Theology and Praxis in Pastoral Care and Christian Counselling
SATS is proud to announce the 2027 full PhD scholarship and research internship for emerging South African theologians interested in Theology and Praxis in Pastoral Care and Christian Counselling. The opportunity includes a fully paid PhD scholarship, as well as experience in research assistance. SATS is inviting proposals that integrate biblical and theological understandings of transformation with practical expressions in pastoral care and Christian counselling in the African context.
Who can apply?
You may apply if you:
Are South African.
Hold an accredited master’s degree in Practical Theology or Christian Counselling.
Aspire to serve in theological education, the pastoral, or in the counselling profession.
What should be the topic or focus of your doctoral research?
The study must integrate theology and praxis in pastoral care and/or Christian counselling in a manner that shapes and sustains Christlike transformation in the African context.
What is the process SATS will follow with this scholarship?
The process starts with a general advertisement of the scholarship. The due date for applications is 9 October 2026. Thereafter, a panel of SATS academics will interview the best applicants and draw up a shortlist of the three most promising applications. They will submit a recommendation to SATS’s Senior Management Team for approval. Next, SATS will engage with the chosen candidate to clarify the final details and conditions of the scholarship and internship. The chosen candidate will be announced by 4 December 2026. Finally, arrangements will be made for the candidate to formally commence their PhD studies.
What are the conditions of the scholarship and internship?
Applicants who meet all the academic and registration requirements will be considered for a full PhD scholarship at SATS. The committee will select only one applicant. The scholarship is conditional upon continued performance throughout the doctoral journey. These requirements are as follows:
The successful completion of phases 1–5 of the PhD process.
A commitment to serve as a research assistant to a selected senior academic during phases 3–5 of the PhD process. The commitment would not exceed 8 hours per month.
The research assistance will be part of an internship and will thus not be a paid position. In addition to the full PhD scholarship, the student will receive the following:
Access to an annual Perlego subscription for the duration of their studies.
A once off R10 000 (±550 USD) office allowance towards a laptop, resources, books, etc.
How do I apply?
Write an essay and email it to Marilyn Schott, the SATS Registrar, at marilyn@sats.ac.za. The essay must include the following:
Your personal profile including a description of the ministry in which you are involved (100–200 words)
Certificates and transcripts of your qualifications.
A copy of your South African ID document.
Preliminary thesis title (10–25 words)
An abstract (200–300 words)
Submit a video recording, accompanied by a PowerPoint presentation, in the form of a mini-lecture on a topic of your choice within your field. The presentation should not exceed 8 minutes in length. (This is how you can record yourself in PowerPoint).
*The abstract must include a focus on Theology and Praxis in Pastoral Care and Christian Counselling. Any abstracts that do not fulfil these requirements will not be considered. Shortlisted applicants must be ready to present and motivate their preliminary ideas at interview.
For further information
Please contact Marilyn Schott (marilyn@sats.ac.za).