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

The South African National Society is inviting qualifying postgraduate students to apply for the SANS Killie Campbell Bursary Programme for the 2026 and 2027 academic years. This bursary supports students conducting research in history, with a focus on 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, or 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. Its main goal is to offer financial assistance to students who are undertaking advanced historical research at recognized South African universities. This bursary is specifically for those pursuing postgraduate qualifications with a research topic related to South African history.

The programme places a strong preference on research that delves into the history of KwaZulu-Natal. By supporting these studies, the bursary aims to contribute to the preservation and understanding of South Africa’s rich historical narrative.

About the South African National Society

The South African National Society is an organization dedicated to promoting historical research and understanding within South Africa. For many years, it has supported students and researchers in their academic pursuits. The society plays a role in encouraging in-depth study of the nation’s past.

Fields of Study Covered

This bursary is open to students pursuing postgraduate studies in a History-related field. This includes those working 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.

A significant preference is given to research topics that specifically explore the history of KwaZulu-Natal. This focus helps to highlight and preserve regional historical narratives within the broader context of South African history.

Bursary Value

The SANS Killie Campbell Bursary is valued at approximately R25,000. The final amount awarded to successful candidates will be determined by the bursary selection committee. This financial support aims to ease the burden of postgraduate study and research costs for eligible students.

How the Bursary Will Be Paid

The bursary amount will be disbursed in two equal installments of approximately R12,500 each. The first installment is scheduled for September 2026, to be paid at a South African National Society monthly meeting. The second installment will be paid after the Society receives a satisfactory written progress submission from the bursary recipient’s supervisor.

Eligibility Requirements

To be considered for the SANS Killie Campbell Bursary, applicants must meet all the following criteria. They must be studying towards a postgraduate qualification and conducting research in a History-related field. The research, dissertation, or thesis topic must relate to South African history, with a preference for KwaZulu-Natal history.

Applicants must be registered at a recognized and accredited university in South Africa. They also need to be able to provide the contact details of their academic supervisor. All required supporting information must be submitted before the closing date. Applications that do not meet these minimum requirements may not be considered.

Selection Process

The selection process may involve inviting applicants to an interview with the selection committee. This interview can be conducted either 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 identified during the selection process.

Responsibilities of Bursary Recipients

Successful bursary recipients may be asked to fulfill certain responsibilities. These can include presenting a brief outline of their research topic at one of the Society’s monthly meetings. They may also need to provide satisfactory academic progress reports. Furthermore, recipients might be required to submit a soft copy of their completed dissertation or thesis.

The Society may also request permission to publish the completed research on the South African National Society website. These responsibilities help ensure the bursary contributes to wider academic discourse and knowledge sharing.

Documents and Information Required

There is no specific official application form for this bursary. Instead, applicants must submit a comprehensive set of information and supporting documents. This includes their full name, gender, email address, and telephone number. Applicants should also provide details of their personal and academic background, along with academic achievements and copies of qualifications.

Crucially, applicants must include their intended research or dissertation topic and an outline of the proposed research. They need to state their level of study (Honours, Master’s, or Doctorate), the name of their university and faculty, and proof of registration or payment to the institution. The full name and contact details of their supervisor are also required. Applicants should ensure all submitted information is complete and clear, as missing documents may lead to disqualification.

How to Apply

Applicants have three options for submitting their applications: by email, post, or hand delivery. It is important to submit applications using only one of these methods to avoid duplication.

Apply by Email

Interested applicants can send their applications via email to memorycoutts1@gmail.com. The subject line for the email should be “SANS Bursary 2026”. All required supporting documents must be attached to the email.

Apply by Post or Hand Delivery

Alternatively, applications can be sent to The Secretary, South African National Society, 31 St. Andrews Drive, Durban North, Durban, 4051. Applicants should not submit duplicate applications through multiple methods.

Closing Date

The deadline for submitting 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 necessary documents are received before the deadline.

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