Are you a law student in South Africa passionate about human rights? The South African Journal on Human Rights (SAJHR) Bursaries 2027 offer a great chance for postgraduate students. This top-up bursary supports LLM studies in key areas like constitutional law and justice issues. Applications close on 31 May 2026, so now is the time to prepare.
About the SAJHR Bursary Programme
The SAJHR Postgraduate Top-Up Bursary helps Black South African or African students at public universities. It targets those in LLM programs focused on human rights, constitutional law, or justice-related law. The goal is to aid students who already have funding but need extra support for their studies.
This once-off payment covers study-related costs. The program comes from the South African Journal on Human Rights, a respected publication in public law.
Fields of Study Covered
The bursary fits students pursuing an LLM degree. Research must connect to human rights, constitutional law, or justice-related topics. Examples include work on legal rights, court systems, or constitutional challenges in South Africa.
This focus helps build skills in areas that matter to the country’s legal future.
Bursary Value
Each award provides up to R50 000. The exact amount depends on the applicant’s needs and situation. Funds go toward expenses like books, research, or travel linked to studies.
This support can make a real difference for students facing financial pressures.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify, meet these requirements:
- 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 university in South Africa.
- Be in your first or second (final) year of the LLM.
- Conduct research on human rights, constitutional law, or justice issues.
Preference goes to students from universities like Fort Hare, Venda, Limpopo, Zululand, Western Cape, or Walter Sisulu. Strong grades and financial need also boost chances.
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.
- Contact details for two references who can be reached.
- Motivational letter covering your financial need, interest in the field, and academic goals.
Make sure copies are clear and recent.
How to Apply
Email all documents to kok.joey@gmail.com. Use the subject line: SAJHR top-up bursary 2026.
Double-check that everything is attached before sending. Applications must arrive by 31 May 2026.
Selection Process
The team reviews submissions after the deadline. Successful applicants hear back by the end of June 2026. If no response by then, assume the application did not succeed.
Decisions focus on fit with criteria, academic strength, and need.
About SAJHR
Founded in 1985 by the Centre for Applied Legal Studies, SAJHR is based at the University of the Witwatersrand School of Law. It leads in scholarship on constitutional, human rights, and justice law. Contact Dr Joey Kok, the managing editor, at kok.joey@gmail.com for questions.
Conclusion
The SAJHR Bursaries 2027 provide key support for promising LLM students in human rights fields. With a clear application process and focused eligibility, it opens doors for those committed to South Africa’s legal progress. Apply soon to seize this opportunity and advance your career.
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