General

UCT Kaplan Centre Bursary (Undergraduate and Postgraduate)

Isaac and Jessie Kaplan Centre for Jewish Studies and Research, University of Cape Town (UCT) (administered in-house; adjudicated by the Kaplan Centre Academic Subcommittee of the Management Committee)

The UCT Kaplan Centre Bursary supports South African students studying or intending to study Jewish Studies, Hebrew Language and Literature, or related research at the University of Cape Town. Undergraduate grants cover UCT tuition fees and are renewable each year, while postgraduate grants may also cover travel, running costs and other research-related expenses. The bursary is administered in-house and awarded by the Kaplan Centre Academic Subcommittee following an interview of shortlisted candidates.

Amount
No fixed cash amount stated. Undergraduate grants cover UCT tuition fees (renewable annually); postgraduate grants may cover tuition fees, travel costs, running costs and other research-related expenses at UCT.
Deadline
To be announced
Renewable
Yes

Eligible Fields of Study

Isaac and Jessie Kaplan Centre for Jewish Studies and Research, University of Cape Town (UCT) (administered in-house; adjudicated by the Kaplan Centre Academic Subcommittee of the Management Committee) supports students in the following disciplines

Jewish Studies
Hebrew Language and Literature
Research focused on Jewish Studies

Eligibility Requirements

  • South African student
  • Studying or intending to study at the University of Cape Town (UCT)
  • Undergraduate applicants: studies focused on Jewish Studies, Hebrew Language and Literature
  • Postgraduate/research applicants: research focused on Jewish Studies
  • Two testimonials from referees (e.g. teacher, lecturer or principal) sent directly to the Kaplan Centre under confidential cover
  • Shortlisted candidates must be available to be interviewed by the Kaplan Centre Academic Subcommittee
  • Submit a complete application with all supporting documentation (incomplete applications are not considered)

What's Included

  • Undergraduate: covers UCT tuition fees, renewable each year
  • Postgraduate: covers tuition fees, travel costs, running costs and other research-related expenses at UCT
  • Adjudicated and supported by the Kaplan Centre for Jewish Studies and Research at UCT

How to Apply

Steps to complete your Isaac and Jessie Kaplan Centre for Jewish Studies and Research, University of Cape Town (UCT) (administered in-house; adjudicated by the Kaplan Centre Academic Subcommittee of the Management Committee) bursary application

  1. 1

    Confirm your eligibility and study focus on the UCT Kaplan Centre page (humanities.uct.ac.za/kaplan-centre)

  2. 2

    Prepare your application and all supporting documents - incomplete applications are not considered

  3. 3

    Arrange for two referees (e.g. teacher, lecturer or principal) to send testimonials directly to the Kaplan Centre under confidential cover

  4. 4

    Email your completed application to [email protected] using the subject line 'Kaplan Centre [Undergraduate/Postgraduate] Bursary Application - [Full Name]'

  5. 5

    Submit by the annual closing date of 15 February - applications submitted after this date are not accepted

  6. 6

    Attend an interview with the Kaplan Centre Academic Subcommittee if you are shortlisted

Required Documents

  • 📄 Completed bursary application
  • 📄 Academic record / transcripts
  • 📄 Two confidential testimonials from referees (sent directly to the Kaplan Centre)
  • 📄 Supporting documentation relevant to your proposed studies or research
  • 📄 Research proposal (postgraduate/research applicants)

Frequently Asked Questions

Who can apply for the UCT Kaplan Centre Bursary?
South African students who are studying, or intend to study, at the University of Cape Town. Undergraduate applicants must focus on Jewish Studies, Hebrew Language and Literature, while postgraduate and research applicants must be focused on Jewish Studies.
How much does the bursary cover?
There is no fixed cash amount. Undergraduate grants cover UCT tuition fees and are renewable each year. Postgraduate grants may cover tuition fees as well as travel costs, running costs and other research-related expenses at UCT.
How do I apply and what is the deadline?
Email your complete application to [email protected] with the subject line 'Kaplan Centre [Undergraduate/Postgraduate] Bursary Application - [Full Name]'. The annual closing date is 15 February, and applications submitted after this date are not accepted. Two referee testimonials must be sent directly to the Kaplan Centre under confidential cover.
Who decides who receives the bursary?
The bursary is administered in-house at UCT and adjudicated by the Kaplan Centre Academic Subcommittee of the Management Committee. Shortlisted candidates are interviewed before final awards are made, and incomplete applications are not considered.

When do 2027 applications open?

Isaac and Jessie Kaplan Centre for Jewish Studies and Research, University of Cape Town (UCT) (administered in-house; adjudicated by the Kaplan Centre Academic Subcommittee of the Management Committee) has not yet announced dates for the 2027 intake.

The last recorded window closed on 15 February 2026. Treat that as a guide to timing only — confirm the 2027 dates with Isaac and Jessie Kaplan Centre for Jewish Studies and Research, University of Cape Town (UCT) (administered in-house; adjudicated by the Kaplan Centre Academic Subcommittee of the Management Committee) before you rely on them.

Check Isaac and Jessie Kaplan Centre for Jewish Studies and Research, University of Cape Town (UCT) (administered in-house; adjudicated by the Kaplan Centre Academic Subcommittee of the Management Committee)'s official site

Need help? Contact Isaac and Jessie Kaplan Centre for Jewish Studies and Research, University of Cape Town (UCT) (administered in-house; adjudicated by the Kaplan Centre Academic Subcommittee of the Management Committee):

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 021 650 3062 (Janine Blumberg, Admin Assistant); 021 650 4730 (Assoc Prof Adam Mendelsohn, Director)

Information verified 2026-02-15. Always confirm details on the funder's official website before applying.

Other General bursaries

More funding opportunities in this field

NFVF National Bursary for Film and Television Studies

National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF) (statutory body under the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture; administered in-house via the NFVF online bursary portal hosted on Praxis GMS)

The NFVF National Bursary funds South African students pursuing accredited film and television studies at South African tertiary institutions. Awarded as a non-repayable grant based on merit and financial need, it covers 100% of tuition fees, with accommodation, meals and resources such as textbooks, computer and software covered subject to available funds. It is distinct from the NFVF's separately-applied-for International Bursary Programme for overseas postgraduate film and TV studies.

View details →

Ninety One Changeblazers Bursary

Ninety One (administered by CareerWise)

The Ninety One Changeblazers Bursary is a fully-funded, holistic undergraduate bursary for high-potential South African school leavers from low-income households entering their first year of university in 2027. Beyond covering tuition, accommodation and learning materials, the programme provides private tutoring, mentorship and wellbeing support to help talented young people succeed. It is run by global asset manager Ninety One (formerly Investec Asset Management) and administered by CareerWise.

View details →

Old Mutual Education Trust (OMET) Scholarship

Old Mutual Education Trust (OMET) (Old Mutual; established April 2005 via a B-BBEE transaction with ten participating trade unions; administered in-house by Old Mutual, with the Trust Board granting final approval)

The Old Mutual Education Trust (OMET) Scholarship is a partial bursary for paid-up members of ten participating South African trade unions, and the spouses and child-dependants of those members, who are studying towards a first undergraduate qualification at an accredited public university. It provides roughly R70,000-R77,000 per year toward study costs plus wraparound support including a dedicated Student Support Practitioner, a laptop, counselling, tutoring and vacation work. Around 60 scholarships are awarded each year, and the programme has produced more than 550 graduates since 2005.

View details →