ABOUT THE BURSARY PROVIDER – NRF
The National Research Foundation (NRF) of South Africa is an independent statutory body established to bridge the gap between government policies and strategies and the research institutions in South Africa. The NRF offers scholarships in various fields, including the South African Research Chair in South African Art and Visual Culture.
The University of Johannesburg (UJ) is a public university that was established in 2005 through the merger of three institutions. It offers a range of academic programs and is committed to research and innovation.
ABOUT THE NRF SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAMME – FIELDS COVERED
The NRF is offering scholarships for the academic year for PhD and MA studies in Visual Arts at the University of Johannesburg. The scholarships are under the supervision of Prof Brenda Schmahmann, who holds the SARChI Chair in South African Art and Visual Culture. The research should align broadly within the following research rubrics:
- Art and Design in the Context of Community Projects
- Gender and Visual Culture
- Public Art, Curation, and the Politics of Representation in the Public Domain
The scholarships aim to support visual art candidates and their research in these areas.
MORE ABOUT THE NRF SCHOLARSHIP – COVERAGE VALUE
The value of the NRF scholarships for the respective degree levels is as follows:
- Master of Arts studies: Full funding to the value of R162,900 per annum for 2 years (including a R10,000 study device) or partial funding to the value of R105,900 per annum for 2 years.
- PhD studies: Full funding to the value of R170,430 per annum for 3 years (including a R10,000 study device) or partial funding to the value of R94,430 per annum for 3 years.
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS FOR THE NRF SCHOLARSHIP
To be eligible for the NRF scholarship, applicants must meet the following minimum requirements:
- South African citizenship
- Belonging to a designated group (African, Coloured, or Indian)
- Minimum result of 65% for the previous degree
- Intending to pursue a PhD or MA degree in Visual Arts within the specified research rubrics
- Planning to study at the University of Johannesburg
- PhD applicants: Not older than 32 years at the time of applying for funding and completing studies within a maximum period of 3 years
- MA degree applicants: Not older than 30 years at the time of applying for funding and completing studies within a maximum period of 2 years
- Full funding eligibility based on family income, academic performance, or disability.
HOW TO APPLY FOR THE NRF SCHOLARSHIP
Applicants should download and complete the relevant application form based on their degree level. Selected applicants will then be invited to fill in an online application on the NRF website.
Submit the completed application form along with the following supporting documents:
- Official academic record of completed courses and results achieved at universities (on institutional letterhead)
Applications must be emailed to Prof Brenda Schmahmann at brendas@uj.ac.za with the subject line “NRF Scholarship Application “.
CLOSING DATE FOR THE NRF SCHOLARSHIP
The closing date for applications is 27 May. It is important to submit your application before the closing date.
CONTACT THE SCHOLARSHIP PROVIDER
For any queries regarding this scholarship programme, please contact the University of Johannesburg directly, specifically Prof Brenda Schmahmann, who is the SARChI Chair in South African Art and Visual Culture. You can reach Prof Schmahmann via email at brendas@uj.ac.za.
