MPhil in Violent Histories and Repair Scholarships @Stellenbosch University

The South African Research Chair in Violent Histories and Transgenerational Trauma (SARChI Chair), based at the Centre for the Study of the Afterlife of Violence and the Reparative Quest (AVReQ) at Stellenbosch University, has opened applications for its 2027 MPhil in Violent Histories and Repair Scholarships.

Funded by South Africa’s National Research Foundation (NRF), these prestigious scholarships support academically outstanding students who wish to pursue advanced research into the enduring legacies of violence, trauma, memory, healing, and social repair.

The programme provides a unique opportunity for emerging scholars to engage with critical questions surrounding violent histories, transgenerational trauma, psychosocial healing, and decolonial knowledge production within a collaborative and interdisciplinary academic environment.

About the MPhil in Violent Histories and Repair

The MPhil in Violent Histories and Repair is a specialized postgraduate programme designed to equip scholars with the theoretical, methodological, and practical tools necessary to examine the complex and long-lasting consequences of violence across generations.

The programme focuses on:

• Decolonial approaches to knowledge production
• Violent histories and their continuing social impacts
• Transgenerational trauma and memory
• Psychosocial processes of healing and repair
• Social justice and restorative practices
• Community-based and collaborative research
• Public engagement and intellectual contribution

Students will become part of the vibrant intellectual community at AVReQ, engaging with scholars, researchers, and practitioners working on some of the most pressing questions related to violence, justice, memory, and healing.

Scholarship Benefits

The scholarship supports full-time enrolment in the MPhil in Violent Histories and Repair programme at Stellenbosch University.

Scholarship Duration

• Two years of funded study

Programme Start Date

• January 2027

Funding Structure

• South African citizens and permanent residents may receive full NRF scholarships.
• International students who are selected may receive partial scholarship funding.

Eligibility Requirements

To be considered for the scholarship, applicants must satisfy all of the following requirements:

Academic Requirements

Applicants must:

1. Hold an Honours degree or equivalent qualification before the MPhil programme begins.
2. Have achieved a minimum final mark of 65% in their Honours degree.
3. Have completed their Honours degree no earlier than 2024.
4. Be able to provide proof of graduation or confirmation from a supervisor indicating expected graduation by the end of the 2026 academic year.

Research and Personal Commitment

Applicants must also demonstrate:

• A strong commitment to postgraduate education and research.
• A genuine interest in exploring issues related to violent histories, trauma, memory, justice, healing, and repair.
• A willingness to contribute actively to a collaborative research community.
• Intellectual curiosity and engagement with decolonial scholarship.

Required Application Documents

Applicants must first apply for admission to the MPhil in Violent Histories and Repair through Stellenbosch University’s online application system.

In addition, candidates must submit a separate scholarship application by email.

The scholarship application package must include:

1. Academic Qualification Documents

• Copy of Honours degree certificate, OR
• Letter from a supervisor confirming expected graduation by the end of 2026

2. Sample of Academic Work

Applicants should provide one example of previous academic writing, such as:

• Academic essay
• Journal publication
• Dissertation chapter
• Honours research project chapter

3. Scholarship Motivation Letter (Maximum Three Pages)

The motivation letter should address:

• Academic background and achievements
• Leadership experience and community engagement
• Professional, civic, or academic involvement
• Research interests and alignment with the programme
• Intended contribution to AVReQ’s intellectual and public life
• Financial need (where applicable)

4. Recommendation Letter

Applicants must submit:

• At least one recommendation letter from an academic mentor familiar with their work and capabilities

5. Declaration Form

Candidates must complete and submit:

• Declaration of Authorship, Generative AI Use, and Writing Assistance Form

Submission Process

All scholarship materials should be submitted via email to:

AVREQINFO@sun.ac.za

Use the following email subject line:

MPHIL SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION 2027

Application Deadline

All applications must be received by:

Monday, 22 June 2026 at 12:00 PM (Noon)

Late applications are unlikely to be considered.

Interview Process

Shortlisted candidates will be invited to participate in interviews.

Interview Date

• 25 June 2026

Applicants should ensure they are available on this date if shortlisted.

Why Apply?

This scholarship offers a rare opportunity to study one of the most urgent and relevant areas of contemporary scholarship.

Successful applicants will benefit from:

• NRF-funded postgraduate support
• Access to leading scholars and researchers
• Participation in a dynamic interdisciplinary research community
• Training in decolonial and reparative scholarship
• Opportunities to contribute to public discourse and social transformation
• Engagement with critical questions surrounding trauma, healing, justice, and memory

For students committed to understanding and addressing the enduring effects of violence and historical injustice, the MPhil in Violent Histories and Repair provides an exceptional platform for academic growth, research excellence, and meaningful societal impact.

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