LLM in Sexual & Reproductive Rights in Africa (SRRA) Scholarship 2026 – University of Pretoria
Scholarship Description
The LLM in Sexual & Reproductive Rights in Africa (SRRA) is a prestigious Master's degree programme offered by the Centre for Human Rights, Faculty of Law, University of Pretoria, South Africa. The programme is designed for individuals from diverse professional backgrounds, including lawyers, advocates, researchers, social activists, and educators, who are committed to advancing sexual and reproductive health and rights across the African continent.
The SRRA programme is offered as a blended learning course comprising online interaction and residential block-weeks in Pretoria. Over two years, students attend four contact sessions (one week each, two per year), combining the flexibility of distance learning with the richness of in-person engagement.
The Centre for Human Rights is widely recognised as a leading institution for human rights education in Africa. This scholarship programme aims to equip participants with knowledge, research skills, advocacy skills, and practical tools to promote and protect sexual and reproductive rights. Up to 15 scholarships are awarded annually to exceptional candidates from across Africa.
Scholarship Location
The programme is based at the University of Pretoria, South Africa. The blended learning format includes online coursework plus four residential block weeks at the university's campus in Pretoria (two weeks per year over two years).
Scholarship Deadline
Applications for the 2027 intake must be submitted by 31 July 2026.
Application Deadline: 31 July 2026
Programme Duration: 2 years (January 2027 – December 2028)
Maximum Intake: 15 students per year
Recommendation: Submit applications well before the deadline. This is a selection course — only complete applications will be considered.
Host Institution
University of Pretoria – one of South Africa's leading research universities. The Centre for Human Rights, based in the Faculty of Law, is a globally recognised institution dedicated to human rights education, research, and advocacy in Africa.
Level and Fields of Study
Level: Master of Laws (LLM) – postgraduate degree.
Field: Sexual & Reproductive Rights in Africa (SRRA). The programme covers:
- Sexual and reproductive health and rights from domestic, regional, and global international perspectives
- Research skills in sexual and reproductive health and rights
- Advocacy skills for promoting sexual and reproductive health and rights
- Practical skills for securing the realisation of sexual and reproductive health and rights
- Gender and human rights law
- African human rights systems and mechanisms
- Comparative constitutional law and reproductive justice
Target Group
The programme is open to individuals from diverse professional backgrounds across Africa, including:
- Lawyers and legal professionals
- Advocates and human rights defenders
- Researchers and academics
- Social activists and community organisers
- Educators and health professionals
- Public servants and policymakers
The programme welcomes applicants with excellent academic credentials and demonstrated human rights experience or interest. A maximum of 15 students are accepted each year.
Scholarship Duration & Amount
Duration: 2 years (January 2027 – December 2028).
Scholarship funding: The programme offers a limited number of full and partial scholarships to exceptional candidates. Scholarship coverage typically includes:
- Tuition fees (full or partial)
- Accommodation during residential block weeks
- Travel costs (for international students)
- Study materials (books, resources, etc.)
Important note: Students who do not receive scholarships may be admitted as self-funding students, provided they meet all minimum admission criteria. A maximum of 15 students are selected each year for the programme.
📊 Important Information:
Programme: LLM in Sexual & Reproductive Rights in Africa (SRRA)
Duration: 2 years (blended learning)
Intake: Maximum 15 students per year
Scholarships: Full and partial scholarships available (limited)
Scholarship Eligibility
Academic requirements:
- Law graduates: LLB degree or equivalent.
- Non-lawyers: At least an honours degree in an academic discipline relevant to sexual and reproductive rights in Africa.
Additional requirements:
- Excellent academic credentials
- Demonstrated human rights experience or interest
- Commitment to advancing sexual and reproductive rights in Africa
- Good English proficiency (programme taught in English)
Foreign qualifications: All non-South African degree certificates must be evaluated by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA). A SAQA evaluation certificate is required for university admission.
✅ Eligible Candidates
- African nationals from across the continent.
- LLB degree holders (lawyers) or honours degree holders in relevant disciplines (non-lawyers).
- Excellent academic credentials.
- Demonstrated human rights experience or interest.
- Commitment to sexual and reproductive rights advocacy.
- Foreign qualifications evaluated by SAQA.
❌ Ineligible Candidates
- Applicants without a relevant LLB or honours degree.
- Those with insufficient academic credentials.
- Individuals without demonstrated human rights interest or experience.
- Candidates whose foreign qualifications have not been evaluated by SAQA.
- Those unable to commit to the 2-year blended learning programme.
Application Procedure
- Check eligibility – Ensure you meet the academic and professional requirements. Non-South African degree holders must obtain a SAQA evaluation certificate.
- Prepare required documents – Gather the following:
- Completed application form
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Academic transcripts and degree certificates (LLB or honours degree)
- SAQA evaluation certificate (for foreign qualifications)
- Motivation letter explaining your interest in sexual and reproductive rights
- Two academic or professional reference letters
- Proof of human rights experience or interest (e.g., publications, work experience, advocacy records)
- Submit your application – Applications must be submitted to the Centre for Human Rights at the University of Pretoria by 31 July 2026. Check the official SRRA website for the application portal or submission instructions.
- Application review – The selection committee reviews applications based on academic merit, relevant experience, and commitment to sexual and reproductive rights.
- Selection – A maximum of 15 candidates are selected for the programme. Successful applicants receive scholarship offers or admission as self-funding students.
- Programme commencement – The 2027 intake begins in January 2027.
Important notes: This is a selection course. Only complete applications submitted before the deadline will be considered. Students who do not receive scholarships may be admitted as self-funding students. The programme is offered as blended learning with four residential block weeks in Pretoria over two years.
Official Website & Application Links
Centre for Human Rights – SRRA Programme Official Page
Centre for Human Rights Website: https://www.chr.up.ac.za
SAQA (South African Qualifications Authority): Foreign qualification holders must obtain a SAQA evaluation certificate at https://www.saqa.org.za
Contact: For queries about the programme or scholarship, contact the Centre for Human Rights via the contact details on their website.
💡 Final Thoughts and Key Requirements
The LLM in Sexual & Reproductive Rights in Africa (SRRA) is a transformative programme that empowers legal and non-legal professionals to become leaders in the fight for reproductive justice and human rights across Africa. With a blend of online learning and residential block weeks, the programme offers flexibility while fostering a strong community of advocates and scholars.
Key strategies for a successful application:
- Ensure you meet the academic requirements — LLB for lawyers, or an honours degree in a relevant field for non-lawyers.
- Obtain a SAQA evaluation certificate if your degree is from outside South Africa.
- Demonstrate a clear commitment to sexual and reproductive rights through your work experience, advocacy, or academic research.
- Write a compelling motivation letter explaining why you are passionate about this field and how you will contribute to advancing rights in Africa.
- Secure strong academic or professional references that speak to your potential as a human rights advocate.
- Submit your application well before the 31 July 2026 deadline.
Important reminders: Only 15 students are accepted annually — the programme is highly competitive. Non-lawyers are welcome to apply but must hold an honours degree in a relevant discipline. The programme requires attendance at four residential block weeks in Pretoria (two per year).
LLM Sexual & Reproductive Rights in Africa Scholarship – FAQ
What does the SRRA scholarship cover?
Full and partial scholarships are available, covering tuition fees, accommodation during residential weeks, travel costs (for international students), and study materials. Coverage varies by scholarship award.
Who is eligible to apply?
Lawyers with an LLB degree, or non-lawyers with an honours degree in a relevant academic discipline. Applicants must have excellent academic credentials and demonstrated human rights experience or interest.
What is the application deadline?
Applications for the 2027 intake must be submitted by 31 July 2026.
How many students are accepted each year?
A maximum of 15 students are selected annually for the programme.
Can non-lawyers apply?
Yes, non-lawyers with at least an honours degree in a discipline relevant to sexual and reproductive rights in Africa are welcome to apply.
Do I need a SAQA evaluation?
Yes, all holders of non-South African degree certificates must obtain a SAQA evaluation certificate for university admission.
What is the programme format?
The programme is offered as blended learning, combining online coursework with four residential block weeks in Pretoria (two per year over two years).