Call for Applications

South African Humanities Deans’ Association in association with the Ministerial Project on the Future of the Humanities and Social Sciences Doctoral Schools .

Applications are invited from suitably qualified students to study full-time towards a PhD degree at any of the participating South African public universities mentioned below.

Programme Objective

The main objective of this programme is to promote scholarship in the humanities and social sciences in South Africa, specifically among designated groups.

Value, Period and Conditions of the Award

The value of the award is R120 000 in the first year. Annual renewals are subject to proof of satisfactory progress. Normally, the maximum period for the award is three years. Successful candidates will be expected to sign a contract with regards to conditions of the scholarship.

Eligibility

• Preference will be given to South African citizens from designated groups

• Master’s degree

Selection Criteria

• The overriding criterion is academic merit

• The coherence of the proposed research project

• The feasibility of the project

• The likely contribution of the project to the body of knowledge in the field

• Admission to a participating university at PhD level

Applications will be judged by a selection committee. Only successful applicants will be informed of a decision no later than a month after the application date.

Application Procedure

Candidates should provide the following:

1. A motivation letter

2. A recent intellectual autobiography (a one-page narrative of the major influences in your intellectual life)

3. A short essay outlining the problem statement and the importance and feasibility of your study

4. Two academic letters of recommendation

5. Certified copy of your full academic transcript

6. Certified copy of your ID

7. Sample copies of your best writing, eg. a chapter from your Master’s Thesis

Closing Date

Completed application should be sent in no later than March 1, 2014. Incomplete or late applications will not be considered.

Applications can be sent to:

Email: tcmugabe.sahuda@gmail.com

Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University

Office of the Executive Dean: Faculty of Arts

Attn: Ms. Tanaka Mugabe

P.O. Box 77000

Summerstrand, 6031

Port Elizabeth