​​The Postdoctoral Research Support Office oversees all general matters related to Postdoctoral Research Fellows (PDRF), including appointments, registration and payment processes. The PDRF is linked to a host who acts as a supervisor and mentor. The host is an academic staff member in a relevant academic department (or equivalent entity) at Stellenbosch University (SU). PDRFs define a distinct designation of researchers in the univ​ersity system as neither student nor staff. ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

​PDRFs are usually awarded to individuals within five years of receiving a doctoral degree to engage in a period of dedicated research. Fellowships are awarded for a minimum of one year and a maximum of five years. A postdoctoral research fellowship is a transitionary phase, designed to bridge the gap from doctoral graduation to employment. PDRFs are productive and valuable members of the SU academic community.

We are privileged to have postdoctoral fellows from all over the world at Stellenbosch PDRFs are given the tools to enhance their employability and professional development during this career furthering opportunity. Postdoctoral fellows play an increasingly important role in furthering the research of the SU. You are invited to contact the office at [email protected].​​