CRYSTAL DONNA ROBERTS BURSARY

Established in honour of Crystal Donna Roberts and the legacy she leaves within the South African arts landscape.

A need-and-merit bursary supporting a postgraduate arts-related study within the Faculty of The Humanities at the University of the Free State.

ABOUT THE BURSARY:

The Crystal Donna Roberts Bursary has been established as a living tribute to Crystal Donna Roberts. It seeks to ensure that remembrance gives rise to opportunity by supporting a promising postgraduate student whose further study may strengthen the arts, culture and humanities in South Africa. 

The bursary is assessed on both need and merit. Academic and creative promise, motivation, the quality and relevance of the proposed postgraduate pathway, likely contribution to the arts and humanities, and demonstrated financial need will all be considered.

IMPORTANT FACULTY REQUIREMENT:

The proposed qualification must be administered within the University of the Free State Faculty of The Humanities, and the research must have a clear focus in arts, culture, creativity, literature, language, performance, heritage, media, or the humanities.

MINIMUM ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS:

• The applicant must intend to register, or already be registered, for eligible postgraduate study at the University of the Free State during the 2027 academic year.
• The postgraduate qualification must fall within the UFS Faculty of The Humanities. Applications for programmes administered outside the Faculty of The Humanities are not eligible.
• The proposed field of study must have a demonstrable arts-related, cultural, creative or humanities focus aligned with the purpose of the bursary.
• The applicant must meet, or be reasonably expected to meet, the admission requirements of the relevant UFS postgraduate programme.
• The applicant must submit a complete application and all compulsory supporting documents by the published closing date and time.
• The applicant must demonstrate merit and potential, as well as a genuine need for financial assistance.

IMPORTANT CONDITIONS:

• Admission to UFS and selection for the bursary are separate processes. A bursary application does not constitute an application for admission.
• Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee an award.
• An award may be conditional on formal admission, registration, satisfactory academic progress, and compliance with the final award agreement.
• The selection panel may verify any information supplied and may request further documentation or an interview.
• Incomplete, late, misleading, or fraudulent applications may be disqualified.
• The value, permitted use, and payment method of the award will be confirmed in the award letter. Funds may be applied to approved study costs or the student’s UFS account rather than paid directly to the recipient.
• The decision of the duly constituted selection panel is final, and subject to the bursary’s approved governance and review procedures.

Complete every section. Where a question does not apply, write “N/A”. The form may only be completed electronically. Please ensure that all required supporting documentation is uploaded where requested throughout the application form. Do not alter the wording of declarations or remove pages from the form.

Applicants should retain a complete copy of the submitted application. Original documents should not be submitted unless specifically requested.

COMPULSORY SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS – TO BE SUBMITTED WITH THE APPLICATION FORM

• Completed and signed application form
• Copy of identity document or passport
• Full Curriculum Vitae
• Full academic transcript(s)
• Copies of relevant qualifications, where applicable
• Proof of application to, provisional admission to, or acceptance by UFS for 2027 postgraduate study
• Motivation letter (maximum two pages)
• Two reference letters
• Discipline-specific supporting material: portfolio, writing sample, research concept, production record, audition material or equivalent, where relevant
• Financial-need evidence, including proof of household income or an explanatory affidavit where formal proof is unavailable
• Details of all bursaries, scholarships, loans, or other funding applied for or received

Applications are regarded as received only when successfully delivered through this submission channel. Applicants should keep the automated receipt or written acknowledgement.

An answer of “No” to either the UFS Faculty of The Humanities requirement or the arts/humanities focus requirement will ordinarily render the application ineligible

Please tell us about yourself in no more than two pages. Describe your intended postgraduate field of study and outline your career goals. Explain how your work contributes or aims to contribute to the arts. Additionally, detail how this bursary would support you in pursuing your studies.

Please upload your most recent and comprehensive Curriculum Vitae (CV). Your CV should provide an overview of your academic background, professional experience, creative practice, research activities, achievements, awards, exhibitions, performances, publications, leadership roles, community involvement, and any other experience relevant to your application. This information will assist the selection committee in gaining a holistic understanding of your background and journey to date.

Please upload a portfolio or supporting documentation that best showcases your creative, artistic, academic, or research practice. Depending on your discipline, this may include examples of creative work, writing samples, research proposals or concept notes, published work, performances, exhibitions, recordings, design work, production documentation, or any other material that demonstrates your skills, experience, and potential. Applicants are encouraged to submit work that reflects both the quality of their practice and their intended direction for postgraduate study.

Please upload two reference letters in support of your application. Referees should be individuals who are familiar with your academic, artistic, professional, or creative work and who are able to comment meaningfully on your abilities, potential, commitment, and suitability for postgraduate study. Wherever possible, at least one reference should be provided by an academic supervisor, lecturer, employer, mentor, or recognised arts practitioner. Reference letters should be signed, dated, and, where applicable, written on official letterheads. These letters will assist the selection committee in gaining a broader understanding of your strengths, character, and potential contribution to the arts and humanities.

APPLICANT DECLARATION

• I declare that the information in this application and its attachments is, to the best of my knowledge, complete, accurate, and not misleading.
• I understand that any material omission, false statement, forged document, or misrepresentation may result in disqualification, withdrawal of an award, recovery of funds, or referral to the appropriate authority.
• I confirm that I have disclosed all known bursaries, scholarships, loans, and other funding relevant to the proposed study and will promptly disclose any change before or after selection.
• I understand that selection for the bursary does not guarantee admission, registration, continued registration, or successful completion at UFS.
• I accept that the panel may request an interview, original documents, updated financial information, or additional evidence before finalising a decision.
• If selected, I undertake to comply with the award agreement, maintain satisfactory progress, provide reports reasonably required by the funder or administrators, and notify them of any material change affecting my eligibility or study.

PROTECTION OF PERSONAL INFORMATION CONSENT

I consent to the bursary administrators, the University of the Free State, the duly appointed selection panel, and authorised service providers collecting, using, storing, verifying and sharing my personal information to the extent reasonably necessary to administer, assess, verify, award, report on and monitor the bursary. This may include identity, contact, academic, admission, financial, referential, and supporting information.

I understand that my information will be handled in accordance with applicable South African law, including the Protection of Personal Information Act, 4 of 2013, and retained only for an appropriate period consistent with legal, governance, audit, and bursary-administration requirements.

I understand that I may request access to or correction of personal information held about me, subject to applicable law and the bursary’s approved procedures.

Before submitting your application, please ensure that all required supporting documents have been uploaded and that you have ticked the corresponding confirmation boxes for each item. This will help ensure that your application is complete and that no required documentation has been omitted.