Apply now for the University of Johannesburg Postdoctoral Research Fellowship 2025. Open to recent PhD graduates, this program offers 180 fully funded fellowships across disciplines. In celebration of its 20th anniversary (2005–2025), the University of Johannesburg (UJ) is marking this milestone by launching an ambitious research initiative aligned with its Strategic Plan 2035. As a forward-thinking, internationally oriented, and socially impactful institution, UJ is proud to open applications for the 2025 Postdoctoral Research Fellowship Program, aimed at attracting exceptional early-career researchers from across South Africa, the continent, and the world.
Led by Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Professor Letlhokwa George Mpedi, this initiative is part of the broader “Vision 1000 Postdoctoral Research Fellows” strategy, an effort to host 1000 postdoctoral scholars in the coming years to strengthen UJ’s research output, global footprint, and its commitment to innovation and sustainability.
Fellowship Description and Structure
The 2025 Postdoctoral Research Fellowship (PDRF) is designed to support outstanding doctoral graduates by providing a robust platform for academic development, mentorship, and high-impact research collaboration.
Each fellowship spans 12 months, renewable for a second 12-month term subject to performance. The award is valued at R250,000 (tax-free) per annum and is tenable full-time at UJ. Fellows are expected to fully commit to the program and may not undertake other full- or part-time work, nor hold concurrent fellowships.
Fellowship Opportunities by Faculty
UJ is offering a total of 180 Postdoctoral Research Fellowships in the following faculties and units:
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College of Business and Economics – 48 Fellowships
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Faculty of Art, Design and Architecture – 12 Fellowships
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Faculty of Education – 9 Fellowships
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Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment – 42 Fellowships
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Faculty of Health Sciences – 4 Fellowships
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Faculty of Humanities – 20 Fellowships
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Faculty of Law – 13 Fellowships
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Faculty of Science – 60 Fellowships
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Johannesburg Business School – 12 Fellowships
Appointments are made competitively, and candidates are assessed on the basis of academic excellence, publication record, research potential, and alignment with UJ’s strategic focus areas.
Key Expectations of Postdoctoral Fellows
Each Postdoctoral Fellow will work under the supervision of a discipline-specific UJ host. Fellows are expected to actively contribute to the intellectual and research life of the university. Their activities will include:
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Collaborating on research projects and publishing with senior scholars
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Co-supervising master’s and doctoral students
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Presenting research at conferences, webinars, and academic events
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Applying for external research funding
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Engaging in institutional capacity-building initiatives
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Building interdisciplinary networks and contributing to strategic research themes
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the 2025 UJ Postdoctoral Fellowship, applicants must meet the following minimum eligibility criteria:
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PhD or equivalent doctoral degree (NQF Level 10) awarded within the past five years.
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If the PhD certificate is not yet available, applicants must provide formal evidence that all degree requirements have been met.
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Applicants must not have exceeded five years in any postdoctoral position(s), whether at UJ or any other institution.
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Demonstrated academic excellence, including a strong publication record.
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Availability to be based full-time in Johannesburg for the entire duration of the fellowship.
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International applicants must provide certified translations of academic documents not issued in English and, where available, SAQA accreditation.
Required Supporting Documentation
Applicants must prepare and upload the following documentation in PDF format, during the single-session online application process:
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Curriculum Vitae (with names and contact details of references)
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Chronological list of research publications (if not included in the CV)
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Research proposal
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Certified ID or passport copy
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Certified PhD certificate, or formal confirmation of degree completion
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Official academic transcript indicating the duration and completion date of doctoral studies
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Two academic reference letters
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SAQA accreditation (for international candidates, if available)
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English translations of all non-English documents
Note: Do not refer to uploaded documents in the application form using phrases like “See CV.” All information must be directly completed in the application form for review.
Application Process
Applications must be submitted via the official online portal. The institutional closing date for all applications is 31 August 2025. Please note that individual departments may have earlier internal deadlines, and applicants are advised to confirm specific dates with their intended host departments.
How to Apply
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Create an account or log in on the University of Johannesburg research application portal.
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Fill out the UJ 2025 Postdoctoral Research Fellowship Application Form in one sitting.
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Upload all required supporting documentation in PDF format.
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Submit your complete application before 31 August 2025.
- Application link
For more opportunities please visit our website opportunitiesforyouth.org
