Cliffe Dekker Hofmeyr Bursary 2026 Requirements & How to Apply

Are you a South African law student with financial need and a passion for excellence?

The Cliffe Dekker Hofmeyr Bursary program might be the perfect opportunity to achieve your academic goals.

This bursary is offered by one of South Africa’s leading law firms and provides financial assistance and potential career development opportunities for deserving students.

About the Organisation

Cliffe Dekker Hofmeyr Inc (CDH) is a leading South African law firm. 

It offers this bursary through its social investment programmes to enable law students who face financial barriers to complete their studies.

Fields of Study Funded

• LLB (undergraduate or postgraduate) full-time at a recognised South African university.
• In some years, BA Law or BCom Law students in their 3rd or higher year are also eligible.
• There is also a Tim Mills Memorial Bursary specifically for students entering or doing an LLM degree.

Benefits for Recipients

• Financial assistance covering university tuition (or part thereof) for law study.
• Opportunity to participate in a CDH vacation programme for law students.
• For the Tim Mills Memorial Bursary, tuition fee support up to a maximum of R25,000 per student.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must meet all of the following:

1. Be a South African citizen or permanent resident.
2. Be enrolled as a full-time student for an LLB degree (or equivalent law degree) at a South African university; or in the case of Tim Mills, be accepted for an LLM.
3. Have a strong academic record.
4. Demonstrate financial need.
5. Show excellence in another field beyond academics (extracurricular, leadership, etc.).

How to Apply

1. Complete the online application via CDH’s bursary portal or the Apply4Law platform.
2. Upload or attach the required supporting documents. These include: certified copy of ID, Matric certificate (or latest results), full academic transcript, CV, and a motivation/cover letter.
3. For the Tim Mills Bursary (LLM), include proof of LLM registration or acceptance.

Required Documents

Be sure to include:

1. Certified copy of South African ID or permanent residency document.
2. Matric certificate or latest Grade 12 results.
3. Academic transcripts from university (if already studying).
4. CV showing extracurricular or other excellence.
5. Cover/motivation letter.

Closing Date

The 2026 application cycle opened on 1 September and will close on 30 September 2025.

Contact Details

For enquiries or more information:

1. Email: [email protected] (Johannesburg) or [email protected] (Cape Town)
2. CDH Offices:
   • Johannesburg: Tel 011 562 1000
   • Cape Town: Tel 021 481 6300