The University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) offers the prestigious Richard AD Turner Bursary, a postgraduate scholarship awarded in memory of the late Rick Turner. Rick Turner is a prominent advocate for justice and democracy.

This UKZN Richard AD Turner bursary supports Master’s-level research aligned with Turner’s values, focusing on issues of freedom and human rights in South Africa.

If you’re a passionate student seeking financial assistance for your Master’s studies while contributing to social change, this bursary might be the perfect fit.

About the UKZN Richard AD Turner Bursary

The Richard AD Turner Bursary honors Rick Turner’s legacy of activism and academic excellence.

The bursary is awarded to postgraduate students pursuing Master’s degrees in philosophy or political studies, with a focus on research that promotes social justice and democratic ideals.

Successful candidates will demonstrate exceptional academic ability, strong leadership potential, and a commitment to community engagement.

The bursary provides financial support for tuition fees, living expenses, and research costs, allowing recipients to focus on their academic pursuits without financial constraints.

This scholarship also honors Turner’s connection to trade unionism, encouraging recipients to explore related research areas and potentially contribute to the advancement of workers’ rights.

UKZN Richard AD Turner Bursary Application Form

To apply for the UKZN Richard AD Turner Bursary, you’ll need to complete an application form and submit it along with the required supporting documents.

The application form can be obtained through the UKZN Financial Aid Office or downloaded from the university’s website.

Here’s what you’ll need to include in your application:

  1. Completed application form: Download and fill out the form carefully, ensuring all sections are complete and accurate.
  2. Detailed Curriculum Vitae (CV): Keep your CV simple and relevant, highlighting your academic achievements, leadership experience, and community involvement (maximum 5 pages).
  3. Academic record: Submit a certified copy of your most recent academic transcript, showcasing your academic performance.
  4. Referee reports: Provide at least one referee report from an academic or community leader who can speak to your leadership qualities and commitment to social justice.
  5. Master’s thesis/dissertation proposal (optional): If you have a developed research proposal, submit it to demonstrate the alignment with the bursary’s goals (maximum 3 pages).
  6. Motivation statement (optional): If you don’t have a research proposal yet, write a strong motivation statement explaining your research interests, how they align with Turner’s values, and your career aspirations in social justice.

Submit your complete application package, including all required documents, to the Financial Aid Advisor in your College by the deadline. Incomplete or late applications will not be considered.

The UKZN Richard AD Turner Bursary Requirements

To be eligible for the UKZN Richard AD Turner Bursary, you must meet the following criteria:

  1. Be a South African citizen or permanent resident.
  2. Be registered for or intend to register for a full-time Master’s degree in philosophy or political studies at UKZN.
  3. Demonstrate strong academic performance with a good undergraduate degree.
  4. Possess clear leadership qualities and a proven commitment to community work and social justice initiatives.
  5. Have a research interest aligned with the bursary’s focus on freedom, human rights, and potentially trade unionism in South Africa.

Applications are reviewed by a selection committee based on academic merit, leadership potential, research proposal/motivation statement, and alignment with the bursary’s values.

The UKZN Richard AD Turner Bursary Closing Date

The application deadline for the Richard AD Turner Bursary falls in March every single year. For this 2024 academic year, the closing date is on 20 March.

It is important to submit your application before the deadline to ensure consideration.

I will encourage you to check the UKZN website or contact the Financial Aid Office for the most up-to-date information on the specific closing date.

For further inquiries or assistance with the application process, you can contact the Financial Aid Office at your respective UKZN Colleges. Their contact details are available on the university websites.