SANS Killie Campbell Bursaries 2026: R25 000 for Postgraduate History Students

The South African National Society is inviting postgraduate history students to apply for the SANS Killie Campbell Bursary Programme for the 2026 and 2027 academic years. This bursary offers approximately R25,000 to support advanced research, with a preference for studies focusing on South African and KwaZulu-Natal history.

Application Closing Date: 31 July 2026
Location: South Africa
Programme Duration: 2026-2027 Academic Years
Stipend: Approximately R25,000
Minimum Qualification: Postgraduate Degree (Honours, Master’s, Doctorate)
Opportunity Type: Bursary

About the SANS Killie Campbell Bursary

The SANS Killie Campbell Bursary has been supporting postgraduate History students for about 40 years. Its main goal is to offer financial assistance to students who are conducting advanced historical research at recognized South African universities. This programme is designed for those pursuing postgraduate qualifications.

The bursary specifically targets research topics related to South African history. There is a strong preference for research that delves into the history of KwaZulu-Natal. This focus helps to preserve and expand knowledge about the region’s past.

Fields of Study Covered

This bursary is open to postgraduate students in any History-related field. This includes those studying for an Honours degree, a Master’s degree, or a Doctoral degree. The core requirement is that the applicant’s research, dissertation, or thesis must focus on South African history.

A key preference is given to research that specifically explores the history of KwaZulu-Natal. This emphasis encourages a deeper understanding of local historical narratives and their connection to broader South African history.

Bursary Value

The SANS Killie Campbell Bursary is valued at approximately R25,000. The final amount awarded will be decided by the bursary selection committee. This financial support aims to ease the burden of study and research for eligible postgraduate students.

The bursary amount will be paid in two equal instalments of around R12,500 each. The first payment is scheduled for September 2026. The second payment will be made after the Society receives a satisfactory progress report from the bursary recipient’s supervisor.

Eligibility Requirements

To be considered for the SANS Killie Campbell Bursary, applicants must meet several criteria. They must be pursuing a postgraduate qualification and their research must be in a History-related field. The research topic must focus on South African history, with a preference for KwaZulu-Natal history.

Applicants must be registered at a recognized and accredited university in South Africa. They also need to provide the contact details of their academic supervisor. All required supporting information must be submitted before the closing date.

Selection Process

The selection process may involve an interview with the selection committee. This interview can be conducted either in person or electronically via platforms like Zoom. The South African National Society reserves the right not to award the bursary if no suitable candidate is found.

Responsibilities of Bursary Recipients

Successful bursary recipients may have certain responsibilities. These can include presenting a brief outline of their research topic at one of the Society’s monthly meetings. They will also need to provide satisfactory academic progress reports.

Furthermore, recipients might be asked to submit a soft copy of their completed dissertation or thesis. They may also need to allow their completed research to be published on the South African National Society website.

Documents and Information Required

There is no specific application form for this bursary. Applicants need to submit a comprehensive set of information and supporting documents. This includes their full name, gender, email address, and telephone number.

Applicants must also provide details about their personal and academic background, including academic achievements and copies of qualifications. An outline of the proposed research, the level of study, the university name, and faculty are also required. Proof of registration or payment to the institution, along with the supervisor’s full name and contact details, are essential.

How to Apply

Applications for the SANS Killie Campbell Bursary can be submitted via email, post, or hand delivery. Applicants should only use one method to submit their application.

To apply by email, send your application and all required documents to [email protected] with the subject line “SANS Bursary 2026”. If applying by post or hand delivery, send your application to The Secretary, South African National Society, 31 St. Andrews Drive, Durban North, Durban, 4051.

Closing Date

The deadline for submitting applications for the SANS Killie Campbell Bursary is 31 July 2026. Applications received after this date will not be considered. It is advisable for applicants to submit their applications early to ensure all necessary documents are received before the deadline.

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