Sol Plaatje University is offering the Nurturing Emerging Scholars Programme (NESP) for aspiring academics in Creative Writing. The fully funded programme includes a Master’s degree and internship. Apply by 13 March 2026.
Introduction
The Sol Plaatje University has opened applications for its Nurturing Emerging Scholars Programme (NESP) within the Faculty of Humanities, offering a unique opportunity for aspiring academics interested in Creative Writing and Literature. Based in Kimberley, the programme is hosted by the Centre for Creative Writing and African Languages (CCWAL) and forms part of a national initiative designed to develop the next generation of scholars in South Africa.
The programme, supported by the Department of Higher Education and Training, aims to strengthen academic capacity at universities while providing talented graduates with a structured pathway into higher education careers. Applications for this opportunity close on 13 March 2026.
A Structured Academic Development Programme
The Nurturing Emerging Scholars Programme is designed to identify promising graduates and provide them with the academic and professional development needed to pursue careers in academia. Participants in the programme will embark on a fully funded two-year Master’s degree in Creative Writing, followed by a one-year internship at Sol Plaatje University.
This structured approach allows candidates to develop advanced research and writing skills while gaining valuable teaching and academic experience. The combination of postgraduate study and practical academic exposure prepares participants for potential future roles as lecturers, researchers, or academic administrators.
By integrating formal education with practical training, the programme supports the long-term goal of strengthening South Africa’s higher education system and nurturing scholarly talent in fields related to literature, language, and creative expression.
Eligibility Requirements
Candidates interested in applying for the programme must meet several academic and eligibility criteria. Applicants must hold an NQF Level 8 qualification in a relevant field such as Creative Writing or Literature, with Creative Writing forming part of the academic curriculum. A minimum academic average of 65% is required to ensure that candidates demonstrate strong academic capability and potential for postgraduate study.
In addition, applicants must be 35 years of age or younger at the time of application. The programme is intended to support early-career scholars who are interested in building long-term careers in academia.
Candidates must also hold South African citizenship or permanent residency, as the programme is funded through national initiatives aimed at developing local academic talent.
Recommended Skills and Competencies
While meeting the formal academic requirements is essential, the programme also values candidates who demonstrate strong professional and personal attributes.
Successful applicants should possess good interpersonal and communication skills, which are vital in teaching and academic collaboration. Since participants will engage with students and colleagues in a university environment, the ability to communicate ideas clearly and effectively is particularly important.
Basic computer literacy is also recommended, as academic work often involves digital research tools, online learning platforms, and document management systems.
In addition, applicants with strong organisational and planning skills may find it easier to balance the various responsibilities involved in postgraduate study, teaching support, and academic administration.
Responsibilities During the Programme
Participants in the NESP programme will contribute to the academic environment at Sol Plaatje University while completing their postgraduate studies. During the course of the programme, candidates may be involved in several academic and institutional activities.
These responsibilities may include lecturing and tutoring, where participants assist in supporting undergraduate students through classroom teaching or tutorial sessions. Such experience is particularly valuable for individuals who aspire to become future university lecturers.
Another important component of the programme is mentoring, where participants support student learning and academic development. This allows emerging scholars to gain practical experience in guiding and assisting learners in an academic setting.
Participants will also engage in research activities, contributing to scholarly knowledge within the fields of creative writing, literature, and African languages. Research development is a core aspect of academic careers and forms an integral part of the programme’s objectives.
The programme further encourages community engagement, reflecting the role universities play in contributing to society through knowledge sharing, cultural development, and educational outreach.
Additionally, participants may assist with administrative duties related to academic programmes, helping them understand the organisational and operational aspects of higher education institutions.
Supporting the Future of Academic Scholarship
Programmes such as NESP are essential in cultivating the next generation of scholars who will contribute to teaching, research, and intellectual development within universities. By combining postgraduate education with practical academic training, the initiative provides a comprehensive pathway into academic careers.
For graduates with a passion for literature, storytelling, and scholarly research, the opportunity to study Creative Writing while gaining teaching experience represents an ideal stepping stone into academia.
With its supportive academic environment and commitment to developing emerging scholars, Sol Plaatje University continues to play a vital role in shaping the future of higher education in South Africa. Interested candidates are encouraged to apply before the 13 March 2026 deadline to take advantage of this prestigious and career-defining opportunity.
