Humanities & Social Sciences: study guide, tips and eligibility checklist

What this study field covers

Psychology, sociology, anthropology, political science, international relations, development studies, social work, languages, history, philosophy, religion, media and communication studies, and public administration.

Where the funding tends to sit

At undergraduate level, look at broad-access funding that covers any recognised qualification, university financial-aid offices, and employers who recruit for communication, human resources or public-sector roles.

At postgraduate level, funding is often attached to a research theme, a department or a scholarship call with its own criteria. Fit with the theme matters as much as your marks.

Professional registration in social work and psychology

Some qualifications in this field lead to registered professions with their own placement and supervision requirements. Where that applies, funders may reference registration, and government departments sometimes fund these qualifications with a service commitment attached.

Application tips for humanities & social sciences students

1. 1Apply widely to funding that is open to any field of study - much of the support available to humanities students is not field-specific.
2. 2For postgraduate calls, mirror the language of the research theme in your proposal, honestly and without overclaiming.
3. 3Social work applicants should check for departmental bursaries, which can carry service obligations.
4. 4Evidence of writing, research assistance, community work or student leadership is directly relevant here - describe your actual role.
5. 5Ask your department about internal awards; smaller faculty-administered funds are rarely advertised widely.

Eligibility checklist

Run through this before you submit. It is a general checklist — the funder’s official requirements are the ones that decide your application.

• You meet the qualification the funder names

  Funders usually name the exact qualifications they fund. If your qualification is not named, contact the funder before spending time on the application.

• Your academic record matches what the advert asks for

  Some adverts state a minimum average or specific subject results. Where no minimum is published, submit your most recent full academic record anyway.

• You have the citizenship or residency status required

  Many South African programmes are limited to South African citizens or permanent residents. International scholarships often have the opposite requirement.

• You can meet any financial-need or household-income test

  Need-based programmes ask for proof of household income. Read what counts as proof and who has to sign it before the closing date.

• You can commit to the conditions attached

  Work-back service, vacation work, relocation, minimum pass requirements and annual re-application are all common. Check what the funder attaches to the award.

• You applied through the official channel, before the deadline

  Apply on the funder's own portal or email address, keep your reference number, and save a copy of everything you submitted.

Common questions

Is there less funding for humanities?

Field-specific corporate funding is more concentrated in technical disciplines, but broad-access programmes, university awards and research calls all fund humanities students. Apply to both kinds.

Do I need a supervisor for postgraduate funding?

For research qualifications it is commonly required. Approach potential supervisors well before the call closes.