Researching well-being, agency and structures of inequalities
Closing date for applications: 30 August 2024
BACKGROUND The SARChI Chair in Higher Education and Human Development Research Programme (HEHD) at the University of the Free State (UFS) invites applications from qualified, motivated and talented candidates for doctoral scholarships. In HEHD we conduct theoretical and empirical research into human development applied to the challenges of social justice in higher education and development, in collaboration with international partners and under the leadership of Professor Melanie Walker.Ideally, applicants will have research expertise at Masters level and research interest in education and development, youth studies, development studies, higher education studies or related fields such as philosophy, politics, and sociology. The scholarship is available for three-years, subject to satisfactory performance for the title registration in the first year of study.
ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA The doctoral scholarships are open to all South African and international applicants for full-time research at the UFS, starting January 2025. Prospective Doctoral Researchers must meet the following criteria: 1)Have a Master’s degree in a relevant discipline obtained within the last five years with a minimum average grade of 70%.2)Be able to relocate to the UFS for the duration of the fellowship.3)Not hold full-time salaried employment during the fellowship.The successful candidate will be required to: 1)Conduct doctoral research on human development and higher education.2)Register and reside as a full-time Doctoral Research Fellow at the UFS3)Participate in and contribute to relevant HEHD and Centre for Development Support research activities.
APPLICATION PROCEDURE To apply, please email the following documents to Prof Mikateko Mathebula (MathebulaM@ufs.ac.za) and include 'HEHD Doctoral Scholarship' in the subject line:
1.Motivation letter with a clear explanation for interest in pursuing a PhD2.A 6-10 page research proposal including aim, research questions, a preliminary literature review, and methodology.3.CV including any research publications, conference papers presented and grants awarded.4.All transcripts of academic record, a copy of Masters dissertation, and copy of degree certificate (with SAQA verification for alldegrees/qualifications obtained outside South Africa).5.Copy of ID document (or copy of passport in the case of international applicants).6.Reference letter from two academic referees who have taught/supervised/mentored the candidate.
VALUE OF THE SCHOLARSHIP R 180,000 annual fellowship paid as a monthly stipend (which includes R 30,000 for research expenses). Note that registration fees are deducted annually.