Deadline: January 30, 2023.

This is a fascinating opportunity for you to learn about the political, social and economic forces that shaped 20^th Century South African politics, including apartheid, with your peers from around the Commonwealth.

Hosted by Stellenbosch University, this is the first time the programme will take place in a winter climate.

Over the course of the week, you will:

• Hear from leading academic experts who will bring the country’s complex and significant history to life.
• Take field-trips to local sights, including Robben Island prison (where Nelson Mandela and other anti-apartheid campaigners were jailed), as well as the Cape of Good Hope nature reserve, a local winery, and more.
• Make new friends from countries across the Commonwealth and enjoy social activities such as games nights, film screenings, a traditional South African barbeque, and more.
• Stay on campus in Stellenbosch University accommodation and make the most of a life-changing experience at the ACU Summer School.

If you are inspired by imagining what a more equitable future looks like for all, and want to take action in your community, then this is the event for you!

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

1. The ACU Summer School welcomes applications from current postgraduate students (both master’s and PhD) and final-year undergraduate students at ACU member universities. Click on the link to find out if your university is an ACU member university.
2. The ACU Summer School is aimed at students studying a subject that explores themes related to truth and reconciliation and/or with a personal interest in truth and reconciliation.
3. They  encourage students who have not travelled outside their home region to apply. This does not apply to students studying in their host country of South Africa or ACU scholars.
4. They particularly welcome applications from students who come from backgrounds under-represented in international higher education, including students with a disability and students who identify as indigenous and those who have not travelled outside their home geographic region work, study or leisure.

FUNDING

The cost of full participation in the program will be covered, including:

• Accommodation on campus
• Transport
• Meals on campus
• Social activities and excursions
• Economy return flights/travel from your home country and travel to the university for students travelling from outside South Africa

The following costs are not covered:

• Visa (please note that some nationalities do not need a visa to enter South Africa)
• Food/spending on excursions 

APPLICATION

As part of the online application, you are required to submit a detailed academic reference from a lecturer or supervisor at your current university of study who is familiar with your recent academic work.

This must be submitted on official university headed paper, be signed and dated after 5 December 2022 and refer to your suitability to attend the ACU Summer School.

You are also required to submit responses to the following questions: 

• Describe your motivation for wishing to participate in the ACU Summer School 2023 and what you will contribute to and gain from the event.
• Explain how your interests and/or achievements, work experience, volunteering experience and studies fit with the themes of peace, truth and reconciliation in your context.
• Choose the UN Sustainable Development Goal which best relates to the subject you are studying or researching and explain why it is important that this goal is achieved using an example from your own country.
• Describe how you plan to share the knowledge and experience gained at the ACU Summer School with your university and community after the event.

OFFICIAL LINK