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 2026 Article Refinement Programme
The Centre for Graduate Support invites postgraduate students to register for the Article Refinement Programme. The programme is an individually paced writing capacity development opportunity to refine manuscripts and substantially increase the publishability of the manuscripts. Only applicants with draft manuscripts will be selected to participate in the programme.
Individual contact sessions will guide the participants towards the completion and submission of their manuscripts.
Eligibility:
- Must be a UFS-registered master’s or doctoral student.
- Must have a draft manuscript. The manuscript must not form part of current master’s dissertation or doctoral thesis.
To register, complete the application form and submit here.
Enquiries: Contact Dr Pamela Makati at MakatiP@ufs.ac.za or call 051 401 3174.
Closing date: 31 March 2026
CALL FOR APPLICATIONS_ARTICLE REFINEMENT PROGRAMME 2026
Invitation to apply for the 2026 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 already writing their chapters, and not those writing proposals/protocols.
Who can apply?
Departments
Schools
Faculties
See documentation for the necessary information:
Call for Applications for Writing Dyad
Application Form for Dyad 2026
Finance Compliance Guidelines 2026
The deadline to submit applications is 27 March 2026.
Date of writing dyad: Must be hosted during the period of April – July 2026.
Enquiries:
Please write Writing Dyad Application on the subject line.
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 2026 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:
Call for Applications for Writing Retreats 2026
Application Form Writing Retreat 2026
Application Form Retreat and Dyad Combination
Finance Compliance Guidelines 2026
The deadline to submit applications is 27 March 2026.
Date of writing retreat: Must be hosted during the period of April – July 2026.
Enquiries:
Please write Writing Retreat Application on the subject line.
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