Are you a law student in South Africa passionate about human rights? The SAJHR bursaries 2027 offer a great chance for postgraduate students to get financial help. This top-up bursary from the South African Journal on Human Rights supports LLM studies in key legal areas.
About the SAJHR Bursary Programme
The South African Journal on Human Rights runs this bursary to aid students at public universities in South Africa. It targets those pursuing an LLM degree with a focus on constitutional law, human rights law, or justice-related legal issues. The goal is to help talented students cover study costs and advance important legal research.
Fields of Study Covered
This bursary fits students working on an LLM degree. Your research must connect to human rights, constitutional law, or justice-related law. These topics matter a lot in South Africa, where they shape laws and protect people’s rights.
Bursary Value
The award provides up to R50 000 as a one-time top-up payment. This money helps with study-related expenses like books or fees. The exact amount depends on your personal situation, so each applicant gets a fair review.
Eligibility Criteria
To apply, you must meet these rules:
- 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 LLM studies.
- Focus your research on human rights, constitutional law, or justice-related law.
Schools like University of Fort Hare, University of Venda, University of Limpopo, University of Zululand, University of the Western Cape, and Walter Sisulu University get preference. Strong grades and financial need also boost your 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.
- A motivational letter that covers your financial need, interest in the field, and academic goals.
Make sure all documents are clear and complete to avoid delays.
How to Apply
Email your application to [email protected]. Use the subject line: SAJHR top-up bursary 2026. Note that the closing date is 31 May 2026, so apply early. This bursary is for studies in 2027, but the application year is 2026.
Selection Process
The team reviews applications after the deadline. Successful students will hear back by the end of June 2026. If you get no response by then, your application did not succeed.
About SAJHR
Founded in 1985 by the Centre for Applied Legal Studies at the University of the Witwatersrand School of Law, SAJHR leads in public law scholarship. It publishes work on constitutional, justice, and human rights topics. Contact Dr Joey Kok, the Managing Editor, at [email protected] for questions.
This bursary opens doors for students dedicated to South Africa’s legal future.