University Of Fort Hare Research Office, the Govan Mbeki Research and Development Centre (GMRDC) was established through the amalgamation of the earlier office of the Dean of Research and the former Govan Mbeki Research Resource Centre (GMRRC). The Centre acts as a service to staff on all research and Research and Development related matters across all campuses and administers the University’s research budget. It stimulates, promotes and builds research capacity among staff and post graduate students and works in collaboration with donors and national and international research bodies.

The Centre also develops – and monitors the implementation of – the University’s research, postgraduate and research ethics policies. The Directorate of Post-Graduate Studies is located within the GMRDC and is responsible for the promotion, development and implementation of post-graduate teaching, services and activities across all campuses. Its main physical base is on the East London campus within the Research and Post-Graduate Centre at 4 Hill Street.