2026 MEd and PhD Scholarships – South African Research Chair in Community, Adult and Worker Education (CAWE)
Applications are now open for master’s and doctoral scholarships under the South African Research Chair in Community, Adult and Worker Education (CAWE), hosted at the University of Johannesburg. The Chair is held by Professor Salim Vally, a prominent scholar in the field, and offers a unique opportunity for research grounded in social justice and transformative education.
About the Research Chair
The CAWE Chair is a transdisciplinary initiative that brings together diverse academic and practical perspectives to understand and reimagine the role of education in community and worker settings. It aims to investigate how community, adult, and worker education can contribute meaningfully to progressive socio-economic change, particularly in the face of deepening economic, ecological, and social crises.
Scholars from various disciplinary backgrounds with strong academic or professional track records are encouraged to apply. The Chair welcomes applicants who share a commitment to public scholarship, critical pedagogy, and the advancement of transformative practices in education.
Note: A detailed overview of the Chair’s research programme and possible thesis topics for prospective students is available upon request or from the Chair’s office.
Scholarship Details
Master of Education (MEd) Scholarships
- Full Funding: R190,306 per annum for two years
- Partial Funding: R134,000 per annum for two years
- Study Device Allowance: An additional R10,000 (once-off) for fully funded students
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) Scholarships
- Full Funding: R195,725 per annum for three years
- Partial Funding: R138,225 per annum for three years
- Study Device Allowance: An additional R10,000 (once-off) for fully funded students
Funding Eligibility Criteria
Funding is provided by the National Research Foundation (NRF) and is subject to the following conditions:
- Age Limits:
- Master’s applicants must be 30 years old or younger
- Doctoral applicants must be 32 years old or younger
- Note: Up to 20% of the awards may be allocated to students exceeding these age limits
- Academic Performance:
- Minimum 65% average in your most recent completed degree
- Full funding is only available to:
- South African citizens or permanent residents with at least 75% average for the previous qualification
- Students whose annual net family income is R350,000 or less
- Students living with a disability
- International Students:
- Eligible to apply for partial funding
Application Requirements
All applications must be submitted to Ms Nompumelela Cebekula. Request the application form via email and submit all required documentation by 27 June 2025.
Submission Checklist:
- Completed application form (available from Ms Cebekula)
- Motivation letter (explaining your interest in the Chair’s work and proposed area of research)
- Full academic transcripts and certified copies of degree certificates
- Curriculum Vitae, including details of academic and professional experience, and a list of research publications or other relevant outputs
- Certified copy of your ID or passport
- Two reference letters (academic or professional)
Please ensure that all documents are submitted by the stated deadline. Incomplete or late applications will not be considered. For further information download the pdf here.
Next Steps
Shortlisted candidates will be notified and invited to complete a secondary application on the NRF Connect platform by 4 July 2025. This platform is used for final funding approval and registration.
Why Apply?
This is an exceptional opportunity to work under the mentorship of Professor Salim Vally and contribute to a transformative body of research that aims to reshape how education serves communities and workers. Graduates of the Chair’s programme have gone on to influential careers in academia, civil society, and public policy.
Contact Information
To request the application form or for further inquiries, please contact:
Ms Nompumelela Cebekula
Email: [email protected].
Important Dates
- Application Deadline (to Chair): 27 June 2025
- NRF Online Application (if selected): 4 July 2025
- Funding Year: 2026 Academic Year
For more opportunities such as these please follow us on Facebook, Instagram , WhatsApp, Twitter, LinkedIn and Telegram
Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the awarding organisation. For any inquiries, please contact the awarding organization directly. Please do not send your applications to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.
