The Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences at Stellenbosch University, in collaboration with the Gerda Henkel Foundation, is delighted to announce a limited number of full-time doctoral scholarships for the year 2025. This prestigious opportunity is aimed at fostering advanced research in the historical humanities, providing financial support and academic enrichment for promising scholars from African countries.
Overview of the Scholarships
The Lisa Maskell Doctoral Scholarships are designed to
support PhD candidates conducting research in the following primary fields:
- Archaeology
- History
- Historical
Islamic Studies
- Art
History
- History
of Law
- Prehistory
and Early History
- History
of Science
In addition, research topics within cultural studies,
political science, and social sciences that investigate contemporary issues
within a broader historical context, such as forced migration or democracy, are
also eligible for support. These scholarships aim to contribute to the academic
discourse on relevant historical and contemporary issues, enriching the
existing body of knowledge.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for these scholarships, applicants must meet
the following criteria:
Geographic Eligibility:
- Applicants
must be from African countries, with priority given to candidates from
PANGeA partner institutions.
Academic Qualifications:
- A
minimum of 70% in the final year of the most recently completed degree.
- Applicants
must provide a sample of their writing with the application, which
includes:
- MA
thesis for PhD applicants
- Any
published academic articles related to the application.
Age and Commencement:
- Applicants
must be under the age of 35 at the time of application.
- Must
be able to commence studies in February 2025.
- University
Admission:
- Applicants
must apply to study at Stellenbosch University in addition to the
scholarship application. Applications can be made through the Applicant
Portal at sun.ac.za.
Supervisory Support:
- Contact
the relevant department at Stellenbosch University to secure a letter of
support indicating the availability of supervisory capacity for the
proposed research project. This letter must be included in the
application. Departments can be reached via the Faculty of Arts &
Social Sciences departments-centres
page.
PANGeA Nomination:
- Applicants
from PANGeA network institutions must obtain a nomination letter from
their home institution to be included in the application.
Recommendations
While not mandatory, the following factors can enhance
your application:
- An
existing record of publications.
- Previous
awards or grants received.
- Relevant
professional or artistic experience.
- Proficiency
in any additional language(s) for academic purposes.
Application Procedure and Requirements
Applicants must submit the following documents as part
of the application process:
- Official
Application Form: Complete and submit the official
application form.
- Motivation
Letter: A letter of motivation not exceeding
600 words.
- Pre-Proposal:
A pre-proposal (or research idea) of up to 500 words outlining the
research question, conceptual framework, unique contribution to existing
knowledge, problem statement, methodology, theoretical framework, and
feasibility of the study.
- Academic
Transcripts: Certified copies of full academic
transcripts.
- Degree
Certificate: Certified copy of the MA degree
certificate or foreign equivalent. If the degree is completed but the
certificate is not yet obtained, provide official proof from the
institution that the degree will be conferred by March 2025.
- Identification:
Certified copy of a South African ID or passport for international
students.
Value of Scholarships
The PhD scholarships are valued at R450,000 over three
years, with additional research support costs amounting to R62,000. This
comprehensive funding package is designed to cover tuition fees, living
expenses, and research-related costs, enabling scholars to focus entirely on
their academic pursuits.
Enquiries
For further information or any questions regarding the
scholarships, please contact Dr. Candice Steele at graduateschool@sun.ac.za.
Conclusion
The Lisa Maskell Doctoral Scholarships offer a
remarkable opportunity for aspiring scholars in the historical humanities. By
supporting advanced research and fostering academic excellence, these
scholarships aim to contribute significantly to the intellectual landscape of
Africa and beyond. If you meet the eligibility criteria and are passionate
about your research, we encourage you to apply and embark on this
transformative academic journey.
Don’t miss this chance to advance your research and
make a meaningful impact in your field. Apply now and take the first step
towards a promising academic future!
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