The CAPSI-Wits PhD Writing and Methodology Workshop 2025 is a transformative academic program developed to strengthen the research and writing capabilities of PhD candidates across Africa. This prestigious workshop, hosted by the Centre on African Philanthropy and Social Investment (CAPSI) at Wits Business School, is designed to provide doctoral students with practical skills in academic writing, research methodology, and publishing.
Through mentorship from leading scholars, peer learning, and a week-long immersive academic retreat, the workshop empowers participants to make significant progress in their dissertations and develop confidence in their scholarly identities. It’s an unrivaled opportunity for African doctoral researchers committed to producing impactful work in the fields of philanthropy, social investment, and related disciplines.
This highly competitive program fosters research that addresses Africa-specific challenges, enhances academic rigor, and promotes evidence-based contributions to the understanding of social innovation and non-profit ecosystems in the region.
The CAPSI-Wits PhD Writing and Methodology Workshop 2025 is among the most sought-after PhD writing workshops in Africa, particularly for scholars seeking intensive mentorship and hands-on writing experience. Designed to address challenges common in African doctoral education—such as lack of research supervision, limited access to academic resources, and isolation—this initiative provides a rich, collaborative environment that fosters scholarly growth.
Doctoral candidates often struggle with defining strong methodologies, which is why this program focuses on research methodology training for PhD students. Participants will receive expert guidance on qualitative and quantitative methods, data analysis, ethical considerations, and proposal structuring—core aspects of rigorous academic research.
This initiative is also recognized as one of the top academic writing retreats in South Africa, offering a serene space far removed from city distractions, where intellectual engagement thrives. The tranquil Wits Rural Facility allows scholars to think deeply, write freely, and refine their dissertation chapters under the guidance of dedicated facilitators.
By providing a nurturing environment for doctoral support programs in Africa, CAPSI and Wits Business School reaffirm their commitment to nurturing the next generation of scholars. Participants will join a community of like-minded individuals, building long-term research networks and engaging in rich academic discourse.
The program is proudly organized by the CAPSI Wits Business School workshop team, known for pioneering new approaches in African philanthropy, development studies, and social impact scholarship. For students whose work intersects with nonprofit and philanthropy research in Africa, this workshop serves as a gateway to cutting-edge theory, practice, and publication.
For many doctoral students, accessing international conferences or fellowships can be difficult. This fully sponsored program stands out among African research fellowships for PhD students for its accessibility, rigor, and direct relevance to African contexts.
As a fully funded PhD opportunity in Africa, the CAPSI-Wits workshop removes financial barriers while amplifying voices that often go unheard in mainstream academia. Whether you are a first-year PhD student refining your proposal or in your final year preparing to publish, this workshop provides the tools to take your work to the next level.
Name of Organizer
Requirement/Eligibility
The CAPSI-Wits workshop is designed for doctoral students who are actively enrolled at an African university. Applicants must meet the following eligibility criteria:
Enrollment: Be currently registered in a PhD program at an accredited African institution.
Discipline: Fields of study may include but are not limited to:
- Social Sciences (e.g., Sociology, Political Science, Development Studies)
- Humanities (e.g., History, Philosophy, Literature)
- Business and Economics (e.g., Management, Finance, Marketing)
- Law, Education, and Public Policy
Research Focus: Preference will be given to students working on themes such as:
- Philanthropy and social investment in Africa
- Civil society and non-profit sector research
- Social entrepreneurship and innovation
- Non-state actors in African development
- Impact of technology on philanthropy and giving
Supporting Documents: Proof of PhD enrollment, CV, brief statement of purpose, and a 3–5 page proposal or abstract outlining current research.
Students at any stage of their PhD journey are welcome to apply, although those with well-defined proposals or preliminary findings may benefit the most.
Duration
The workshop will take place over seven days, from 14–20 September 2025.
Stipend
- Fully-funded travel to and from the workshop location.
- Full board accommodation for the entire duration of the workshop.
- Meals and refreshment breaks provided daily.
- Access to workshop materials, academic resources, and mentorship.
- Internet access to support remote work and digital collaboration.
This support ensures that selected participants can fully immerse themselves in the learning experience without financial stress, allowing for maximum focus on research refinement and writing development.
Location
Wits Rural Facility, Acornhoek, Mpumalanga, South Africa.
Set in a peaceful, nature-rich environment ideal for focused academic work, the Wits Rural Facility offers the perfect space for intellectual collaboration, reflective thinking, and uninterrupted writing time. The retreat-style venue removes participants from the distractions of everyday life and places them in a supportive academic environment.
Deadline
30 May 2025
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