UFS Doctoral Scholarship (All Fields)

The University of the Free State (UFS) offers a variety of Doctoral Scholarships to support exceptional students in their pursuit of research excellence.

The UFS Doctoral scholarship provides financial assistance which allows talented individuals to focus on their studies and contribute meaningfully to their chosen field.

Whether you’re passionate about science, humanities, social sciences, or another discipline, this scholarship program could help you go after all your academic ambitions.

About the UFS Doctoral Scholarship

The UFS Doctoral Scholarship program offers two main types of scholarships:

  1. Full-time Doctoral Fellowships: This prestigious fellowship covers tuition fees and provides a monthly stipend for living expenses and research costs. Relocation to Bloemfontein, South Africa, is required for the duration of the fellowship.
  2. Online Part-time Doctoral Scholarships: These scholarships cover tuition fees only, allowing students to pursue their research part-time while maintaining their current employment. Relocation is not mandatory for this option.

Both scholarship types aim to attract high-caliber students with a strong academic record and a demonstrated commitment to research.

Recipients benefit from the UFS’s active research environment, experienced academic supervisors, and access to cutting-edge facilities.

UFS Doctoral Scholarship Application Form

Applications for the UFS Doctoral Scholarship program are submitted online through the UFS website. The application process typically involves:

  1. Completing the online application form
  2. Submitting academic transcripts and certificates
  3. Submitting a research proposal outlining your intended research topic and methodology
  4. Providing contact details for two academic referees
  5. Uploading relevant supporting documents (e.g., publications, awards)

After filling out your application form and preparing the supporting documents, you can have your application submitted through email to: MathebulaM@ufs.ac.za.

You must use the words “HEHD Doctoral Fellowship full-time” in the email subject line.

For detailed information on the application process, specific requirements, and submission deadlines, please refer to the UFS Doctoral Scholarship website.

UFS Doctoral Scholarship Requirements

For an applicant to be eligible for the UFS Doctoral Scholarship program, you must meet the following criteria:

  1. Hold a Master’s degree in a relevant discipline obtained within the last five years with a minimum average grade of 70%.
  2. Possess strong research skills and a clear research focus.
  3. Demonstrate academic excellence and intellectual potential.
  4. Be able to communicate effectively in both written and spoken English.
  5. Meet the specific requirements of the chosen scholarship type (full-time or part-time).

International applicants are welcome to apply, but additional requirements may apply.

It’s important that you carefully review the eligibility criteria and specific requirements for each scholarship type before applying.

UFS Doctoral Scholarship Closing Date

The application deadlines for the UFS Doctoral Scholarship program vary depending on the specific scholarship type and the academic year. Last year, the closing date fell on 30 August 2023.

To ensure your application is done on time, I highly recommend that you visit the UFS Doctoral Scholarship website and check the current closing dates for your chosen scholarship.

If you want to make any questions or inquiries regarding the UFS Doctoral Scholarship program, you can contact the Postgraduate Funding Office through email at: MathebulaM@ufs.ac.za.