2026 University of Pretoria LLM Scholarship for African Human Rights Students

Are you an African student passionate about human rights? The 2026 University of Pretoria LLM Scholarship offers a fully funded chance to study in South Africa. This program targets qualified Africans for a master’s degree in Human Rights and Democratisation.

Scholarship Summary

The University of Pretoria LLM Scholarship supports postgraduate studies at the Centre for Human Rights. It is open to students from all African countries. The reward includes a full scholarship worth $15,000. This covers tuition, accommodation, and official program activities for up to 25 students. The deadline to apply is July 31, 2025.

Program Details

This is a one-year intensive course. Students spend the first six months in Pretoria, South Africa. They then move to one of 12 partner universities across Africa for the next six months. Graduates join the HRDA Alumni Association. This network has 537 members working in human rights at local, national, and international levels, including the African Union and United Nations.

Eligibility Requirements

You must meet these basic rules to apply:

• Hold citizenship from any African country.
• Receive an invitation to apply for the LLM or MPhil in Human Rights and Democratisation in Africa.
• Have an LLB, licence en droit, licenciatura em direito, or an honours degree in a field related to human rights.

Selection also considers other factors:

• Your professional, academic, and personal interest in human rights and democracy in Africa.
• Plans to use the degree in your career, ideally back home.
• Balance from different African countries to ensure wide representation.
• Equal mix of men and women.
• Inclusion of people from vulnerable groups, like those with disabilities, indigenous communities, or LGBTI persons.

Benefits and Duration

Successful applicants get full funding based on availability. This pays for tuition, housing, and program events. Up to 25 Africans receive these scholarships each year. Others who qualify can join as self-funded or partial-self-funded students. The program runs for one year, split between Pretoria and a partner university.

Required Documents

Prepare these items for your application:

• Academic transcripts from past studies.
• Degree certificates.
• Copy of your passport’s bio-data page.
• A clear photo of yourself.
• Proof of English skills, like TOEFL, SAT1, or IELTS, if your degree was not in English.

How to Apply

Follow these steps to submit your application:

1. Visit the official website through the application link.
2. Click “Click Here to Submit” and complete the form.
3. Submit your application with all documents.

The LLM Programme Coordinator and Academic Coordinator review complete applications. Shortlisted candidates write an essay, video, or audio response on a given topic within 24 hours. The full Admissions Committee makes the final choice. You will hear back by September 30, 2025.

Apply now at https://www.chr.up.ac.za/academic/llm-mphil-human-rights-democratisation-in-africa.

Frequently Asked Questions