The University of the Western Cape and Vrije Universiteit Brussel invite South African applicants for the 2027 joint PhD scholarship on compassionate universities, serious illness, bereavement and caregiving. Apply by 16 October 2026.
Background & Scholarship Description
The University of the Western Cape (UWC), in partnership with Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) in Belgium, is inviting applications from eligible South African candidates for the 2027 Caroline Pauwels–Jakes Gerwel Joint PhD Scholarship.
The doctoral research project, titled Towards a Compassionate University: Co-creating Supportive University Structures and Cultures for Serious Illness, Death, Bereavement and Caregiving in South Africa and Belgium, will investigate how universities support students and staff experiencing serious illness, loss, bereavement and caregiving responsibilities.
The successful candidate will undertake a four-year, full-time doctoral programme involving joint registration at UWC and VUB. The research aims to develop a contextually appropriate Compassionate University model that strengthens institutional support structures and promotes more compassionate university environments.
Scholarship funding is limited to the approved funding period and will not be extended beyond the prescribed four years. The announcement does not specify the scholarship’s monetary value.
Scholarship Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Scholarship | Caroline Pauwels–Jakes Gerwel Joint PhD Scholarship 2027 |
| Institutions | University of the Western Cape and Vrije Universiteit Brussel |
| Study level | Doctoral / PhD |
| Duration | 4 years |
| Study mode | Full-time |
| Eligible applicants | South African citizens or permanent residents |
| Minimum Master’s average | Above 70% |
| Research focus | Compassionate universities, illness, bereavement and caregiving |
| International research stay | Approximately 10 months in Belgium |
| Application deadline | 16 October 2026 |
| Expected outcome notification | 20 November 2026 |
| Application email | achikware@uwc.ac.za |
Research Focus
The successful doctoral candidate will conduct a mixed-methods, participatory research project examining how serious illness, death, bereavement and caregiving are understood and addressed within a South African higher education institution.
The research will include narrative research and focus groups with students and staff, interviews with institutional leaders and relevant professionals, and analysis of university policies and support systems.
The candidate will also participate in developing a Compassionate University framework and evaluating the feasibility and effectiveness of proposed initiatives. Comparative engagement with Compassionate University and Compassionate Communities initiatives in Belgium will form part of the research.
The supervisory team includes Prof. Anita Padmanabhanunni and Prof. Marichen van der Westhuizen at UWC, alongside Prof. Sarah Dury and Dr. Hanne Bakelants at VUB.
Qualifications
Education and Certification
Applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Be a South African citizen or permanent resident.
- Hold a completed Master’s degree in a relevant discipline, such as Psychology, Social Work or Public Health.
- Have achieved a final Master’s average above 70%.
- Be eligible and willing to register jointly at UWC and VUB.
- Be available to complete the PhD within four years.
Experience and Skills
Applicants must demonstrate competence in qualitative and quantitative research methods, including research design, data collection and analysis.
Strong academic writing, critical thinking and independent research skills are essential. Candidates must also be able to work ethically and sensitively with participants discussing serious illness, death, bereavement and caregiving.
Applicants must be able to complete the required research and training periods in Belgium.
The successful candidate is expected to spend approximately ten months in Belgium: six months during the second year for research training and methodological development, followed by four months during the fourth year for comparative analysis, dissertation completion, publications and dissemination.
Additional Information
Required Application Documents
Applicants must prepare the following documents:
- A one-page motivation letter explaining their suitability and interest in the project.
- A comprehensive academic CV.
- A copy of their South African identity document.
- Certified copies of relevant degree certificates.
- Complete academic transcripts, including final Master’s results.
- A doctoral research proposal of no more than three pages, excluding the reference list.
- Three academic reference letters.
- A declaration of any use of generative artificial intelligence in preparing the application.
The research proposal must include a provisional title, research background and problem, aims and questions, conceptual or theoretical framework, proposed methodology, ethical and feasibility considerations, and an APA-formatted reference list.
Submission Format
Applications must be combined into one consolidated PDF document, arranged in the order specified in the announcement. The file should be named:
Surname_Initials_UWC-VUB_PhD_Application.pdf
Submit the application electronically to Mr. Arthur Chikware at achikware@uwc.ac.za.
Important Dates
The closing date is 16 October 2026. Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.
Applicants are expected to receive notification of the outcome by 20 November 2026. The announcement states that applicants who do not receive feedback should consider their applications unsuccessful.
Important Notice on Artificial Intelligence
Applicants may use generative AI tools for limited language-editing or formatting support. However, the research proposal and other application materials must reflect the applicant’s own ideas, reasoning and scholarly work. Substantive AI use must be disclosed, and applicants remain responsible for accuracy, originality and research integrity.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Who can apply for the UWC–VUB Joint PhD Scholarship 2027?
South African citizens and permanent residents with a completed Master’s degree in a relevant discipline and a final average above 70% may apply, provided they meet the other eligibility requirements.
2. Which institutions offer the scholarship?
The scholarship is offered jointly by the University of the Western Cape in South Africa and Vrije Universiteit Brussel in Belgium.
3. How long is the PhD programme?
The doctoral programme lasts four years and is full-time. Funding will not be extended beyond the approved period.
4. What is the research topic?
The project investigates how higher education institutions can better support students and staff experiencing serious illness, death, bereavement and caregiving responsibilities.
5. Must the successful candidate travel to Belgium?
Yes. The candidate must complete approximately ten months of residence and research training in Belgium, split between the second and fourth years of study.
6. What is the minimum academic requirement?
Applicants must hold a completed Master’s degree in a cognate discipline with a final average above 70%.
7. What documents are required?
Applicants must submit a motivation letter, academic CV, South African ID, certified degree certificates, academic transcripts, a three-page research proposal, three academic references and a declaration of any generative AI use.
8. What is the application deadline?
The deadline is 16 October 2026. Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.
9. How do applicants submit their applications?
Applications must be submitted as one consolidated PDF by email to Mr. Arthur Chikware at achikware@uwc.ac.za.
10. Is the scholarship amount specified?
The supplied announcement does not state the monetary value of the scholarship. Applicants should contact the university for clarification about the funding package and applicable conditions.
Opportunities Feed Assessment
This joint doctoral scholarship may suit South African researchers with strong academic backgrounds in Psychology, Social Work, Public Health or related disciplines who are interested in compassionate university environments, institutional care and bereavement support.
Applicants should carefully review the eligibility criteria, prepare all required documents and consider their ability to complete the international research stays before applying.
Disclaimer: Opportunities Feed shares scholarship and educational opportunities for informational purposes. We are not affiliated with UWC or VUB and do not administer this scholarship. Applicants should contact the institutions for authoritative information about funding and application requirements.
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