UKZN Richard AD Turner Bursary South Africa For 2025. The UKZN Richard AD Turner Bursary is a prestigious postgraduate funding opportunity offered by the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN), aiming to support students dedicated to academic excellence, social justice, and democratic engagement. Established in honour of the late Dr. Richard “Rick” Turner, a visionary academic and social activist who significantly influenced trade unions and university culture during the apartheid era, the bursary ensures his legacy lives on through empowered scholars.
About the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN)
Formed in 2004 through the merger of the University of Natal and Durban-Westville, UKZN is a leading South African institution with five prominent campuses:
| Campus Name | Location |
|---|---|
| Edgewood | Pinetown |
| Howard College | Durban |
| Medical School | Umbilo, Durban |
| Pietermaritzburg | Pietermaritzburg |
| Westville | Westville, Durban |
UKZN prides itself on being a hub of African scholarship, promoting academic excellence, innovative research, and a mission that is socially engaged and entrepreneurially driven. It houses colleges that span diverse disciplines, including Agriculture, Engineering, Humanities, Health Sciences, and Law & Management.
About the Richard AD Turner Bursary
The UKZN Richard AD Turner Bursary 2025 is offered to Master’s and Doctoral students who demonstrate exceptional academic potential, leadership qualities, and commitment to community involvement. Funded by a bequest from Winifred Jane Turner, Rick Turner’s mother, the bursary supports students whose research addresses themes of justice and freedom in South Africa.
Key Focus Areas
- Students enrolled in Master programmes at UKZN
- Research on social justice, freedom, and democratic development
- Demonstrated student leadership and community involvement
Fields Covered by the Bursary
This bursary supports postgraduate students in research-intensive fields that promote societal transformation. The bursary particularly favours areas connected to trade unionism, democratic development, and community engagement.
| Eligibility Criteria | Requirement |
| Enrolled at UKZN for a Master’s degree | Yes |
| Research focus on justice and freedom in South Africa | Yes |
| Proven student leadership credentials | Required |
| Community involvement in democratic initiatives | Required |
| Interest or work related to trade unionism | Preferred |
Application Requirements
To apply for the UKZN Richard AD Turner Bursary, candidates must submit the following documents:
- A detailed CV (maximum 5 pages)
- Certified copy of most recent degree
- Full academic transcript
- One or more referee reports focusing on leadership and community engagement
- A Master’s thesis proposal (max 3 pages) or a motivation letter detailing your research area
- A 1-page motivational letter explaining why you are a suitable candidate
All application forms should be downloaded and completed in full. Mention “https://zaupdates.co.za/“ in the field that asks where you heard about the bursary.
How to Apply for the UKZN Richard AD Turner Bursary 2025
Submit your completed application form and all required documentation to the Financial Aid Advisor of your respective UKZN college. Ensure the email subject line reads:
Contact Information by College
| College | Campus | Contact Person | |
| Agriculture, Engineering Sciences | Howard | Ms Linda Mdunge | [email protected] |
| Howard | Mr Gerald Naicker | [email protected] | |
| Pietermaritzburg | Ms Marcia Ntamote | [email protected] | |
| Pietermaritzburg | Ms Heather Singh | [email protected] | |
| Westville | Mr Mbongiseni Mkhize | [email protected] | |
| Westville | Ms Lindiwe Kumalo | [email protected] | |
| Health Sciences | Howard/Medical | Mr Bongumusa Gumbi | [email protected] |
| Westville | Mr Jainendra Maharajh | [email protected] | |
| Humanities | All campuses | Bursary Office | [email protected] |
| Law & Management Studies | Westville | Mrs Merci Rajkumar | [email protected] |
| Westville | Mr Bongamusa Gasa | [email protected] | |
| Pietermaritzburg | Mr Sandile Mngadi | [email protected] | |
| Howard College | Ms Nosipho Mkhize | [email protected] |
Bursary Amount and Disbursement
While the bursary amount is not fixed, successful candidates can expect to receive between R20,000 and R50,000 per year, depending on funding availability and research scope.
Application Deadline
The final date for submitting your application for the 2025/2026 academic year has not been publicly specified. However, general deadlines for first-time UKZN applicants via the Central Applications Office (CAO) are:
- 30 June 2025 (for Medicine)
- 30 September 2025 (for all other programmes)
It is highly advisable to submit your bursary application as early as possible to ensure timely processing.
FAQs About UKZN Richard AD Turner Bursary
Who is eligible for the UKZN Richard AD Turner Bursary?
Master students at UKZN with research focusing on justice and democratic development, along with proven leadership and community work, are eligible to apply.
How much financial support does the bursary provide?
The bursary typically awards between R20,000 and R50,000 per annum, depending on the candidate’s research scope and financial need.
When is the application deadline for the 2025/2026 bursary?
The exact deadline hasn’t been published yet. However, early application is strongly advised. Refer to general UKZN postgraduate application timelines for guidance.
Conclusion
The UKZN Richard AD Turner Bursary South Africa 2025 is more than just financial assistance. It is a tribute to one of South Africa’s most passionate voices for justice and equality. Students who receive this bursary carry the torch of activism, leadership, and scholarly excellence, embodying the very principles that Rick Turner stood for.
