South African Journal on Human Rights (SAJHR) Bursary South Africa

Advance your human rights law career with the SAJHR Top-Up Bursary 2025! If you’re an LLB graduate moving into an LLM programme focusing on constitutional, human rights or justice-related law, this once-off bursary of up to R30,000 can help cover part of your study costs. At BursaryForms, we are your guide to success!

About the SAJHR (South African Journal on Human Rights)

The SAJHR is a public law journal established in 1985 by the Centre for Applied Legal Studies (CALS) and housed at the School of Law, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg. It publishes high-quality research on constitutional, justice-related and human rights issues. Through its bursary programme, SAJHR supports legal scholars who are advancing research in those critical areas. At BursaryForms, we are thrilled to connect you with this opportunity!

Fields Covered by the SAJHR Bursary

Ready to align your passion with a thriving career? The bursary supports these fields:

  • Constitutional Law
  • Human Rights Law
  • Justice-Related Law

Expenses Covered by the SAJHR Bursary

This bursary is your ticket to success, covering essentials such as:

  • Partial study-related fees (tuition, registration etc.) up to R30,000 as a once-off “top-up” bursary.
  • Materials / resources or other direct study-costs depending on need. (It does not cover full fee, and is not renewable beyond once-off.)

Eligibility Requirements for the SAJHR Bursary

Here is what you need to qualify for this opportunity:

  • Must be a Black South African or African with permanent South African residency.
  • Must have recently graduated with an LLB (any South African university).
  • Must be registered for an LLM degree at a South African public university, in the first or second (final) year.
  • Your LLM must include coursework + either a research report/mini-dissertation or a full research dissertation, in constitutional, human rights and/or justice-related law.
  • Must have obtained an overall average of at least 65% in your LLB.
  • Financial need is required; preference to those who are nearing completion of studies.
  • Preference given to graduates from certain universities (e.g. Fort Hare, Venda, Limpopo, Zululand, Western Cape, Walter Sisulu).

We are supporting you at BursaryForms! Expert tips:

  • Make sure your LLB transcript is certified and shows all required grades. Uncertified or incomplete documents often disqualify applications.
  • Your motivational letter should clearly explain why your research or course is justice/human rights related, and include proof of financial need (student fees statement etc.).
  • Submit early, because the subject line (“SAJHR top-up bursary YEAR”) and correct addressed email matter. Dr Joey Kok is managing editor.
  • Check whether your university is among the preferred ones; if yes, highlight that—it may help.
  • Watch SAJHR / Wits announcements in first half of the year for calls; deadlines are strict.

This page was updated on September 28, 2025 to provide the most current bursary information.

Indicate “www.bursaryforms.co.za” when asked how you heard about this bursary.

How to Apply for the SAJHR Bursary

Here’s how to apply for the 2025 cycle:

The application form is not separate—just submit required documents via email.

Email your application to: Dr Joey Kok (Managing Editor, SAJHR) kok.joey@gmail.com with subject line “SAJHR top-up bursary 2025”.

Strengthen your application with these must-have documents (certified copies):

  • South African ID (certified) or passport with permanent residency (certified).
  • Full academic transcript / record (LLB).
  • Updated CV.
  • Two contactable references.
  • Motivation letter showing your study plan, research topic, human rights/justice relevance & financial need (e.g. student account statement).

Related Bursaries in South Africa

Apply for multiple bursaries in South Africa to increase your chances of receiving funding this year.

Closing Date for the SAJHR Bursary

11 April 2025

This cycle has ended—applications are no longer accepted. For future calls, monitor the SAJHR and Wits websites.

Contact the SAJHR / SAJHR Bursary Provider

Got questions? We are all about empowering you—reach out to the provider for answers:

SAJHR (South African Journal on Human Rights), University of the Witwatersrand
Managing Editor: Dr Joey Kok
Email: kok.joey@gmail.com
Website: https://www.wits.ac.za/sajhr/

Frequently Asked Questions

Click each question to see its answer about the SAJHR Bursary.

1. What is the SAJHR Top-Up Bursary?+
The SAJHR Top-Up Bursary is a once-off award (up to R30,000) offered by the South African Journal on Human Rights via Wits (CALS), to support LLB graduates registered for an LLM focusing on human rights, constitutional or justice-related law.
2. Who is eligible to apply for the SAJHR Bursary?+
Eligibility includes being a Black South African or African permanent resident, having an LLB degree, achieving at least 65% average, and being in first or second (final) year of LLM at a public university.
3. Can any university in South Africa be used?+
Yes—any public university is acceptable, though preference may be given to certain universities (e.g. Venda, Fort Hare, Limpopo, Zululand, Western Cape, Walter Sisulu).
4. What must my LLM research focus on?+
Your LLM work must address constitutional law, human rights law, and/or justice-related legal topics. Can be via coursework + research report/mini-dissertation or full dissertation.
5. What documents are required?+
You need certified ID/residency proof, LLB transcript, CV, two references, and a motivational letter including financial-need proof (e.g. student account statement).
6. When will I be notified if successful?+
For the 2025 cycle, successful applicants were notified by early May 2025.
7. Is this bursary renewable?+
No. It is a once-off top-up payment.
8. How do I apply?+
Submit required documents via email to Dr Joey Kok, subject “SAJHR top-up bursary 2025”.
9. What is the maximum value?+
Up to R30,000 once-off.
10. When is the closing date?+
11 April 2025. The 2025 cycle is closed; past applicants cannot apply now.