DHET NESP (NURTURING EMERGING SCHOLARS PROGRAMME) IN ARCHAEOLOGY/PALAEOANTHROPOLOGY (2024)

The Palaeo-Research Institute is a renowned pan-African research hub located in the Faculty of Humanities at the University of Johannesburg. The institute is dedicated to the exploration and understanding of the ancient past, with a particular focus on the evolution of humans and their material culture in sub-Saharan Africa covering the past 4 million years.

Who are we looking for?

The Institute is currently offering a scholarship opportunity for an exceptional candidate with an interest in pursuing a Master’s degree in any aspect of archaeology and human evolution.

We are looking for individuals who hold an Honours degree in Stone Age archaeology, biological anthropology or a closely related subjects. The successful candidate will possess enthusiasm and a strong drive to pursue a post-graduate degree, exhibit proficiency in both written and spoken English, and have a proven track record of academic excellence.   The scholarship is open to South African citizens younger than 35 who have attained at least 65% for their previous degree and who are interested in pursuing a career in academia.

The scholarship

The DHET NESP scholarship offers very generous funding towards your degree, 2 years living expenses, field work and research-related travel (costing R355 000 for 2 years) and includes a one-year paid internship (R315 000). The total cost of the award is R660 000 for the duration of the 3 year programme. Scholars will be expected to participate in the Institute’s academic activities and assist in tutoring, field work etc.

What do we offer?

  • Highly integrative projects that require a willingness to embrace multiple disciplines and close collaborations with other researchers with different backgrounds.
  • State-of-the-art equipment.
  • An excellent research environment.
  • A structured, hands-on training programme.

For more info on studying at the P-RI please click on the following link Study Archaeology and Palaeoanthropology at UJ.

To apply

Please note that applications for the 2024 NESP are now closed!

Download NESP SoP 2023