The Centre for Human Rights at the University of Pretoria, South Africa — one of Africa’s leading human rights institutions — is accepting applications for its Master of Laws (LLM) in Sexual and Reproductive Rights in Africa (SRRA), Class of 2027. The deadline has been extended to 13 November 2026.
The two-year programme is blended: most learning is online, with two one-week residential sessions in Pretoria each year. That means you can keep working while you study. It is open to applicants from all African countries, and only 15 students are admitted each year.
Key Details
- Institution: Centre for Human Rights, Faculty of Law, University of Pretoria
- Degree: LLM in Sexual and Reproductive Rights in Africa
- Duration: two years, January 2027 – December 2028
- Format: online + four one-week contact sessions in Pretoria
- Places: up to 15
- Funding: some scholarships; others can join as self-funded students
- Deadline: 13 November 2026 (extended)
What You Will Study
The programme examines sexual and reproductive health and rights through national, African regional and international human rights law. It builds skills in research, advocacy, policy development and institutional reform, with a strong focus on gender equality, combating stigma and discrimination, and the rights of women and other groups facing discrimination.
Benefits
- a specialised LLM from a top African human rights centre
- flexible blended study you can combine with work
- a small class of up to 15, with close contact with lecturers and practitioners
- a pan-African network of alumni working in law, advocacy and health policy
- scholarships for a limited number of selected students
The Centre has not published the scholarship amounts or exactly what they cover. Self-funded students pay their own fees and travel, so check the official call for costs.
Eligibility
- Law graduates: a degree giving access to the legal profession — for example an LLB, licence en droit or licenciatura em direito
- Non-law graduates: at least a four-year honours degree in a field relevant to sexual and reproductive rights in Africa, or another qualification that allows entry to a master’s at the institution where you studied
- excellent academic results and human rights experience or a strong interest in human rights
- nationals of any African country are welcome
Foreign degrees: qualifications from outside South Africa are subject to SAQA (South African Qualifications Authority) rules. A SAQA evaluation certificate is required for admission, so start this early.
Documents Needed
- academic transcripts
- degree certificate(s) — a four-year honours degree for non-law applicants
- passport bio-data page
- a good-quality photo
- TOEFL, SAT 1 or IELTS results if your previous studies were not in English
All uploaded documents must be typewritten.
How to Apply
- Read the official call for applications (PDF) and the how-to-apply page.
- Register on the University of Pretoria application system (the Centre notes you also need to register on Submittable).
- Complete the UP online application and upload your documents.
- Submit before 13 November 2026.
Enquiries: [email protected] (if you don’t have a UP student number).
Tips
- Show your human rights work — clinics, NGOs, legal aid, health advocacy or research.
- Order your SAQA evaluation now; it can take weeks.
- Explain clearly how the LLM fits your career and your country’s needs.
- Apply for a scholarship, but plan for the possibility of self-funding.
Related Opportunities
- Sciences Po Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program 2027 (Fully Funded Master’s in Paris)
- How to Write a Winning CODESRIA Research Grant Proposal 2027
- CSW71 SAEF Delegation 2027: UN Commission on the Status of Women
Deadline: 13 November 2026 (extended).
