SANS Killie Campbell Bursary

Who can apply

• Applicants must satisfy the following minimum entry criteria before applying (please note that failure to satisfy all the requirements will lead to your application not being considered):
• You must be studying towards a Postgraduate qualification, towards a History related topic
• You must have a topic of research or dissertation relating to South African History (preferably KwaZulu-Natal history)
• You must be studying at a recognised and accredited University in South Africa

How to apply

Applications are submitted directly to SANS Killie Campbell - we do not collect applications. Read the eligibility criteria, prepare your supporting documents, then complete your application on the official page.

Full details

SANS Killie Campbell Bursary South Africa 2026 - 2027

WHICH FIELDS OF STUDY DOES THE SANS KILLIE CAMPBELL BURSARY COVER?

The South African National Society (SANS) is inviting students to apply for the Killie Campbell Bursary, for the 2026 (September) and 2027 academic year.

Bursaries will be awarded to students pursuing Postgraduate studies, in a History related topic (the area of research, or dissertation must be on a topic relating to South Africa, preferably KwaZulu-Natal history).

SANS has been awarding bursaries for the past 40 years, to financially assist postgraduate history students.

WHAT IS THE VALUE OF THE SANS KILLIE CAMPBELL BURSARY?

The bursary will be awarded to the estimated value of R25 000 (the final amount will be decided by the committee).

HOW IS THE SANS KILLIE CAMPBELL BURSARY PAID?

The bursary award will be paid in two equal tranches, of R12 500 each. The first installment will be paid in September 2026, at the SA National Society monthly meeting. The second installment will be paid after a satisfactory written submission by the candidate’s supervisor is received by the President of the Society.

WHAT IS THE SELECTION PROCESS FOR THE SANS KILLIE CAMPBELL BURSARY?

Applicants may be required to attend an interview with the selection committee, before selection is made. The interview will be held in person or electronically (Zoom or similar electronic means).

Bursary recipients will be required to provide a brief outline of their topic, at one of the SA National Society’s monthly meetings. After completing their dissertation, recipients will be required to present a soft copy of it for publication on the SA National Society web site.

The SANS reserves the right to not award the bursary, should a suitable candidate not be found.

WHAT ARE THE ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA FOR THE SANS KILLIE CAMPBELL BURSARY?

Applicants must satisfy the following minimum entry criteria before applying (please note that failure to satisfy all the requirements will lead to your application not being considered):

• You must be studying towards a Postgraduate qualification, towards a History related topic
• You must have a topic of research or dissertation relating to South African History (preferably KwaZulu-Natal history)
• You must be studying at a recognised and accredited University in South Africa

HOW CAN I APPLY FOR THE SANS KILLIE CAMPBELL BURSARY?

Students who meet all the eligibility criteria may apply to the Secretary of the South African National Society, in one of the following ways:

Method 1: via email: memorycoutts1@gmail.com

(Insert the words “SANS Bursary 2026” in the email subject line).

Method 2: via post or hand delivery: The Secretary, South African National Society, 31 St. Andrews Drive, Durban North, Durban 4051.

Note: applications should only be submitted once, via one of the methods above.

WHAT DOCUMENTS MUST BE SUBMITTED FOR THE SANS KILLIE CAMPBELL BURSARY?

Submit clear copies of the following information along with your application (the submission of this information is compulsory - if any items are missing, your application may be disqualified):

• Your personal information, including: full name, gender and contact details (email address, phone number or cellphone number)
• Your academic and personal background and achievements thus far in their career (also submit copies of your qualifications)
• Your intended topic and line (outline) of research for your dissertation or thesis
• Your study course (Honours, Masters or Doctorate)
• Name of institution and faculty at which you are registered. Proof of payment to the institution, is required
• Your supervisors details (name and contact number)

Note: there is no application form to be completed for this bursary application - students need only submit the list of above documents to apply.

WHEN IS THE CLOSING DATE FOR THE BURSARY?

31 July 2026.(Applications submitted after this date will not be accepted - please apply before the closing date to ensure your application is considered.)

HOW CAN I CONTACT THE BURSARY PROVIDER?

For any queries related to this bursary programme, please contact The South African National Society directly:Contact Person: Memory Coutts (Secretary)Email: memorycoutts2@gmail.com

WHAT DOES THE SANS DO?

The South African National Society (SANS) goals are stipulated in the constitution. They aim to create love and appreciation for South Africa’s historical, natural, and cultural heritage as well as its citizens. The SANS aims to further promote appreciation for all the aspects that are integral to the citizens of the county, and provide general support and publicity to the South African Heritage Resources Agency and the Amafa/ Heritage KwaZulu-Natal in their aim of preserving the cultural resources of the country. SANS also helps in supporting other organizations/ bodies facing a similar task.

Dr Killie Campbell was an avid collector, historian and supportive member of the Society. After she passed away in 1965, her collection was bequeathed to the University of KwaZulu-Natal and is now the Killie Campbell Africana Library. The Killie Campbell Bursary was formed in her honour.

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