CALL FOR SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATIONS

MPhil in Violent Histories and Repair

Deadline: Monday, 22 June 2026

The South African Research Chair in Violent Histories and Transgenerational Trauma (SARChI Chair) at the Centre for the Study of the Afterlife of Violence and the Reparative Quest (AVReQ), Stellenbosch University, invites applications for scholarships for the MPhil in Violent Histories and Repair. Funded by the National Research Foundation (NRF), the scholarships support full-time enrolment in the MPhil programme, which trains emerging scholars to develop decolonial knowledge on the multidimensional and transgenerational legacies of violent histories and to explore psychosocial processes of repair and healing. Scholarships are awarded on a competitive basis to academically strong candidates with a background in humanities and social sciences.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

To be considered for the scholarship, applicants must:

  1. Hold an Honours degree (or equivalent qualification) by the time the MPhil in Violent Histories and Repair commences with a final mark of at least 65%.
  2. Have completed their Honours degree (or equivalent qualification) no earlier than 2024.
  3. Demonstrate a strong commitment to pursue postgraduate study and a clear interest in contributing to a collaborative research community.
  4. South African citizens and those holding permanent residency are eligible for full NRF scholarships. Successful applicants who are not South African citizens are eligible for partial scholarships.

DURATION AND COMMENCEMENT

The MPhil scholarship covers two years of study and will begin in January 2027.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE

Applicants must apply for admission to the MPhil in Violent Histories and Repair via Stellenbosch University’s online application system.

In addition, submit your scholarship application via email to AVREQINFO@sun.ac.za with the following information:

  • A copy of your Honours degree, or letter from your supervisor confirming that you will graduate by the end of the 2026 academic year.
  • An example of prior academic work (e.g., an academic essay, a publication, or a chapter from an honours research project).
  • A scholarship motivation letter (max 3 pages) outlining:
    • Academic background and achievements
    • Past roles in community, professional, academic, or civic initiatives that demonstrate leadership and engagement
    • Research interests and how they align with the programme
    • Intended contribution to AVReQ’s intellectual and public life
    • Financial need (if applicable).
  • At least one recommendation letter, written by an academic mentor who is familiar with the applicants’ work.
  • A completed Declaration of Authorship, Generative AI Use, and Writing Assistance form, available here.

Email the scholarship motivation letter and supporting documents to AVREQINFO@sun.ac.za with the subject line in capital letters: MPHIL SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION 2027.

If you have any questions about the application process, please email Dr Melanie Cilliers at cilliersm@sun.ac.za with the subject line in capital letters: MPHIL SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION QUERIES 2027.

Deadline for applications: Monday, 22 June 2026 at 12pm (noon)
Successful candidates must be available for interviews on 25 June 2026.