DAAD Information Centre Team Joins the 2025 Eastern Cape Postgraduate Funding Fair

Hosted at Nelson Mandela University (NMU) in Gqeberha, the 2025 event marked a significant milestone by uniting all four Eastern Cape universities, Nelson Mandela University, Rhodes University, Walter Sisulu University, and the University of Fort Hare, in a shared commitment to broaden access to postgraduate funding opportunities and support postgraduate success across the province.

Held at NMU’s Ocean Sciences Campus, the fair showcased an expanded range of exhibitors, growing from 13 in 2024 to over 20 this year. This impressive growth reflects a collective drive to strengthen research and postgraduate education in the Eastern Cape.

The opening speeches set an inspiring tone for the day. Professor Azwinndini Muronga, Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Research, Innovation and Internationalisation at NMU, underscored the vital role of funding as a bridge between potential and realisation, and between dreams deferred and dreams fulfilled. He extended his appreciation to partners whose dedication enables collaborative research and human development, echoing the belief that universities have a crucial role in forging inclusive and impactful pathways for students. As he quoted Nelson Mandela, he reminded attendees of the power of education to transform lives and honour legacies.

Dr Nomakwezi Mzilikazi, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Research, Innovation and Partnerships, at RU reflected on the fair’s evolution and expressed enthusiasm for its continued growth, announcing that it will now take place annually on the second Friday of May.

The Director for Postgraduate Studies at the Walter Sisulu University, Dr Asabonga Mngeni acknowledged the increasing demand for postgraduate study and highlighted the persistent challenge of limited access to funding and support. He stressed the need for collaborative interventions to close this gap and welcomed opportunities to share resources across institutions.

Professor Karabo Shale, Director: Postgraduate Studies and Postdoctoral Fellowships from UFH offered words of encouragement, assuring students that universities are dedicated to supporting them throughout their academic journey. He reiterated that the fair was organised for their benefit and to foster the collaborations and resources needed to help them thrive.

Throughout the day, the fair provided postgraduate students with invaluable opportunities to engage directly with government agencies, private sector partners, and institutional funders. The DAAD Information Centre team was honoured to be part of these conversations, offering guidance on the German Academic Exchange Service’s funding programmes and pathways for further study and research in Germany.

The 2025 Eastern Cape Postgraduate Funding Fair was a testament to the power of partnership and shared vision, providing a vital platform for students, funders, and institutions to come together in the pursuit of educational excellence. We look forward to seeing the fair continue to grow and evolve in the years to come.