Stellenbosch University has opened a Call for Bursary Applications 2027 for prospective Master of Laws (LLM) students interested in urban law, climate change law, environmental law and sustainability governance.
The opportunity is offered through the Chair in Urban Law and Sustainability Governance within the Faculty of Law at Stellenbosch University. Successful candidates will undertake full-time postgraduate study in Stellenbosch, South Africa, under the supervision of Professor Anél du Plessis.
The bursary provides an opportunity for students to develop advanced legal research skills while contributing to research addressing some of the legal and governance challenges associated with urbanisation, climate change and sustainability.
Interested applicants must submit their applications by 3 October 2026.
About the Stellenbosch University LLM Bursary
The Chair in Urban Law and Sustainability Governance is seeking expressions of interest from candidates who wish to join the Chair as full-time LLM students in 2027.
Applicants are expected to demonstrate a clear interest in advancing the Chair’s research agenda. Their proposed interests should relate to specific aspects of:
- Urban law
- Climate change law
- Environmental law
- Sustainability governance
- The intersection of law and sustainability governance
Research interests should have relevance to South Africa or comparable legal jurisdictions.
The opportunity is particularly suited to law graduates who want to pursue postgraduate research at the intersection of legal systems, urban development, environmental challenges and sustainable governance.
Study at Stellenbosch University
Successful candidates will conduct their LLM studies under the supervision of Prof Anél du Plessis.
Postgraduate students affiliated with the Chair are required to be residential students in Stellenbosch and must study on a full-time basis.
This means applicants should be prepared to relocate to or reside in Stellenbosch for the duration of their studies.
The programme provides an opportunity to become part of a specialised research environment focused on emerging legal questions surrounding cities, environmental sustainability and governance.
Research Areas for Prospective Applicants
Applicants should demonstrate how their proposed research interests connect with the work of the Chair.
Potential areas of interest may include legal questions surrounding sustainable urban development, climate adaptation and mitigation, environmental governance, urban planning, local government, environmental justice and the legal dimensions of sustainability.
Candidates are encouraged to identify a clear and relevant research area rather than submitting a general expression of interest.
The proposed research should demonstrate why the topic matters in the South African context or in another comparable legal jurisdiction.
Minimum Academic Requirements
Applicants must meet the minimum academic requirements for consideration.
The key academic requirement is:
- An average of 68% or above for third- and fourth-year LLB modules.
Applicants must also satisfy all other Stellenbosch University requirements for postgraduate study.
Meeting the minimum academic threshold does not necessarily guarantee selection, as applicants will also be assessed on the strength and relevance of their research interests and application materials.
What Applicants Must Submit
Candidates are required to prepare a number of supporting documents for their applications.
The application should include:
- Curriculum vitae, including details of two academic references.
- Copy of identification document.
- Full academic record.
- Copies of degree certificates, where applicable.
- For LLM applicants, a completed and authentic written assignment, such as an assignment prepared for an LLB module, accompanied by an AI Use Declaration.
- A two-page memorandum explaining the applicant’s interest in joining the specific Chair and clearly identifying their proposed research area.
An important requirement applies to the two-page memorandum: it may not be developed with the assistance of any AI tools. Applicants must provide a statement confirming that the memo was prepared without AI assistance.
This requirement should be taken seriously when preparing the application.
AI Use Declaration
Applicants should pay particular attention to the AI-related requirements.
For the LLM application, the written assignment must be accompanied by an AI Use Declaration.
Separately, the two-page research-interest memorandum must not be developed using AI tools, and applicants must provide a statement confirming this.
Candidates should therefore ensure that all submitted materials comply with the Chair’s specific requirements rather than assuming that standard university application practices apply.
Bursary Funding
The opportunity is described as a bursary, but applicants should note that the available funding is not a full-cost or wrap-around bursary.
The call specifically states that the bursaries only partially cover the costs of study.
Applicants should therefore be prepared to meet any remaining tuition, accommodation, living, travel or other expenses that are not covered by the bursary.
This is an important consideration for prospective students when assessing the overall cost of undertaking full-time residential study in Stellenbosch.
Selection and Interviews
After applications have been reviewed, shortlisted candidates may be invited to participate in a virtual interview.
Applicants should therefore be prepared to discuss their academic background, proposed research interests, motivation for joining the Chair and how their intended research connects with the Chair’s focus on urban law and sustainability governance.
A strong application should clearly establish the connection between the applicant’s academic record, research interests and the work of the Chair.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should submit their complete application documents by email to:
Ms Alexia Cawoo
The application deadline is:
3 October 2026
Applicants should ensure that all required documents are included before submission. Incomplete applications may not be considered.
Key Details
Opportunity: Chair in Urban Law and Sustainability Governance Bursary
University: Stellenbosch University
Faculty: Faculty of Law
Programme: Master of Laws (LLM)
Study year: 2027
Location: Stellenbosch, South Africa
Study mode: Full-time, residential
Supervisor: Prof Anél du Plessis
Minimum academic requirement: 68% average for third- and fourth-year LLB modules
Funding: Partial bursary; not a full-cost bursary
Deadline: 3 October 202
Final Thoughts
The Stellenbosch University Chair in Urban Law and Sustainability Governance Bursary 2027 provides an opportunity for academically strong law graduates to pursue specialised postgraduate research in an area increasingly important to South Africa and other jurisdictions.
The programme could be particularly relevant to candidates interested in urban development, climate change, environmental law, sustainability, governance and the relationship between legal systems and sustainable development.
Because the bursaries only partially cover study costs and the programme requires students to study full-time and reside in Stellenbosch, prospective applicants should carefully consider their financial arrangements before applying.
Eligible candidates should prepare their academic records, references, writing sample and research-interest memorandum carefully and submit the complete application by email by 3 October 2026.
