The Archbishop Hurley Scholarships for 2025
As the 2025 application cycle opens,
the fund continues its mission to support academically gifted individuals who
demonstrate exceptional leadership qualities, a commitment to ethical values,
and a passion for community development. The Archbishop Hurley Scholarships for
Honours studies are not just financial aids; they are investments in the future
of South Africa, nurturing scholars who will go on to pursue Master’s and PhD
studies and contribute meaningfully to society.
The Legacy of Archbishop Denis E.
Hurley
Archbishop Denis E. Hurley, after
whom the scholarship is named, was a towering figure in South Africa’s history.
Known for his unwavering commitment to social justice, ethical leadership, and
community development, he played a pivotal role in the fight against apartheid.
His life and work serve as an inspiration for the scholars who bear his name.
The Hurley Scholarships aim to honour his legacy by supporting students who
embody his values and vision. These scholars are expected to excel
academically, demonstrate leadership potential, and commit to careers that
benefit their communities or academia.
Eligibility and Selection Criteria
The Archbishop Hurley Scholarships
are specifically designed for students from previously disadvantaged
backgrounds who are enrolling for Honours degrees. The ultimate goal is to
encourage recipients to progress to Master’s and PhD studies, thereby
contributing to the development of a highly skilled and diverse academic and
professional community in South Africa.
To be considered for this prestigious award, applicants must meet the following criteria:
Academic Excellence: Candidates must have a strong academic record, as evidenced by their transcripts and previous qualifications. The scholarship is aimed at high achievers who have demonstrated the ability to excel in their chosen field of study.
Leadership and Community Involvement:
Beyond academic performance, applicants must showcase exceptional leadership
qualities and a history of active involvement in community service. This could
include volunteering, mentoring, or participating in initiatives that address
social challenges.
Ethical Vision:
The scholarship seeks individuals who
possess a clear ethical vision for society. This means demonstrating a
commitment to fairness, justice, and the betterment of their communities.
Career Commitment:
Successful applicants are expected to
commit to careers in community service or academic roles, ensuring that the
benefits of their education are shared with others.
Application Requirements
The application process for the
Archbishop Hurley Scholarships is thorough and requires candidates to submit a
comprehensive set of documents. These include:
Completed Application Form:
This form captures personal details,
educational qualifications, and career intentions.
Curriculum Vitae (CV):
A detailed CV, not exceeding five
pages, that highlights academic achievements, leadership roles, and community
involvement.
Academic Transcript:
A full academic transcript that
provides evidence of the candidate’s academic performance.
Referee Report:
At least one referee report is required, preferably from a senior academic who can comment on the applicant’s leadership qualities and community involvement.
Research Proposal or Motivation
Letter:
Applicants must submit either an
abstract of their research dissertation proposal (maximum three pages) or a
motivation letter explaining their chosen research area.
Motivation for Scholarship:
A one-page statement outlining why
the candidate believes they deserve the scholarship.
Closing Date & How to Apply
The closing date for applications is
14 March 2025, and all completed applications must be submitted to the
Financial Aid Advisor in the applicant’s respective college.
Contact Information for Submission
The University of KwaZulu-Natal
(UKZN) has designated specific contacts for each college to handle the
submission of applications. These contacts are as follows:
College of Agriculture, Engineering,
and Science (AES):
·
Mr.
Gerald Naicker (Howard College): Naickerge@ukzn.ac.za
·
Ms.
Linda Mdunge (Howard College): Mdungel@ukzn.ac.za
·
Mr.
Mbongiseni Mkhize (Westville): Mkhizemb@ukzn.ac.za
·
Ms.
Lindiwe Kumalo (Westville): Kumalo@ukzn.ac.za
·
Ms.
Marcia Ntamote (PMB): Ntamotem@ukzn.ac.za
·
Ms.
Heather Singh (PMB): Singhh@ukzn.ac.za
College of Health Sciences:
·
Ms.
V. Sooknandan (Westville): SooknandanV@ukzn.ac.za
·
Ms.
S. Shangase (Howard & Medical School): Shangases1@ukzn.ac.za
College of Humanities:
·
General
Email: CHUM-SCHOLARSHIPS@ukzn.ac.za
College of Law and Management Studies:
·
Mr.
Bongamusa Gasa (Westville): Gasa@ukzn.ac.za
·
Ms.
Merci Rajkumar (Westville): Rajkumarma@ukzn.ac.za
·
Ms.
Thobeka Ngibane (Howard College): NgibaneT1@ukzn.ac.za
·
Mr.
Sandile Ndimande (PMB): Ndimandes1@ukzn.ac.za
The Importance of the Scholarship
The Archbishop Hurley Scholarships
are more than just financial support; they are a recognition of potential and a
commitment to nurturing future leaders. By providing funding for Honours
studies, the scholarship enables students to focus on their academic and
research pursuits without the burden of financial stress. This support is
crucial for students from disadvantaged backgrounds, who often face significant
barriers to accessing higher education.
Moreover, the scholarship encourages
recipients to pursue advanced degrees (Masters and PhDs), thereby contributing
to the development of a highly skilled workforce in South Africa. This aligns
with the broader goals of national development, as articulated in the National
Development Plan (NDP), which emphasizes the importance of education and skills
development in addressing the country’s socio-economic challenges.
The Role of Hurley Scholars in Society
Hurley Scholars are expected to be more than just academic achievers; they are envisioned as agents of change in their communities. The scholarship’s emphasis on leadership and community involvement ensures that recipients are equipped to make a meaningful impact beyond the confines of academia. Whether through community service, ethical leadership, or academic research, Hurley Scholars are encouraged to use their education to address the pressing challenges facing South Africa.
The Archbishop Denis E. Hurley Scholarships for 2025 represent a unique opportunity for academically gifted students from previously disadvantaged backgrounds to pursue their Honours studies and beyond. By supporting these students, the scholarship not only honours the legacy of Archbishop Hurley but also contributes to the development of a more just, equitable, and prosperous South Africa.
For aspiring scholars, the application process is a chance to showcase their academic achievements, leadership qualities, and commitment to community development. With the closing date set for 14 March 2025, prospective applicants are encouraged to prepare their submissions carefully and ensure that all required documents are submitted on time.
In the spirit of Archbishop Hurley’s
vision, the Hurley Scholarships are a call to action for the next generation of
leaders to rise to the challenge and make a lasting impact on their communities
and the world.
