Canon Collins invite applications for the postgraduate study in South Africa 2027. 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.
In 2027, Canon Collins will be making awards only to those studying in three areas:
- Justice, which includes Climate Justice, Law, Economics and Politics
- Education policy and practice
- 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.
About Canon Collins
The Educational Trust for southern Africa was founded in 1981 by the British Defence and Aid Fund for Southern Africa (BDAF), principally by Ethel de Keyser, director of BDAF and Canon John Collins, the founder of BDAF. After the passing of Canon Collins, the Trust was renamed the Canon Collins Educational Trust for southern Africa.
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Canon Collins Masters and PhD Scholarships
Aim and Benefits of Canon Collins Masters and PhD Scholarships
- Canon Collins will provide funding for up to a maximum of two years for Masters and three years for PhD. The value of the scholarship package will range from R20,000 to R100,000 depending on student circumstances. Canon Collins support both full and part-time study and will consider applications from those who wish to study by distance learning.
- Canon Collins 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.
Requirements for Canon Collins Masters and PhD Scholarships Qualification
In addition, to be considered for a scholarship under this programme you must:
- be a national of, or hold recognised refugee status in, one of the following countries: Angola, Botswana, Eswatini (Swaziland), Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Zambia and Zimbabwe
- be ordinarily resident in one of the above countries;
- be applying for, or currently enrolled in, a Master’s or PhD programme at a South African university;
- hold, or expect to obtain in the year of application:
- a good Honours degree (minimum Second Class Upper Division or equivalent) if applying for Master’s study;
- or good Master’s degree if applying for PhD study;
- demonstrate a sustained commitment to social justice through at least two years of active engagement in activities that contributed to addressing social, educational, economic, environmental, cultural, or human rights challenges in their community, country, or region. Such engagement may include, but is not limited to, community-based initiatives, advocacy, teaching or mentoring, public service, civil society or NGO involvement, social impact research, professional practice, or leadership in activities that promote equity and inclusion;
- be pursuing studies or research that contribute to understanding, responding to, or addressing a significant social justice challenge affecting Southern Africa;
- if applying for PhD study, have identified a supervisor (or prospective supervisor) who has agreed in principle to supervise the proposed research, and submit a draft research proposal as part of the application.
Please apply only if you are eligible.
Interview date, Process and Venue for Canon Collins Masters and PhD Scholarships
Applicants must complete and submit a short online application by 14 August 2026 at 16:00 SAST.
Only applicants who:
- meet all of the eligibility criteria;
- have submitted a complete application; and
- have uploaded all required Stage 1 supporting documents
will be considered for Stage 2.
In Stage 1, applicants are required to upload the following supporting documentation:
- Copy of degree certificates
- Academic transcripts
- CV
- ID document (the following are acceptable: passport, birth certificate or driver’s licence)
You may also need to submit:
- Proof of refugee status, if applicable
- Two recent payslips, if currently employed
Stage 2
Applicants who are successful at Stage 1 will be invited to submit a more detailed application in September 2026. Invitations will be sent by email.
As part of the Stage 2 application, applicants will be required to provide:
Two reference letters.
- Draft PhD research proposal (PhD applicants only)
- Sample piece of writing (Master’s applicants only)
- If applying for PhD study, a letter of support from the supervisor (or prospective supervisor) who has agreed in principle to supervise the proposed research
Applicants shortlisted following Stage 2 will be invited to interview in October/November 2026. All applicants will be notified of the outcome of their application by mid-December 2026.
All sections of the application form must be completed before the system will allow it to be submitted. Information can be saved and edited until you choose to submit your application.
Check also:
Commonwealth Master's Scholarship to Study in UK 2027/2028
Wageningen University Masters Scholarship to Study in Netherlands 2027/2028
Application Deadline
August 14, 2026How to Apply
Interested and qualified? Go to Canon Collins Trust on www.gapgrants.com to apply
For more information, kindly visit Canon Collins webpage.
