A once-off bursary worth up to R50 000 is now open for postgraduate law students whose research focuses on human rights, constitutional law, and justice-related legal issues. The SAJHR Postgraduate Top-Up Bursary 2027 is aimed at supporting LLM students at public universities who need financial assistance to continue their academic journey.
The South African Journal on Human Rights is inviting eligible postgraduate law students to submit applications for the SAJHR Postgraduate Top-Up Bursary 2027. The bursary offers once-off funding of up to R50 000 for LLM students researching human rights, constitutional law, or justice-related legal issues. Applications close on 31 May 2026.
For many postgraduate law students, financial pressure can make it difficult to focus fully on research, writing, and academic progress. This bursary offers meaningful support for students who are committed to advancing justice, rights, and constitutional scholarship.
What Is The SAJHR Postgraduate Top-Up Bursary?
The SAJHR Postgraduate Top-Up Bursary is a once-off funding opportunity for students pursuing LLM studies at public universities.
The bursary supports research linked to human rights law, constitutional law, and justice-related legal issues.
Successful applicants may receive funding of up to R50 000.
The final amount awarded will be decided individually, based on each applicant’s circumstances and funding need.
Who Is The Bursary Designed For?
This opportunity is intended for postgraduate law students who have already completed an LLB qualification and are registered for an LLM degree.
Applicants must be conducting research in one of the supported legal fields.
The bursary is especially relevant for students whose academic work contributes to public law, rights-based legal development, and justice-focused scholarship.
Which Fields Of Study Are Covered?
The bursary supports students studying towards an:
LLM Degree
Research areas must relate to:
- Human rights law
- Constitutional law
- Justice-related law
Applicants whose research clearly connects to these areas will be better positioned during the selection process.
How Much Funding Is Available?
The SAJHR bursary provides funding of up to:
R50 000
This is a once-off top-up bursary intended to assist with study-related expenses.
The awarded amount may differ from one student to another, depending on personal circumstances, academic needs, and financial need.
Who Can Submit An Application?
Applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Be Black South African or African students
- Have completed an LLB qualification at a South African university
- Have achieved a minimum overall average of 65% in LLB studies
- Be registered for an LLM degree at a public university in South Africa
- Be in the 1st or 2nd final year of LLM studies
- Be conducting research related to human rights, constitutional law, or justice-related law
Students with strong academic records and clear financial need will receive preference.
Which Universities Receive Preference?
Preference will be given to students from the following universities:
- University of Fort Hare
- University of Venda
- University of Limpopo
- University of Zululand
- University of the Western Cape
- Walter Sisulu University
This does not remove the need to meet the full eligibility criteria. Applicants should make sure their documents clearly show their academic background, research focus, and financial need.
Itumeleng’s Insider Tip: Your motivational letter should not only say that you need funding. Explain why your research matters, how it connects to human rights or constitutional law, and how the bursary will help you complete your LLM successfully.
Which Documents Must Be Submitted?
Applicants must submit the following supporting documents:
- Certified copy of South African ID, passport, or permanent residence permit
- Full academic transcript
- Updated CV
- Contact details of two contactable references
- Motivational letter explaining financial need, interest in the field, academic goals, and how the bursary will support the applicant’s studies
Missing documents can weaken an application, so applicants should prepare everything carefully before submission.
How Can Students Submit Their Application?
Applications must be sent by email to:
Applicants must use the following email subject line:
SAJHR top-up bursary 2026
The application closing date is:
31 May 2026
Late or incomplete submissions may not be considered.
When Will Successful Applicants Be Notified?
Successful applicants will be notified by the end of June 2026.
Applicants who do not receive feedback by then should consider their application unsuccessful.
What Is The South African Journal On Human Rights?
The South African Journal on Human Rights was founded in 1985 by the Centre for Applied Legal Studies and is based at the School of Law at the University of the Witwatersrand.
SAJHR is recognised as one of the country’s leading public law journals. It focuses on advancing scholarship in constitutional law, human rights law, and justice-related legal issues.
Contact Details
Contact Person: Dr Joey Kok, Managing Editor
Email: kok.joey@gmail.com
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Final Thoughts
The SAJHR Postgraduate Top-Up Bursary 2027 is a valuable opportunity for LLM students who are working in areas that shape justice, rights, and constitutional development.
With funding of up to R50 000 available, eligible students should prepare a strong application, submit all required documents, and make sure their motivational letter clearly explains both their financial need and academic purpose.
