University of Pretoria Master's Scholarship 2026 – LLM in Human Rights & Democratisation in Africa

Scholarship Description

The LLM in Human Rights and Democratisation in Africa (HRDA) is a prestigious one-year intensive Master's programme offered by the Centre for Human Rights at the University of Pretoria. It is the only course of its kind in Africa, where 25–30 exceptional individuals spend six months in Pretoria and six months at one of the 12 partner universities across Africa. The programme is taught by eminent lecturers in the field of human rights and includes extensive practical training.

Graduates become members of the HRDA Alumni Association, whose 663 members are currently active in the full spectrum of human rights work — from grassroots initiatives, through civil service, to international organisations including the African Union and the United Nations. Individuals from all African countries are invited to apply for admission.

Scholarship Location

The programme is delivered across multiple locations:

• First semester: University of Pretoria, South Africa
• Second semester: One of 12 partner universities across Africa

The programme is part of the Global Campus of Human Rights, a global network of over 100 universities, making it the largest university network in the world specialising in human rights and democracy issues.

Scholarship Deadline

The application deadline for the 2026 intake is 31 July 2026.

Host Institution

The Centre for Human Rights at the University of Pretoria is a leading institution in human rights education and research in Africa. The programme is offered in collaboration with 12 partner universities across the continent and is part of the Global Campus of Human Rights, an EU-funded global network of universities.

Level and Fields of Study

Level: Master's degree (LLM).

Fields: Human Rights, Democratisation in Africa, Constitutional Law, International Human Rights Law, African Human Rights Systems, Transitional Justice, and related areas.

Course structure: The full-time programme comprises eight modules over one academic year, including formal lectures, practical activities, and research components.

Target Group

Individuals from all African countries are invited to apply. The programme admits 25–30 exceptional individuals each year. Scholarships are available for citizens of African countries. Students who do not receive scholarships may be admitted as self-funding or partially self-funding students.

Scholarship Duration & Amount

Duration: One academic year (full-time).

Scholarship Coverage: A limited number of full scholarships are available for up to 25 citizens of African countries. Depending on funding availability, scholarships cover:

• Tuition fees
• Accommodation
• Official programme activities

Self-funding options: Students who do not receive scholarships may be admitted as self-funding or partially self-funding students, provided they meet all minimum admission criteria and guarantee payment of tuition, accommodation, and official programme activities.

Alumni Network: Graduates become members of the HRDA Alumni Association, which currently has 663 members active in human rights work across Africa and globally.

Scholarship Eligibility

Essential criteria:

• Citizenship: Individuals from all African countries are invited to apply.
• Academic background: Must meet the admission requirements for the LLM programme.
• Language proficiency: Good working knowledge of English is required. Students who did not undertake their undergraduate studies in English are required to write the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL).
• Experience: Preference is given to candidates with relevant academic or professional experience in human rights, law, or related fields.
• Commitment: Demonstrated commitment to promoting human rights and democratisation in Africa.

Additional notes: Admission is on a competitive basis. Students who are fluent in both English and French may study another language such as Arabic or Portuguese. Upon admission, advanced English is provided for students from non-English speaking countries, and French is taught to students from English-speaking countries.

Application Procedure

1. Visit the official programme page – Go to the Centre for Human Rights website to access the application form and detailed information.
2. Prepare required documents – Gather the following:
   • Completed application form
   • Academic transcripts and degree certificates
   • TOEFL score (if undergraduate studies were not in English)
   • Curriculum Vitae (CV)
   • Letter of motivation
   • Letters of recommendation (typically 2)
   • Research proposal or statement of interest
   • Copy of passport or national ID
3. Submit your application – Submit the completed application by 31 July 2026.
4. Application review – Applications are reviewed by the selection committee. Admission is competitive, and candidates are selected based on academic merit, experience, and commitment to human rights.
5. Scholarship consideration – Applicants who are citizens of African countries are considered for full scholarships. Self-funding options are also available.
6. Notification – Successful applicants are notified of admission and scholarship decisions.

Important notes: A limited number of up to 30 students are selected per year. Depending on funding availability, full scholarships covering tuition, accommodation, and official programme activities are available for up to 25 African citizens. Students who do not receive scholarships may be admitted as self-funding or partially self-funding students if they meet all criteria.

Official Website & Application Links

University of Pretoria – LLM Human Rights & Democratisation in Africa Official Page

Centre for Human Rights: www.chr.up.ac.za

Global Campus of Human Rights: www.gchumanrights.org