Mazisi Kunene Postdoctoral Research Fellowships: College of Humanities, School of Arts for 2026

Apply Now- extension of deadline.

If you have previously applied, no need to do so again.

The College of Humanities, School of Arts, invites applications for two Mazisi Kunene Postdoctoral Fellowships for the 2026 academic year. Each fellowship consists of a stipend of R250 000 for a full academic year.

Eligibility Criteria

• A PhD awarded within the last 5 years in a discipline relevant to the Research Focus Areas, including but not limited to: Literary Studies, African Literature, African Languages, Translation Studies, Comparative Literature, or a closely related field in the Humanities.
• Applicants should normally be under the age of 45 years at the time of application.
• Evidence of peer-reviewed publications in accredited journals or with reputable academic presses. 
• A strong, independent research proposal aligned with the thematic focus of the Mazisi Kunene Research Chair in African Languages, Literature, and Culture.
• Preference is reserved for the South African citizens and permanent residents.

Research Focus Areas

Applications are particularly encouraged from candidates whose work engages in:

·       African Literature(s), language, and intellectual traditions.

·       Multilingualism, language policy, and sociolinguistics.

·       Decolonial and postcolonial literary studies.

·       Digital humanities and literary archives.

·       Translation Studies and language development.

·       Literature, society, and social justice.

Fellowship Conditions

• Duration: 1–2 years, renewable based on performance, funding availability, and satisfactory report from the postdoctoral fellow and supervisor
• Fellows will be expected to:
• Publish in accredited journals.
• Present research at national and international conferences.
• Contribute to seminars, postgraduate research development and support.
• A minimum of two creative research outputs in DHET or other highly reputable journals.
• Contribute to collaborative initiatives within the School of Arts.
• Participate in grant applications and collaborative research projects of the Mazisi Kunene Chair.
• Acknowledge the Mazisi Kunene Chair and UKZN in all publications and conference presentations arising from the funded research.

Application Requirements

Applicants should submit a single PDF to: Mtembun@ukzn.ac.za

• Full academic CV with a complete list of publications.
• Certified copies of degree certificates.
• Research proposal (max 3 pages) outlining aims, methodology, alignment with the Research Focus Areas, and a clear plan for research dissemination and output.
• Names and contact details of three academic referees

Application Form:  https://forms.gle/wHqRAsK95pFANAW28

Closing Date

Friday 19 June 2026- extension of original deadline

For further queries, kindly contact the Administrator, Nokuthula Ngema @ Mtembun@ukzn.ac.za or call ext. 2346

Mazisi Kunene Research Chair:Collegeof HumanitiesProfessor Nompumelelo Zondi

Website: www.ukzn.ac.za

Email: ZondiN3@ukzn.ac.za Contact: 031 2607282