About the opportunity
What this programme is offering
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 has announced a call for applications for the MPhil in Violent Histories and Repair Scholarship Programme for 2027.
Fully Funded Masters
Funded by South Africa’s National Research Foundation (NRF), the scholarship supports full-time enrolment in the MPhil in Violent Histories and Repair programme. The initiative seeks to develop a new generation of scholars committed to advancing decolonial knowledge on violent histories, transgenerational trauma, psychosocial healing, and processes of repair.
Funded by South Africa’s National Research Foundation (NRF), the scholarship supports full-time enrolment in the MPhil in Violent Histories and Repair programme. The initiative seeks to develop a new generation of scholars committed to advancing decolonial knowledge on violent histories, transgenerational trauma, psychosocial healing, and processes of repair.
The scholarship is awarded on a competitive basis to academically outstanding candidates from humanities and social science disciplines who demonstrate a strong commitment to postgraduate research and collaborative scholarship.
About the MPhil in Violent Histories and Repair
The MPhil programme is designed to equip students with advanced theoretical and research skills to critically examine the enduring legacies of historical violence and their impacts across generations.
Participants will engage with topics including:
Violent histories and their contemporary consequences
Transgenerational trauma and memory
Decolonial approaches to knowledge production
Psychosocial processes of healing and repair
Social justice and restorative practices
Community-based approaches to reconciliation
The afterlife of violence in societies affected by conflict and oppression
The programme aims to foster critical scholarship while contributing to broader conversations on healing, justice, and societal transformation.
Scholarship Benefits
Successful applicants will receive scholarship funding to support their studies throughout the programme.
Key scholarship details include:
Funding provided by the National Research Foundation (NRF)
Support for full-time enrolment in the MPhil programme
Scholarship duration of two years
Programme commencement in January 2027
South African citizens and permanent residents are eligible for full NRF scholarships, while successful international applicants may be considered for partial scholarship funding.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must meet the following requirements to be considered for the scholarship:
Hold an Honours degree or equivalent qualification before the commencement of the MPhil programme.
Achieve a minimum final mark of 65% in their Honours qualification.
Have completed their Honours degree no earlier than 2024.
Demonstrate a strong commitment to postgraduate study and academic research.
Show a clear interest in contributing to a collaborative research community.
Eligible Applicants
The scholarship is open to:
South African citizens
South African permanent residents
International applicants who meet the academic requirements
Applicants from humanities and social science disciplines are particularly encouraged to apply.
Required Application Documents
Candidates must first apply for admission to the MPhil in Violent Histories and Repair programme through Stellenbosch University’s online application system.
A copy of their Honours degree certificate or equivalent qualification.
A letter from their supervisor confirming completion of studies by the end of the 2026 academic year (if applicable).
A sample of previous academic work, such as:
Academic essay
Published article
Honours research project chapter
A scholarship motivation letter of no more than three pages.
At least one recommendation letter from an academic mentor.
A completed Declaration of Authorship, Generative AI Use, and Writing Assistance form.
Scholarship Motivation Letter Requirements
The motivation letter should address:
Academic background and achievements
Leadership experience and community engagement
Professional, civic, or academic contributions
Research interests and alignment with the programme
Intended contribution to AVReQ’s intellectual and public activities
Financial need, where applicable
Applicants are encouraged to demonstrate how their academic interests connect with the programme’s focus on violent histories, trauma, healing, and repair.
Submission Process
All scholarship documents should be submitted via email.
Applicants must send their application to:
How to apply