EP Bradlow Bursary Requirements and How to Apply

The EP Bradlow Bursary is offered by the Bradlow Foundation in partnership with the Stellenbosch University (Faculty of Law) to support postgraduate research in human rights law.

The bursary is targeted specifically at students wishing to pursue an LLM or LLD by research thesis in human rights law at Stellenbosch University under the supervision of the H.F. Oppenheimer Chair in Human Rights Law.

EP Bradlow Bursary Eligibility Requirements

To apply for the EP Bradlow Bursary, you must meet all of the following:

1. Be a South African citizen or permanent resident.
2. Hold (or will hold) an LLB degree or equivalent qualification, and meet the admission requirements for an LLM or LLD by research in human rights law at Stellenbosch University.
3. Be willing to reside in Stellenbosch for the full duration of your research degree (LLM: typically 2 years; LLD: typically 3 years) at the University.
4. Your proposed research topic must align with the research focus areas of the H.F. Oppenheimer Chair in Human Rights Law (for example, socio-economic rights, equality, environment & future generations).
5. Acknowledgement of the Bradlow’s Foundation support in your dissertation/thesis, and submission of a copy of the thesis to the Foundation when completed.

What does the EP Bradlow Bursary Cover?

The bursary offers significant value and support:

1. It provides financial support of approximately R185,000 per annum (for the earlier LLM version) for the duration of the research degree.
2. The funding is paid once the student has registered for the relevant research degree at Stellenbosch University.
3. Recipients will be part of the postgraduate research group under the H.F. Oppenheimer Chair in Human Rights Law, gaining access to mentor supervision, research networks, and related academic opportunities.

EP Bradlow Bursary Application Process

1. Prepare the required documentation: certified copies of ID, Matric certificate, full academic record (including LLB results), a CV, two referees, and a detailed description of your proposed research topic (e.g., max 2,000 words) explaining its relevance to human rights law.
2. Write a covering letter stating you accept the bursary conditions, your motivation for the award, and your interest in human rights research.
3. Submit your application either via email (e.g., to the Department of Public Law, Stellenbosch University) or via post/hard-copy to the Faculty of Law as specified in the call.
4. Ensure you apply by the closing date. Late or incomplete applications will typically not be considered.
5. Shortlisted candidates may be interviewed or assessed further before final selection.

EP Bradlow Bursary Closing Date

For previous intakes (e.g., 2022), the closing date was 30 September. 

As of now, there is no public publication of the exact closing date for the 2026 intake. 

Applicants should check the Stellenbosch University Faculty of Law website and the Bradlow’s Foundation announcement regularly for updates.

Where to Apply for the EP Bradlow Bursary 

• Visit the Faculty of Law page at Stellenbosch University for the bursary call.
• For queries, contact Prof Sandra Liebenberg (H.F. Oppenheimer Professor of Human Rights Law) or Ms S Khanyile (Secretary, Department of Public Law).
• Email submissions: e.g., [email protected] (as per earlier calls).

FAQs