The South African National Society invites qualifying postgraduate students to apply for the SANS Killie Campbell Bursary Programme for the 2026 and 2027 academic years.
Bursary Application Closing Date: 31 July 2026
Bursary Location: South Africa
Bursary Value: Approximately R25 000
The bursary supports postgraduate students conducting research in a History-related field, with preference given to research focusing on South African history and, particularly, the history of KwaZulu-Natal.
About the SANS Killie Campbell Bursary
The South African National Society has awarded bursaries to postgraduate History students for approximately 40 years.
The programme aims to provide financial support to students undertaking advanced historical research at recognised South African universities.
Applicants must be pursuing a postgraduate qualification and must have a research or dissertation topic relating to South African history.
Preference will be given to research focusing on KwaZulu-Natal history.
Fields of Study Covered
The bursary is available for postgraduate studies in a History-related field.
Applicants may be studying towards:
- An Honours degree
- A Master’s degree
- A Doctoral degree
The applicant’s research, dissertation or thesis must focus on:
- South African history; or
- Preferably, KwaZulu-Natal history
Bursary Value
The SANS Killie Campbell Bursary is expected to be valued at approximately:
R25 000
The final amount awarded will be determined by the bursary selection committee.
How the Bursary Will Be Paid
The bursary amount will be paid in two equal instalments of approximately R12 500 each.
The payment structure is as follows:
- First instalment: Paid in September 2026 at a South African National Society monthly meeting.
- Second instalment: Paid after the Society receives a satisfactory written progress submission from the bursary recipient’s supervisor.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must meet all the following requirements:
- Be studying towards a postgraduate qualification.
- Be conducting research in a History-related field.
- Have a research, dissertation or thesis topic relating to South African history.
- Preference will be given to research focusing on KwaZulu-Natal history.
- Be registered at a recognised and accredited university in South Africa.
- Be able to provide details of their academic supervisor.
- Submit all the required supporting information before the closing date.
Applicants who do not meet the minimum requirements may not be considered.
Selection Process
Applicants may be invited to attend an interview with the selection committee.
The interview may be conducted:
- In person; or
- Electronically through Zoom or a similar online platform
The South African National Society reserves the right not to award the bursary if no suitable candidate is identified.
Responsibilities of Bursary Recipients
Successful applicants may be required to:
- Present a brief outline of their research topic at one of the Society’s monthly meetings.
- Provide satisfactory academic progress reports.
- Submit a soft copy of the completed dissertation or thesis.
- Allow the completed research to be published on the South African National Society website.
Documents and Information Required
There is no official application form for this bursary.
Applicants must submit the following information and supporting documents:
- Full name
- Gender
- Email address
- Telephone or cellphone number
- Personal and academic background
- Academic achievements
- Copies of qualifications
- Intended research or dissertation topic
- Outline of the proposed research
- Level of study, such as Honours, Master’s or Doctorate
- Name of the university
- Name of the faculty
- Proof of registration or payment to the institution
- Supervisor’s full name
- Supervisor’s contact details
Applicants should ensure that all submitted information is complete and clear.
Missing documents or information may result in the application being disqualified.
How to Apply
Applicants may submit their applications by email, post or hand delivery.
Applications should only be submitted once using one of the methods below.
Apply by Email
Click here to apply for the SANS Killie Campbell Bursary 2026
Email Address: memorycoutts1@gmail.com
Email Subject Line: SANS Bursary 2026
Applicants must attach all required supporting documents to the email.
Apply by Post or Hand Delivery
Applications may also be submitted to:
The Secretary
South African National Society
31 St. Andrews Drive
Durban North
Durban
4051
Applicants should not submit duplicate applications through multiple methods.
Closing Date
Applications for the SANS Killie Campbell Bursary close on:
31 July 2026
Applications received after the closing date will not be accepted.
Applicants are encouraged to submit their applications early to ensure that all required documents are received before the deadline.