Each year, the South African Journal on Human Rights (SAJHR) offers postgraduate top-up bursaries aimed at supporting LLB graduates who are pursuing their LLM studies, specifically in the fields of constitutional law, human rights, and justice-related legal issues.
This bursary, which offers a once-off payment of up to R30,000, plays an essential role in helping students who are facing financial difficulties while advancing their legal education at South African public universities.
About the SAJHR and Its Mission
Founded in 1985 by the Centre for Applied Legal Studies (CALS) and housed at the School of Law at the University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, the South African Journal on Human Rights has long been recognized as the leading South African public law journal. The journal is committed to the advancement of scholarship focused on human rights, constitutional law, and justice-related legal issues within the South African context. It publishes high-quality academic articles for a global readership, making it an important platform for legal professionals, scholars, and students alike.
The SAJHR bursaries reflect the journal’s mission to foster education in these crucial areas of law. By supporting LLB graduates who are advancing their studies in the fields of constitutional law, human rights, and justice, the bursaries help strengthen the field of legal scholarship and contribute to the development of a more just society.
Eligibility for the SAJHR Top-Up Bursary
The bursary is open to Black South African or African students with permanent South African residency who are pursuing an LLM degree. However, there are specific eligibility criteria that must be met by all applicants. These criteria ensure that the bursary is awarded to deserving students who not only show academic excellence but also demonstrate financial need.
Applicants must meet the following conditions to qualify for the bursary:
- Residency and Background: The bursary is available to Black South African or African students who hold permanent South African residency. This requirement aligns with the broader goal of promoting academic opportunities for historically disadvantaged groups.
- Academic Background: Only those who have recently graduated with an LLB from a South African university are eligible to apply. Preference will be given to applicants who have graduated from one of the following universities: the University of Fort Hare, the University of Venda, the University of Limpopo, the University of Zululand, the University of the Western Cape, and Walter Sisulu University. These institutions are specifically mentioned to support students from historically disadvantaged institutions and regions.
- Academic Performance: Applicants must have an academic average of at least 65% in their LLB studies. This ensures that the bursary is awarded to students who demonstrate a strong academic foundation.
- LLM Enrollment: The applicant must be currently registered for an LLM degree at a South African public university. The bursary is open to students in their first or second year (final year) of study, and they must be working on coursework and a research report/mini-dissertation or full research dissertation within the broad field of constitutional, human rights, or justice-related law.
- Financial Need: One of the critical aspects of the bursary is its focus on financially disadvantaged students. Applicants must provide evidence of financial need through supporting documents like a student account statement.
Application Process
Applying for the SAJHR top-up bursary is straightforward but requires the submission of several key documents. Applicants are instructed to send the following materials to the managing editor of SAJHR, Dr. Joey Kok, via email:
- Curriculum Vitae (CV): This document should outline the applicant’s academic and professional achievements.
- Certified Copy of South African ID or Passport: This serves as proof of permanent residency in South Africa.
- Academic Transcript: Applicants must submit their full academic transcript, which will help the selection committee assess their academic performance.
- References: The application should include contact details for two references who can speak to the applicant’s academic abilities and character.
- Letter of Motivation: A crucial component of the application is the letter of motivation. In this letter, applicants are required to explain their financial need and include supporting documents, such as a student account statement, that demonstrate their financial situation.
All application materials should be sent to Dr. Joey Kok at kok.joey@gmail.com, with the subject line ‘SAJHR top-up bursary 2025’.
Important Dates
The closing date for applications is 11 April 2025. It is crucial that applicants submit all required documents by this date to be considered for the bursary. Successful candidates will be notified by early May 2025, allowing them to plan their studies and finances accordingly.
The SAJHR top-up bursary presents an invaluable opportunity for Black South African or African students who have recently graduated with an LLB and are pursuing LLM studies in constitutional law, human rights, or justice-related fields. With a focus on financial need, academic achievement, and a commitment to advancing legal scholarship in South Africa, this bursary not only eases the financial burden on students but also contributes to the broader mission of promoting human rights and justice within the country.
Aspiring legal scholars and practitioners who meet the eligibility criteria should take advantage of this once-off bursary, as it offers much-needed financial assistance to those dedicated to making a meaningful impact in the legal profession and society at large.
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