The South African National Society is calling for applications for its Killie Campbell Bursary, aimed at postgraduate students in history. The bursary is valued at around R25 000. Applications close on 31 July 2026.
Programme Purpose And Focus
The Killie Campbell Bursary is designed to assist students pursuing advanced research in history at South African universities. The initiative has been supporting postgraduate history students for nearly four decades. Preference is given to research that explores South African history, with a particular emphasis on KwaZulu-Natal.
Applicants must be enrolled in a postgraduate programme and their research must relate to South African history. The bursary is open to those working towards Honours, Master’s, or Doctoral degrees.
Bursary Value And Payment Structure
The bursary is expected to be worth approximately R25 000, with the final amount determined by the selection committee. Payment is made in two equal instalments of about R12 500 each. The first payment is scheduled for September 2026 during a monthly meeting of the South African National Society.
The second instalment is released after the recipient’s supervisor submits a satisfactory written progress report. This structure is intended to ensure ongoing academic progress and accountability.
Eligibility Criteria And Application Requirements
To be considered, applicants must be registered at an accredited South African university and be conducting research in a history-related field. They must provide details of their academic supervisor and submit all required supporting documents before the deadline. The Society notes that, “Applicants who do not meet the minimum requirements may not be considered.”
Required documents include personal and academic background, copies of qualifications, proof of registration, and an outline of the proposed research. Incomplete applications or missing information may result in disqualification.
Selection Process And Recipient Responsibilities
Shortlisted candidates may be invited for an interview, which could take place in person or online. The Society states, “The South African National Society reserves the right not to award the bursary if no suitable candidate is identified.” Successful recipients may be asked to present their research at a Society meeting and provide regular progress updates.
Recipients are also expected to submit a digital copy of their completed dissertation or thesis. The Society may publish the research on its website, contributing to the broader academic community.
Application Submission And Deadline
There is no official application form for this bursary. Applications can be submitted by email, post, or hand delivery, but only one method should be used per applicant. All supporting documents must be attached to the application.
The closing date for applications is 31 July 2026. The Society advises, “Applications received after the closing date will not be accepted.” Early submission is encouraged to ensure all documents are received on time.