Funded Research Postgraduate Study in South Africa: The University of South Africa (UNISA), a prominent institution in Africa, with a commitment to high-impact research, invites graduates for Funded Research Study Opportunities at both Master’s and Doctoral levels.
These opportunities focus on low-dimensional and functional/advanced materials. It’s dedicated to developing innovative solutions that yield a positive social impact. Successful candidates are expected to pursue either full-time or part-time research degrees.
Why Pursue a PhD at UNISA?
Funding and Support Package: It is a funded research opportunity that offers a comprehensive support package designed to allow students to concentrate fully on their research goals. The successful applicants will receive:
- Financial Stipends: Monthly stipends for three years.
- Tuition Support: Full payment of university tuition fees.
- Allowances: Substantive allowances for subsistence, travel expenses for university-related activities, and medical benefits.
- Equipment: A laptop.
Comprehensive training and access to state-of-the-art research facilities: The Centre is committed to providing comprehensive training and access to state-of-the-art research facilities.
Collaboration and Career Development: It collaborates closely with both the public and industrial sectors, offering students valuable exposure to real-world applications in their respective fields.
Research Areas: The research is highly focused on developing new materials and exploring their applications.
Research Platforms: Availability of functional and advanced Materials, including Sensors, Corrosion Inhibitors, Superconductors, and Energy Materials. In addition, there are low-dimensional materials, which include advanced magnetic materials, spintronics, quantum materials, and plasmonic materials.
Program Description – Funded Research Postgraduate Study in South Africa
- The selected candidate will work closely with distinguished Departmental Professors and carry out research that focuses on developing innovative solutions that yield a positive social impact.
- The research involves various techniques for understanding and predicting material properties:
- Experimental Techniques: Surface, interface, and transport properties; physical and chemical properties; optical, luminescent, and magnetic properties.
- Computational/Theoretical Methods: Computer modeling and simulation, quantum chemical/molecular modelling, and theoretical studies using DFT (Density Functional Theory) and other semi-empirical methods.
- R&D Translation: Technology development and technology demonstrators.
Qualification for Funded Research Postgraduate Study in South Africa
All applicants must meet the following specific educational requirements and documentation standards:
- For Master’s applicants: A BSc Honours or an equivalent qualification at NQF Level 8 in Physics, Chemistry, Engineering, or a closely related discipline.
- For Doctoral applicants: A completed Master’s degree at NQF Level 9 in Physics, Chemistry, Engineering, or a closely related discipline.
- A comprehensive CV with three contactable academic referee email addresses.
- Certified copies of all academic transcripts and qualification certificates.
- Note that International Applicants who obtained their qualifications outside South Africa must submit a valid SAQA certificate, confirming their respective NQF Level, or proof of a SAQA Application.
- In addition, South African citizens are strongly encouraged to apply. And candidates can apply for both full-time and part-time study.
Application Process for Funded Research Postgraduate Study in South Africa
To apply, candidates must submit their completed application package, including all required documents and the SAQA certification (if applicable).
Submit your application via email
Deadline and Contact Details
Application Deadline: The closing date for applications is November 28, 2025.
For more information and application, send an email or visit the University portal