The call for funding in 2026 is closed.
Support for high-level skills development is central to accelerating South Africa’s transition to an innovation-led, knowledge-based economy. The period immediately following the completion of a doctoral qualification is especially critical, as it lays the foundation for a successful research career. During this early stage, the knowledge and competencies gained through postgraduate training must be consolidated and extended. Dedicated support for emerging researchers is therefore essential to promote and accelerate their progression into internationally recognised scholars.
In line with this vision, Nelson Mandela University seeks to expand its cohort of postdoctoral and research fellows as part of its strategic focus on strengthening the research pipeline and building the profiles of emerging scholars. The University’s postdoctoral and research fellowships provide a mechanism for nurturing doctoral graduates and early-career researchers, with the long-term aim of renewing and sustaining a vibrant community of leading international researchers.
Within this framework, postdoctoral fellows are doctoral graduates who use the fellowship period to deepen their research expertise and enhance their post-PhD training. Research fellows, by contrast, are early-career researchers who have either completed a postdoctoral fellowship or acquired formal research experience aligned with the University’s institutional research themes. Applications for either category of fellowship must be submitted by a host researcher who is a permanent staff member, Emeritus Professor, or Research Associate of Nelson Mandela University, and who demonstrates a proven research track record in the relevant field.
The Postdoctoral and Research Fellowships Framework document should be read in conjunction with the Postdoctoral and Research Fellowships Policy (IRC 402.09) (Kindly note that this policy is only available to staff and students of Nelson Mandela University).
Eligibility Criteria:
The eligibility criteria applicable to host researchers, postdoctoral fellows and research fellows are outlined in the Call Framework Document.
Application Process:
Applications for the Mandela University Council Postdoctoral Fellowships and the Vice-Chancellor’s Postdoctoral Fellowships, as well as the Mandela Research Fellowships must be submitted by the Host researcher. The Vice-Chancellor’s Postdoctoral Fellowships will be awarded by the review panel to high-performing applicants who demonstrate strong research outputs, including evidence of publication and experience in postgraduate supervision. Senior researchers who wish to host postdoctoral or research fellows are invited to complete the attached application form and submit it, together with all required supporting documents, to Ms Welma van Heerden (Welma.VanHeerden@mandela.ac.za) no later than Friday, 10 October 2025. Please note that late submissions will not be considered, and incomplete applications will regrettably be rejected.
The following attachments should be submitted with the application:
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Host researcher’s CV
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A detailed CV of the prospective fellow
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A letter of support from the Host researcher confirming that the necessary research infrastructure, resources, and funding are available within their faculty, school, or department. This should include, but is not limited to, research running costs, library access, provision of a computer or access to computing facilities, and support for conference participation.
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Two letters of reference for the prospective fellow
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Certified copy of fellow’s Identity document/passport
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Certified copy of the fellow’s doctoral qualification. Applicants awaiting graduation must provide an institutional letter confirming that all requirements for the doctoral qualification have been fulfilled. Doctoral candidates awaiting the outcome of their thesis examination must attach a letter from their current institution confirming that their doctoral thesis is under examination.
PLEASE NOTE:
When applying, please state the fellowship type in the email subject line and send your application with all attachments together in one email.
Contact Details:
All queries may be directed to Ms Welma van Heerden (welma.vanheerden@mandela.ac.za).