Applicants of any nationality must be applying for or already registered for full-time UP doctoral study, be within the first three doctoral years for 2027, identify a willing UP supervisor and provide a confirmation letter. New students need a 2027 UP student number. Applicants must show external-funding applications, work no more than 12 hours weekly, not already hold a doctorate and not qualify for the UP staff waiver.
What it may cover
Funding and study level
The 2027 award is R135,000 per year for up to three years, subject to annual renewal and progress. Approved external funding may supplement it up to a combined R300,000 per year, but a recipient with another single funding source of R135,000 or more is not eligible for this bursary.
What to do
Apply before the published deadline
Check how this route works2027 applications open; published deadline 18 September 2026. Old adverts and screenshots may have expired.
Compare the rules with your situationRead the short answer above one condition at a time. If a condition is unclear, ask the provider before sending documents.
Use the official applicationOpen the provider route on this page and use its own form or portal before the published deadline.
Keep your records privateSave results, document lists, submitted forms and reference numbers that apply to you. Never share an OTP, password or banking PIN.
Direct answers
UP Doctoral Research Bursary 2027 questions
Who should check UP Doctoral Research Bursary 2027?
Applicants of any nationality must be applying for or already registered for full-time UP doctoral study, be within the first three doctoral years for 2027, identify a willing UP supervisor and provide a confirmation letter. New students need a 2027 UP student number. Applicants must show external-funding applications, work no more than 12 hours weekly, not already hold a doctorate and not qualify for the UP staff waiver.
What can UP Doctoral Research Bursary 2027 pay for?
The 2027 award is R135,000 per year for up to three years, subject to annual renewal and progress. Approved external funding may supplement it up to a combined R300,000 per year, but a recipient with another single funding source of R135,000 or more is not eligible for this bursary.
Is UP Doctoral Research Bursary 2027 open now?
2027 applications open. The official source was checked on 31 August 2026; confirm the live call before sending documents.