Rhodes University is accepting applications for its MA in Creative Writing for 2027-8. A limited number of Andrew W. Mellon bursaries are available to South African citizens studying full-time. The bursaries cover tuition and living expenses for both years. The official application page gives 30 November 2026 as the deadline for the MA application.
Closing date: 30 November 2026
At a glance
- Sponsor/host: Rhodes University and the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation
- Opportunity type: University postgraduate bursary
- Who it’s for: South African citizens applying for full-time study in Rhodes University's MA in Creative Writing for 2027-2028. Applicants must also meet the programme's admission requirements.
- Study level: Masters
- Location: Rhodes University, Makhanda, Eastern Cape, South Africa
- Academic year: 2027-2028
- Closing date: 30 November 2026
- Last verified: 2026-10-16
High-value notes (read this first)
The bursaries are limited in number and selection is based on financial need, with other factors also considered, including languages that promote multilingualism and the quality of the creative writing.
The bursary is for both years of full-time study; part-time applicants are not included in the stated bursary eligibility.
The programme requires full attendance and completion of course activities, including classes, assignments, orientation and contact weeks.
The official page does not specify a separate bursary application form or list bursary-only documents.
About the sponsor
Rhodes University is a South African university based in Makhanda and offers postgraduate study across academic disciplines. Its postgraduate funding programme includes internal and funder-based awards intended to attract postgraduate students. The School of Languages and Literatures publishes the MA in Creative Writing call and identifies a limited number of Andrew W. Mellon bursaries for full-time South African citizens. The current call says the bursaries cover tuition and living expenses for both years of study.
What it covers
Comprehensive bursaries covering tuition and living expenses for both years of full-time study. The number of bursaries is limited.
Eligible fields
- Creative Writing
Eligibility
- South African citizen.
- Applying for full-time study in Rhodes University's MA in Creative Writing for 2027-2028.
- Meets the programme admission requirement: an Honours degree in any discipline or an NQF equivalent.
- Selection is based on financial need and also considers other factors, including languages that promote multilingualism and creative-writing quality.
Documents to prepare
- Creative-writing portfolio of 30-35 pages; published or unpublished work may be submitted, including poetry, prose fiction, non-fiction or hybrid work.
- Brief CV with basic personal and contact information and relevant activities.
- Short motivational letter about reading and writing preferences and experience.
- Academic transcripts showing previous results.
- Bursary-specific documents: not specified on the current official page.
Closing date
30 November 2026
Common mistakes to avoid
- Assuming part-time students qualify: the bursaries are for South African citizens studying full-time.
- Assuming every eligible applicant will receive funding: the number of bursaries is limited and selection considers financial need and other factors.
- Submitting only an academic language-proficiency claim instead of a strong creative-writing portfolio: the page says creative-writing quality, rather than language proficiency, is considered.
- Forgetting to send duplicate copies of the MA application documents as directed on the official page.
How this opportunity was verified
Verified against Rhodes University's official Creative Writing page and linked ROSS application portal on 16 October 2026. The current page confirms the 2027-8 call, South African full-time eligibility, bursary coverage and the 30 November 2026 deadline.
How to apply
- Check that you are a South African citizen applying for full-time MA study; part-time study does not qualify for the bursary.
- Prepare the MA application materials: a 30-35 page creative-writing portfolio, a brief CV, a short motivational letter and academic transcripts. If you are completing a qualifying degree and will not yet have final results, notify the contacts listed on the official page.
- Apply online through Rhodes Online Student System (ROSS), selecting “Admission (not yet enrolled at Rhodes)”.
- Send duplicate copies of the same application documents using the contact method listed on the official Creative Writing page.
- The page does not describe a separate bursary form or a distinct bursary application process. Contact the Creative Writing section through its official page to confirm how bursary consideration is handled.