Call for Applications: 2025/26 Stellenbosch University (SU) Rector’s Postdoctoral Fellowship Programme (RPFP)
Closing Date: 28 November 2025
Call for Applications: 2025/26 Stellenbosch University (SU) Rector’s Postdoctoral Fellowship Programme (RPFP)
About Stellenbosch University (SU)
SU is a distinguished public research university nestled in the scenic town of Stellenbosch, in South Africa’s Western Cape province. Known for its iconic oak-lined streets, charming Cape Dutch architecture, and vibrant arts and cultural scene, Stellenbosch offers a unique blend of history, innovation, and natural beauty. The town is also at the heart of one of South Africa’s premier wine regions, providing an inspiring environment for both academic and personal growth. Founded in 1918, SU is one of the oldest universities in South Africa.
The university is deeply committed to advancing knowledge, research, and innovation in the service of society, cultivating an environment where curiosity and creativity thrive. The SU academic community includes over 32,500 students, of whom more than 3,700 come from 104 countries, reflecting a vibrant international presence. The university’s staff complement of over 4500 employees, including over 1400 academics across its ten (10) faculties and two (2) Schools, ensures robust support for teaching, research, innovation, and social impact – all in service to society.
Programme Overview
SU invites applications for the Rector’s Postdoctoral Fellowship Programme (RPFP), designed to attract exceptional emerging researchers to pursue high-quality, impactful research. Postdoctoral fellows play a critical role in SU’s research mission – advancing innovation, deepening collaboration, and strengthening our position as a leading research-intensive university on the African continent, aligned with SU’s Vision 2040.
Through this programme, Postdoctoral Research Fellows (PDRFs) will have the opportunity to refine their expertise, expand international networks, and develop as independent scholars under the guidance of experienced hosts and mentors at Stellenbosch University.
Please note that interested candidates should ensure that they familiarise themselves with
the conditions, criteria and application requirements.
Postdoctoral Fellowship Programme details
- Value: R300 000 per annum (plus an additional, mandatory R50 000 top-up from the host’s department, which must be confirmed in the host’s supporting letter).
- Duration: 1 year, renewable for up to 2 years, contingent on satisfactory progress and funding availability.
- Expectations: Minimum of two peer-reviewed publications per year (or equivalent, as agreed with the host).
- Supplementation beyond the total fellowship award of R350 000: Only with prior approval from the Postdoctoral Office.
Eligibility criteria
Applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Hold a doctoral degree obtained within the past 5 years or provide proof from the issuing Registrar that the doctoral examination has been completed.
- Be a first-time postdoctoral fellow (no prior postdoc appointments) at Stellenbosch University.
- Have a confirmed host at Stellenbosch University (visit our Researcher Discovery (https://researcherprofiles.sun.ac.za) to explore possible hosts in your field)
- Demonstrate research productivity, with at least one publication or manuscript from doctoral research (or evidence of equivalent scholarly output).
- Preference will be given to candidates who did not obtain their PhD at SU, to encourage mobility and diversity of expertise.
Application requirements
Applicants must submit the following documents via the online submission link:
- Research Proposal – A proposal (maximum 3 pages) outlining the intended research project, objectives, methods, and alignment with SU’s research priorities.
- Motivation Letter – A one-page personal statement explaining academic interests, alignment with SU’s themes, and the anticipated impact of the research.
- Academic Transcripts – Certified copies of all academic records.
- PhD certificate – certified copies
- Curriculum Vitae (CV) – Detailed academic CV highlighting achievements, publications, and professional experience.
- ID document / Passport – certified copies
- Reference Letters – Two academic reference letters attesting to the applicant’s research potential and fit for the programme.
- Host Support Letter – A letter of support from the confirmed host at Stellenbosch University; confirmation of co-funding; confirmation of adequate infrastructure and resources to support the proposed research project
Click Here To Apply
Follow Opportunities For Everyone on Social Media
