📢 Recruitment Notice

We operate a two-phase recruitment cycle to ensure all students—especially those requiring financial support—have the best opportunity to secure funding.

📅 2027 Intake Application Windows

Please check which phase applies to you before proceeding:

Phase 1: Funding-Focused (15 May – 30 June 2026)

• Targeted Groups: Postdoctoral Researchers, PhD, and MSc applicants.
• Requirement: This phase is mandatory for any applicant who requires financial support (fellowships, research assistantships, etc.) to ensure sufficient time for funding applications.

Phase 2: Program-Specific & Self-Funded (August 2026)

• Targeted Groups: Honours, MITc (entering 2nd year), and self-funded MSc/PhD students.
• Note: If you are self-funded, you may apply in Phase 1, but Phase 2 is specifically reserved for those with secured funding or those in the Honours/MITc stream.

🧭 The Application Process

The application pathway depends on your level of study. Please read this carefully to avoid errors in your application.

✅ MSc and PhD Applicants (Internal Lab Process First)

To join the lab at these levels, you must follow this sequence:

1. Step 1: Apply to DSFSI first (via our internal application form below).
2. Step 2: If shortlisted, you will be interviewed by our team.
3. Step 3: If successful, you will receive a formal invitation/guidance to apply to the University of Pretoria, naming DSFSI as your research group.

⏳ Important: Do not apply to the University before being accepted by DSFSI.

✅ MIT in Big Data Science and Honours Applicants (University First)

For these programs, the sequence is reversed:

1. Step 1: Apply directly to the University of Pretoria via the standard UP application process for MIT or Honours.
2. Step 2: Once accepted or enrolled, apply to join DSFSI as your research group via our internal form.

📚 Research Pathways

• Postdoctoral Researchers: Apply to DSFSI with a 1–2 year research proposal. Candidates are expected to bring leadership and may co-supervise students.
• PhD & MSc (Computer Science/IT): Research-based degrees. Topics must align with DSFSI focus areas. Entry via the internal application and interview.
• MIT in Big Data Science (MITc): Apply to the University, then the lab. We strongly suggest taking COS 802: NLP for Data Scientists and completing your MIT 807 Mini Dissertation under DSFSI.
• Honours in Computer Science: Apply to the University, then the lab. We suggest enrolling in CO760: Natural Language Processing, COS 783: Data Mining, and conducting your COS 700 Research Project with DSFSI.

💡 Why Join DSFSI?

• Collaborative Research: Regular lab meetings and seminars.
• Mentorship: Bi-weekly mentorship with experienced researchers.
• Resources: Access to computing infrastructure and a global academic/industry network.
• Social Impact: Build inclusive AI systems that transform communities.

📝 How to Apply

When the window is open, use the link below:

📝 Apply to DSFSI here: 👉 Internal Lab Application Form

(Note: The form is only active during the Phase 1 or Phase 2 windows mentioned above.)

❓ FAQ

• Do I need to be an expert in data science to apply? No. We welcome learners, career switchers, and multidisciplinary thinkers.
• Can I apply without a supervisor? Yes. If you are accepted into the lab, we will help match you to a supervisor.
• Will funding be available? We aim to support students through fellowships and assistantships, but availability depends on the specific cycle and the applicant’s status.

✨ Join us in building a data science future that works for everyone.

You belong at DSFSI.