Doctoral Research Writing Programme (Graduate Researcher Development Programme)
The Centre for Graduate Support invites registered UFS doctoral students in their first year to register for the Doctoral Research Writing Programme (Graduate Researcher Development Programme). The aim of this programme is to build and strengthen doctoral students’ research writing skills, which are required for the successful completion of their doctoral studies, and subsequently prepare them to effectively communicate, present and disseminate their research.
The programme will consist of intensive one-on-one writing consultations, intensive writing retreats and scholarly writing workshops, to guide the participants towards developing strong research communication and presentation skills. This programme does not replace support and guidance from supervisors and faculties/departments.
Eligibility criteria
- Must be a UFS-registered first-year doctoral student in any discipline.
- Must not be a previous or current participant in the Researcher Excellence Accelerator Programme (REAP).
Application process and required documents
To register, complete the application form and submit here. Ensure that you attach the following documents:
- A motivational letter clearly outlining why you want to participate in the programme. In your letter, clearly outline the significance of your study and how it aligns with the UFS Vision 130 and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
- Master’s academic record.
- Referral from Master’s supervisor.
- Proof of registration.
- Concept note or research proposal for your doctoral research.
Enquiries
Contact Dr Pamela Makati at MakatiP@ufs.ac.za or call 051 401 3174.
Closing date: 28 February 2026
Postgraduate Write Space
The UFS Centre for Graduate Support Write Space assists UFS postgraduate students and staff with their academic writing skills. Postgraduate students and staff can access a wealth of resources on academic writing including reading material, video tutorials and a discussion forum for students to engage with their peers on issues related to academic writing at postgraduate level. Students and staff can also make online bookings for writing consultations should there be a need for one-on-one academic writing support.
- If you want to make a booking for a writing consultation, please send an email to writespace@ufs.ac.za or call +27 51 401 3174. If you need an editor or proofreader, contact Dr Pamela Makati at MakatiP@ufs.ac.za
Academic Writing Sources
Invitation to participate in the 2025 Article Refinement Programme
The Centre for Graduate Support invites academic and support staff members to register for the Article Refinement Programme. The programme is an individually paced writing capacity development opportunity to refine articles and substantially increase the publishability of the articles. The programme is not a once-off writing retreat. Only applicants with draft articles or available data will be selected to participate in the programme.
Individual contact or email sessions will guide the participants towards the completion and submission of their articles.
To register, complete the application form 2025 ARP Application Form and submit here.
Enquiries: Contact Dr Pamela Makati at MakatiP@ufs.ac.za or call 051 401 3174.
Invitation to apply for the 2025 Writing Call Dyads
Purpose
The purpose of writing dyads is for supervisors and their postgraduate students within UFS Faculties, Schools or Departments to undertake two to three consecutive days of writing their research work for their degrees (dissertation/thesis chapters). The writing should be aimed at submission for examination. Preference will be given to master’s and doctoral students.
Who can apply?
Departments
Schools
Faculties
See documentation for the necessary information:
Application Form Dyad
Finance Compliance
Writing Dyad Application Guidelines
Dyads advert 2025
Enquiries:
Contact Dr Pamela Makati at MakatiP@ufs.ac.za for more information. Tel: 051 401 3174 or visit the Centre for Graduate Support, Johannes Brill Building, Office Number 14
Invitation to apply for the 2025 Writing Retreats
Purpose
The purpose of writing retreats is for staff within UFS Faculties, Schools or Departments to undertake two to three consecutive days of journal article writing. The articles should be intended for publishing in peer-reviewed journals that are listed under recognised databases such as ISI, IBSS, SCOPUS, DHET or SciELO SA.
Who can apply?
Departments
Schools
Faculties
See documentation for the necessary information:
Writing Retreat Application Guidelines
Application Form Retreat
Finance Compliance Guidelines for Retreats
Retreats advert August 2025
Enquiries:
Contact Dr Pamela Makati at MakatiP@ufs.ac.za for more information. Tel: 051 401 3174 or visit the Centre for Graduate Support, Johannes Brill Building, Office Number 14