Stellenbosch University (SU) Rector’s Postdoctoral Fellowship Programme (RPFP) 2025/2026

If you are an early-career researcher seeking a prestigious, well-supported postdoctoral opportunity on the African continent, you should consider the Stellenbosch University (SU) Rector’s Postdoctoral Fellowship Programme (RPFP) 2025/2026. Applications are now open for this flagship fellowship which offers dedicated research time, strong mentorship, and access to a rich research environment in South Africa. Here's everything you need to know .

🎓 Fellowship Summary

• Location: Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, Western Cape, South Africa

• Fellowship Level: Postdoctoral fellowship (for phonographic PhD-holders)

• Target Group: Early-career researchers (typically those who have recently completed a PhD) across all faculties/colleges at SU.

• Fields of Focus: Broad across SU’s research agenda — sciences, humanities, social sciences, health, technology; alignment with SU strategic research themes.

• Value & Coverage: Approximately ZAR R350,000 per annum (ZAR 300,000 fellowship + ZAR 50,000 host top-up) for the first year; renewable for up to two years depending on performance/funding.

• Duration: Initial term of 1 year, with possibility of renewal for up to 2 more years (total up to 3 years) depending on conditions.

• Application Deadline: Typically late November (for example 28 November 2025) based on prior call information.

• Start Date: Following selection, typically in the year of award (2026).

  
  

📚 Fellowship Overview

The RPFP at Stellenbosch University offers a dedicated research-intensive phase for talented postdoctoral researchers. It is designed to support early-career scholars in strengthening their research portfolios, publishing impactful work, and engaging in high-level mentorship in a globally recognised academic environment. The fellowship encourages innovation, interdisciplinary collaboration and scholarly excellence.

Fellows will typically:

• Engage in focused research with productive output (publications, conference presentations)

• Interact with experienced academic mentors and supervisors within SU

• Access research infrastructure, networks and institutional support available at SU

• Become part of a dynamic academic community with opportunities for collaboration across disciplines and faculties.

🎁 Benefits of the Fellowship

• Competitive financial support (the ZAR R350,000 package gives time to focus on research)

• Access to world-class research facilities, resources and mentorship at Stellenbosch University

• Opportunity to publish, enhance research profile and build academic/career trajectory

• Inclusion in a vibrant community of early-career researchers and scholars

• Potential renewal beyond the first year, giving greater time for research consolidation

• Location advantage: SU is one of Africa’s leading research-intensive universities, with strong international partnerships and reputation.

✅ Eligibility Criteria

Applicants should meet the following key requirements:

• Hold a doctoral (PhD) degree (or have it conferred before the fellowship begins)

• Demonstrable research potential and scholarly excellence in one’s discipline

• Proposed research must align with one of Stellenbosch University’s strategic research themes or host faculty’s focus areas

• Typically eligible within a few years of obtaining the PhD (early-career postdoctoral stage)

• Commitment to engage with SU’s research environment, output expectations (e.g., publications) and progress reporting.

📝 Application Procedure

• Complete the online application form or indicated submission route (upload required documents).

• Required documents typically include:

  • Curriculum Vitae (with list of publications)

  • Motivation letter outlining why you are a strong fit, and how your proposed research aligns with SU’s themes

  • Research proposal or project description, indicating intended outputs and contribution

  • Doctoral degree certificate (or proof of imminent conferment) and transcripts

  • Names and contact details of referees or supporting letters (depending on call)

• Ensure you adhere to the call’s closing date and submission guidelines; late or incomplete applications are typically not considered.

• Selected fellows will sign a fellowship agreement and may be required to submit progress reports annually.

👌🏻 Tips for Applicants

• Ensure your research proposal is clearly aligned with Stellenbosch University’s strategic research themes — check SU’s website for those themes.

• Emphasise your publication track record (even if modest) and potential for high-quality output.

• Choose a host/supervisor at SU whose work aligns with yours, and if possible make contact to signal interest and alignment.

• Craft your motivation letter to highlight how the fellowship will help you build your research career and how you will contribute to SU’s research environment.

• Demonstrate interdisciplinary awareness and the capacity to collaborate across research domains if applicable.

• Make sure all required documents are complete, formatted well, and submitted before the deadline.

• In your timeline, show how you will utilise the fellowship period (e.g., outputs, dissemination, publication strategy).

• If from outside South Africa, consider logistical aspects (relocation, visas) in your planning.

🔗 Apply Now

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