How to Apply for a Scholarship

Consider your eligibility

• Always check the eligibility criteria before you start working on your application form. Don’t waste your time applying for scholarships if it’s clear that you aren’t eligible (nationality, residency or ineligible degree/course)
• When it comes to academic merit – we have funded applicants with lower grades than stipulated by the eligibility criteria in the past, but be aware that you do have a disadvantage if your grades are weaker. We do however look at many other areas of your application, and other achievements so if you feel that you fit the profile of an applicant we are looking for, we would encourage you to apply.

The agenda of the scholarship provider

• Canon Collins Trust believes that southern Africa’s development depends on strong leadership in key fields. We offer scholarships to candidates who show leadership potential and a commitment to contributing to social justice in southern Africa.
• Are your own goals and values compatible – if you are not a good fit, it does not matter how strong your application is. This is important because through your scholarship you will have the opportunity to build a professional network. Let your choice to apply match your professional agenda.

The Application Process

• Make sure you have enough TIME to write your application well, and that you have all the required documentation.
• Do not write your application in capital letters, and check formatting when copying your answers from another programme.
• Submit your application before the closing date!
• Keep a copy of your application.
• If applying for a PhD your proposal matters! (get feedback if you can). Identify and approach your proposed supervisor.
• Be honest and authentic.

Leadership and positive impact on your community:

• Do not simply list your leadership roles, tell us how you used these to make a difference or to influence others (to whom, when, how)
• Provide specific and recent examples, avoid vague answers.
• Be authentic, assessors are looking for potential!
• Link websites in the final question.

How do you hope to engage with the Canon Collins Network?

• Research the Canon Collins network. What does the network look like? Who is part of the network? What are some of the ways in which you can get involved in our network – activities, events etc.?

• Why would you like to be part of the network? What would you like to gain? What can you offer?
• How would you like to participate? Refer to previous activities, and other ways of engagement.

Reference Letters

• Your letters of recommendation DO count. They are almost as crucial as your application form and sometimes decide whether an applicant will be shortlisted for the interview stage.
• The reference letter should refer to your suitability for this scholarship/ the course you have selected.
• A supporting statement from your proposed or current supervisor is required for all PhD applications.
• Carefully select your referees: One employment (does not need to be the most recent) and one academic. Your employment reference can even be from a voluntary role. If you have been out of university for a few years and you can only obtain a very generic reference from your university, opt for two employment references instead.
• Allow people sufficient time to write your reference letter well.