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ScholarshipNeed based

CSJR Postgraduate Student Bursary

University of Cape Town

Social SciencesHumanitiesDevelopment StudiesPolitical ScienceEconomics

Key Statistics

Grant Amount

Varies by year

Location

Deadline

Varies by year

About this Scholarship

The CSJR Postgraduate Student Bursary is a financial aid award designed to support postgraduate students enrolled at the University of Cape Town who are undertaking studies aligned with the Centre for Social Science Research’s (CSSR) thematic areas. This bursary primarily targets students who demonstrate financial need and are pursuing research in social sciences disciplines such as development studies, political science, economics, and related fields. The bursary aims to alleviate some of the financial burdens associated with postgraduate education, enabling recipients to focus on their academic and research activities. It is awarded annually and the amount varies depending on the funding available and the specific needs of the applicant. The bursary supports both coursework and research-based postgraduate degrees, including Honours, Masters, and Doctoral studies. Applicants are typically required to submit a detailed research proposal, academic transcripts, and proof of financial need. The bursary is part of the University of Cape Town’s broader commitment to fostering academic excellence and social development through supporting emerging scholars in critical social science fields. Recipients of the CSJR Postgraduate Student Bursary are expected to contribute to the academic community and may be required to participate in CSSR activities or seminars during their tenure.

Eligibility & Overview

Financial Grant

Varies by year

Scholarship Type

Need based

What's Covered

Partial or full tuition fees
Research expenses
Living allowance (in some cases)

Description

The CSJR Postgraduate Student Bursary is administered by the Centre for Social Science Research at the University of Cape Town and is intended to provide financial support to postgraduate students who are conducting research in social sciences disciplines that align with the centre’s focus areas. The bursary is primarily need-based, targeting students who demonstrate financial constraints that may otherwise hinder their ability to complete their studies. Eligibility typically requires applicants to be registered or intending to register for a postgraduate degree at the University of Cape Town, with preference given to those whose research projects contribute to social development, policy analysis, and socio-economic transformation in South Africa and the broader African context. The bursary amount varies each year, depending on the funding available and the number of applicants. It may cover tuition fees, research-related expenses such as fieldwork or data collection, and in some cases, provide a stipend to assist with living costs. Applicants are required to submit a comprehensive application package, including academic transcripts, a research proposal, a motivation letter explaining financial need, and references. Selection is based on academic merit, the relevance of the research topic to the CSSR’s objectives, and demonstrated financial need. Recipients are expected to maintain satisfactory academic progress and may be invited to engage with the CSSR community through seminars or workshops. The bursary contributes to the University of Cape Town’s mission to support postgraduate education and research that addresses critical social issues and promotes sustainable development. It is important to note that the bursary does not cover all expenses and students should plan for additional funding sources if necessary.

Key Benefits

Provides financial assistance to cover tuition fees and research costs, reducing the financial burden on postgraduate students.

Supports research aligned with social development and policy analysis, fostering academic contributions to societal challenges.

Offers opportunities for recipients to engage with the Centre for Social Science Research community through seminars and workshops.

Enables students from financially disadvantaged backgrounds to pursue advanced degrees at a leading African university.

Financing Information

Funding Structure and Application Process for the CSJR Postgraduate Student Bursary

The CSJR Postgraduate Student Bursary is funded through the University of Cape Town’s Centre for Social Science Research, which allocates resources annually based on available funding and institutional priorities. The bursary amount varies each year and is determined by the centre’s budget and the number of eligible applicants. The bursary typically covers partial or full tuition fees, and may also include allowances for research-related expenses such as travel, data collection, and materials. In some cases, a living allowance is provided to assist with accommodation and daily expenses, although this is not guaranteed. Applicants must submit a detailed application package that includes academic transcripts, a research proposal demonstrating alignment with the CSSR’s thematic areas, a motivation letter outlining financial need, and references from academic supervisors or lecturers. The selection process involves an evaluation of academic merit, research relevance, and financial need. Successful applicants are notified before the start of the academic year and must comply with the University of Cape Town’s registration and enrolment procedures. Recipients are required to maintain satisfactory academic progress and submit periodic reports on their research activities. The bursary is intended to supplement other funding sources, and students are encouraged to seek additional scholarships or financial aid if necessary. The funding does not typically cover costs such as health insurance, textbooks, or personal expenses, which students must budget for independently.

The bursary amount and number of awards vary annually depending on funding availability.
Applicants must demonstrate both academic merit and financial need to be considered.
Funding may cover tuition fees, research costs, and in some cases, a living allowance.
Recipients are expected to maintain academic progress and engage with the CSSR community.

Apply for CSJR Postgraduate Student Bursary

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* Disclaimer: Information provided here is subject to change and applicants should verify all details, including eligibility criteria, deadlines, and funding amounts, directly with the University of Cape Town’s Centre for Social Science Research or official university sources before applying.