you get one step closer to completing your research and building a career in justice, public law, or academia.
Closing Date: 11 April 2025
Funding Amount: Up to R30,000 (once-off top-up bursary)
Study Level: Postgraduate (LLM)
Location: All Public Universities in South Africa
About the SAJHR
The South African Journal on Human Rights (SAJHR), founded in 1985 by the Centre for Applied Legal Studies (CALS) and housed at Wits School of Law, is South Africa’s leading public law journal. It publishes rigorous academic work in constitutional, justice-related, and human rights law, read by scholars, legal professionals, and policy makers around the globe.
What the SAJHR Bursary Covers
- A once-off top-up bursary valued at up to R30,000
- Intended to support your studies (tuition, materials, and related costs)
- Awarded to eligible LLM students in constitutional, human rights, or justice-related law
Who Can Apply?
To be considered, applicants must meet all of the following criteria:
- Black South African citizen or African permanent resident in South Africa
- Hold an LLB degree from a South African university
- Minimum academic average of 65%
- Currently registered for an LLM degree at a South African public university (1st or 2nd year)
- Research or coursework must focus on:
- Human rights
- Constitutional law
- Justice-related fields
Preference will be given to students who:
- Are in financial need
- Are close to completing their LLM
- Graduated from one of the following institutions:
- University of Fort Hare
- University of Venda
- University of Limpopo
- University of Zululand
- University of the Western Cape
- Walter Sisulu University
Not Qualified Yet? Here’s How to Qualify
If you’re not eligible this year but want to benefit from funding like this in the future, here’s how to position yourself:
1. Upgrade Your Qualifications:
Start with an LLB degree at a public South African university. Consider the following institutions that often feed into this bursary:
- University of the Western Cape
- University of Limpopo
- Walter Sisulu University
2. Focus Your Legal Research:
Work on academic projects or coursework that align with constitutional law, human rights, or access to justice. These are high-impact areas that not only attract funding but also open doors to policy, legal research, and civil society work.
3. Boost Your Marks:
A 65%+ average is the minimum. Aim for higher if you want to stay competitive for merit-based law scholarships and clerkship opportunities.
4. Prepare Early for Your LLM:
Plan your postgraduate journey with a strong research proposal and look for supervisors active in the public law or human rights space.
Why This Scholarship Matters
- Reduces financial burden while you focus on completing your LLM
- Offers support to students from historically disadvantaged universities
- Supports justice-focused legal education that directly benefits South African communities
- Adds prestige to your academic portfolio through affiliation with the SAJHR
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted online. Ensure your application includes:
- Certified copy of your ID or proof of permanent residency
- Academic transcripts showing LLB results and current LLM progress
- Proof of LLM registration
- Motivation letter detailing:
- Your research area
- Financial need
- Career goals
- (If applicable) Confirmation of institution if applying from a priority university
To apply for this funding opportunity, click on the link below:
Deadline to Apply: 11 April 2025
Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.