Need extra funding for your LLM now? The South African Journal on Human Rights is offering a postgraduate top‑up bursary that closes on 31 May 2026, so act fast.
What the bursary is
The SAJHR Postgraduate Top‑Up Bursary 2027 supports LLM students who focus on constitutional law, human‑rights law or other justice‑related legal topics. It is a one‑off payment to help with study expenses. The exact amount is set individually after you apply.
Who can apply
You must meet all of the following:
- Be a Black South African or an African student
- Hold an LLB from a South African public university with at least a 65 % average
- Be enrolled in an LLM programme at a public university in South Africa
- Be in your first or final (second) year of the LLM
- Be researching human rights, constitutional law, or justice‑related law
Preference is given to students from these universities:
- University of Fort Hare
- University of Venda
- University of Limpopo
- University of Zululand
- University of the Western Cape
- Walter Sisulu University
Strong academic records and genuine financial need will also boost your chances.
What you gain
The bursary helps cover tuition, books, or other study‑related costs. It also adds a recognised award to your CV, showing commitment to human‑rights and constitutional research.
How to apply – step by step
- Gather the required documents:
- Certified copy of South African ID or passport/permanent residence permit
- Full academic transcript
- Updated CV
- Contact details for two referees who can be reached
- Motivational letter covering your financial need, interest in the field, and academic goals
- Compose an email to kok.joey@gmail.com. Use the subject line: SAJHR top‑up bursary 2026.
- Attach all documents to the email and send it before the 31 May 2026 deadline.
Tips to improve your chances
- Proofread your motivational letter; a clear, honest story stands out.
- Make sure your references can respond quickly if contacted.
- Highlight any previous work or volunteering in human‑rights or constitutional matters.
- Double‑check that every attachment is legible and correctly named.
- Apply early – waiting until the last day can lead to technical glitches.
Next steps
If you are selected, you will hear back by the end of June 2026. No response by then means you were not successful this round. Use the outcome as a learning point and consider re‑applying next year or exploring other bursaries.
Contact
Contact Person: Dr Joey Kok (Managing Editor)
Email: kok.joey@gmail.com
This bursary offers a real chance to fund your LLM and deepen your expertise in human rights and constitutional law. Gather your documents, follow the steps, and submit before the deadline.
