Over 700 postgraduate students from four Eastern Cape Province universities were hosted by Rhodes University on 15 May 2026 for the Eastern Cape Universities Postgraduate Funding Fair. The annual event connects students with funding organisations and highlights available postgraduate funding opportunities to support their academic and research journeys. Over 30 funders participated, including the South African Medical Research Council’s Research Capacity Development (RCD) Division.

The event encouraged students to think more broadly about the value of postgraduate education and the role it plays beyond graduation. Speaking at the event, Dr Nomakwezi Mzilikazi, Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research, Innovation and Strategic Partnerships at Rhodes University, highlighted this by noting that: “The value of higher education broadly has to do with developing skills for participating in the economic, social, political, and cultural life of our nation, and engaging critically to advance understanding of the natural, physical, and human condition. It is crucial for knowledge generation and production, and one of the ways in which we can increase our pathways to positively impact society”

She further acknowledged that funding remains one of the most significant barriers to postgraduate education, underscoring the importance of the postgraduate funding fair in connecting students with funding opportunities. Graduates from the four universities reiterated this by sharing personal stories illustrating how access to funding has enabled them to pursue their studies, expand their opportunities, and shape their professional futures.

During the event, the RCD engaged with students by sharing information on health research funding opportunities but also highlighting the interdisciplinary nature of the field, showing students that there are many ways to contribute to the field, even if their studies are not directly health focused. Students who registered on the RCD database were entered into a lucky draw, with winners receiving goodie bags, adding an engaging element to the day

The continued growth of the Eastern Cape Universities Postgraduate Funding Fair reflects the shared commitment of universities and funding partners to supporting the next generation of researchers and professionals.