Applications for DHET’s University Staff Doctoral Programme

Dear colleagues

The Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) has released its funding call for applications for Phase 5 (Cohort 3) of the University Staff Doctoral Programme (USDP) for PhD candidates. The USDP focuses on supporting early career academics over a three-year period to complete their doctoral degrees.

A maximum amount of R500 000 for a period of three years of support will be provided to a successful candidate. Funding for USDP support may include the following:

• registration and tuition fees
• research costs
• lecturer replacement (to be discussed and agreed with the head of department and dean ahead of submission of application)
• travel and accommodation costs (for data collection, etc), and
• conference attendance (a paper or poster must be presented for the candidate to attend).

In terms of the eligibility criteria, the applicant should:

• be a full-time permanent employee at one of the 26 South African universities
• be a South African citizen or permanent resident in South Africa (work permit is not permissible)
• have registered or intend to register for a doctoral degree in the year of application
• have identified a home institution mentor, who will support and/or endorse the application.

The process for review and approval of applications is as follows:

• Applications for USDP funding close on 17 October 2024. Note that only fully completed applications will be considered. These should include approvals from the relevant head of department and faculty dean, in addition to the supervisor.
• Fully completed applications and supporting documentation should be submitted to Nocky Bobo.
• The internal review and selection committee (including the Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research and Internationalisation) will shortlist up to 10 applicants for consideration by the DHET. Note: only shortlisted applications will be signed by the DVC: Research.
• Application outcomes will be communicated as soon as the institution has received a decision from the DHET.

Please note that UCT is not eligible for the Junior Research Fellows programme.

• See the full USDP Funding Framework for more details.
• Download the application form.
• See the application checklist.

Any queries may be referred to Dheshnie Keswell.

Warm regards

Professor Jeff Murugan
Acting Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research and Internationalisation

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