SATS 2027 PhD Scholarship and Research Internship (Pastoral Care and Christian Counselling)

• Full PhD scholarship at SATS
• Annual Perlego subscription for the duration of studies
• Once-off office allowance of R10 000 (about USD 550) for a laptop, resources and books
• Research assistant experience through an unpaid internship

Conditions: continued performance throughout the doctorate; successful completion of phases 1 to 5 of the PhD process; service as research assistant to a selected senior academic during phases 3 to 5 for no more than 8 hours per month.

• Applications close 9 October 2026.
• Chosen candidate announced by 4 December 2026.

1. Prepare a single essay submission containing all required items (see documents) as set out on the official SATS page.
2. Email it to the SATS Registrar, Marilyn Schott, at [email protected], by 9 October 2026.
3. A panel of SATS academics reviews applications and interviews the strongest candidates, who must be ready to present and defend their preliminary ideas.
4. The panel shortlists three applicants and recommends them to the Senior Management Team for approval.
5. SATS finalises the scholarship and internship details with the chosen candidate, who is announced by 4 December 2026, and arrangements are made to begin PhD studies.

• Personal profile including a description of your ministry (100 to 200 words)
• Certificates and transcripts of your qualifications
• Copy of your South African ID document
• Preliminary thesis title (10 to 25 words)
• Abstract (200 to 300 words) clearly focused on Theology and Praxis in Pastoral Care and Christian Counselling; abstracts without this focus are not considered
• Video mini-lecture with PowerPoint on a topic in your field, no longer than 8 minutes

1. A panel of SATS academics reviews all applications and interviews the strongest candidates, who present and defend their preliminary ideas.
2. The panel shortlists the three most promising applicants and recommends them to the Senior Management Team.
3. Management approves the final choice, and SATS finalises the scholarship and internship conditions with the chosen candidate.
4. The chosen candidate is announced by 4 December 2026.