Canon Collins South Africa

Canon Collins invite applications for the postgraduate study in South Africa 2026. Canon Collins Scholarships for Postgraduate Study in South Africa is co-funded by the RMTF scholarship fund. If you heard of and are interested in applying for a Canon Collins RMTF scholarship, please do so here.

We will provide funding for up to a maximum of two years for Masters and PhD with the ability to reapply for a third year. Continued funding depends upon satisfactory progress and academic reports.

Scholarship Guidelines

In 2025, we will be making awards only to those studying in three areas:

1. Justice, which includes Climate Justice, Law, Economics and Politics
2. Education policy and practice
3. Humanities, which includes Literature, History, Anthropology and the Arts

Please only apply if your programme of study falls into one of these disciplines.

Interdisciplinary courses and doctoral studies may sometimes defy easy categorisation. Applicants are urged to use their judgement in assessing whether to apply. But applications that clearly do not fall within these areas (for example MBAs, medical sciences, sports sciences and applied sciences) will not be considered for an award.

In 2026, climate justice will be a priority. Climate Justice related scholarship applications may be in a science or applied science field as long as the application can demonstrate its relevance to climate justice related matters.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) Prohibited

All application materials must be entirely the applicant’s original work.

Using artificial intelligence tools (including but not limited to ChatGPT, Bard, or similar software) to generate, edit, or assist with any part of the application is strictly prohibited.

Any application that includes content created or modified with the help of AI will be immediately disqualified and rejected without further consideration.

Are you eligible?

Applicants must:

• be a national of, or have refugee status in, one of the following countries: Namibia, Zimbabwe, South Africa, Angola, Botswana, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Swaziland, Zambia
• be normally resident in one of the above countries
• be in possession of a good first degree (minimum second class, upper division or equivalent) or about to graduate in the year of application
• be studying or applying to study at a South African university

Please apply only if you are eligible.  View the guidelines here.

What we offer

We will provide funding for up to a maximum of two years for Masters and PhD with the ability to reapply for a third year. Continued funding depends upon satisfactory progress and academic reports.

The value of the scholarship package will range from R20,000 to R100,000 depending on student circumstances. We support both full and part-time study and will consider applications from those who wish to study by distance learning.

We also organise an annual conference for current scholars, and hold several smaller events throughout the year. Scholarship holders are expected to participate in these activities and to become part of and contribute to our network.

How to apply

We look forward to receiving your application. Good luck! 

 Access the online application form on our website here. You will find full instructions online when you start a new form.

Please note that we have a strict AI policy in place. Any applications found to be using generative AI will be disqualified. For more information, please see our AI policy.

All sections of the form need to be complete before the system will allow the application form to be submitted. Information can be saved and the application form edited until the applicant chooses to submit. All applicants are required to upload the following supporting documentation:

• Copy of degree certificates, if available
• Certified academic transcripts
• CV
• ID document (the following are acceptable: passport, birth certificate, driver’s license)
• Two reference letters

You may also need to submit:

• Proof of refugee status, if applicable
• Two recent payslips, if currently employed
• PhD proposal if applying for study at PhD level
• A supporting statement from your proposed supervisor if applying for study at PhD level
• A sample piece of writing for if applying for Masters level study

Please do

1. Complete all sections
2. Attach all necessary documents
3. Submit your application in a timely manner
4. Pay attention to grammar and presentation

Please do not

5. Repeat answers
6. Write in capital letters
7. Attach unnecessary documents

Incomplete applications will not be considered.