Ada & Bertie Levenstein Bursary 2026 – Rhodes University Postgraduate Support

The Ada & Bertie Levenstein Bursary Programme for 2026 will open soon, with a closing date set for 30 July 2025. 

This highly competitive scholarship is awarded to outstanding postgraduate students from disadvantaged backgrounds enrolling full-time at Rhodes University. 

Prepare carefully and submit a complete application before the deadline.

About Rhodes University

Rhodes University, founded in 1904 in Grahamstown (Makhanda), is a research‑intensive public university in the Eastern Cape. 

The Ada & Bertie Levenstein Bursary was created using a generous legacy from philanthropic alumni to support promising postgraduate students who face financial hardship. 

The scholarship addresses equity while promoting excellence in academic study.

Fields of Study Funded

This bursary supports full-time postgraduate studies at Rhodes University across all academic faculties, including:

• Honours degrees
  
• Master’s degrees
  
• Doctoral (PhD) programmes
  Funding preference is given to candidates in research-intensive or creative fields. However, all disciplines are eligible.

Benefits for Recipients

Recipients receive annual bursary awards as follows:

• Honours: R120 000 per year
  
• Master’s: R120 000 per year
  
• Doctoral: R130 000 per year
  These awards may be renewed each year based on academic progress and the candidate’s ability to complete their degree within the normal timeframe. Scholars may also be asked to tutor up to 6 hours per week as part of their responsibilities.

Eligibility Criteria 

You must meet all the following criteria:

• Be a South African citizen
  
• Be aged 26 or younger at the start of the academic year (over 26 may be eligible for renewal only)
  
• Be enrolling full-time in an Honours, Master’s or PhD programme at Rhodes University beginning in 2026
  
• Have a strong academic record (typically 65% or above)
  
• Demonstrate financial need through household income documentation
  
• Be willing to meet scholarship conditions, including publication of research acknowledging the bursary support

Failure to meet any criterion may lead to disqualification.

How to Apply

1. Download the Ada & Bertie Levenstein Bursary Application Form from Rhodes University’s Research Gateway.
   
2. Carefully complete all required sections.
   
3. In the question asking where you heard about bursaries, enter “www.bursariesafrica.co.za”.
   
4. Combine your application form with all supporting documents into a single PDF file named surname_Levenstein_Burs.pdf.
   
5. Submit your application via email with the subject “Ada & Bertie Levenstein Bursary Application 2026” to [email protected].

Required Documents

Your application must include the following certified (or legible) documents:

• South African ID document
  
• Academic CV
  
• Full academic transcripts (on official letterhead)
  
• Motivation letter explaining your academic goals and financial need
  
• Proof of application or departmental support at Rhodes (if newly enrolling)
  
• Brief research proposal (for Master’s and PhD applicants only)
  
• Supervisor’s progress report (for Master’s and PhD applicants only)
  
• Proof of household income or affidavit (for financial need)

Closing Date

Applications must arrive by 30 July 2025. No late or incomplete applications will be considered.

Contact Details

For bursary queries or technical support:
Rhodes University – Postgraduate Funding Office
Email: [email protected]
Tel: +27 46 603 8755