South African Institute of International Affairs
KAS-SAIIA Scholarship
Closes
1 September 2026
Value
Full tuition and monthly stipend
Level
Master's degree
For
Students under 30 years old
Sector
Humanities & Social Sciences
Type
Scholarship & Internship
About this bursary
The Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung and the South African Institute of International Affairs offer a joint postgraduate scholarship paired with a research internship. Running from 1 February to 30 November 2027, the funding pays for complete university tuition and provides a monthly living allowance.
This initiative prepares upcoming researchers for careers in public policy, government, and civil society. Successful candidates work closely with experienced mentors at SAIIA offices while completing their academic qualifications.
Applicants must select either the Johannesburg stream at Wits or the Cape Town stream at UCT, SU, or UWC. Candidates cannot apply to both locations.
Obligation
Recipients complete a compulsory research internship at SAIIA alongside their Master's studies from February to November 2027.
Courses of study covered
What the bursary covers
Who can apply
You qualify if
- Applicants must be under 30 years of age.
- You need to plan to enroll in a Master's degree for the 2027 academic year.
- Funding is strictly for new Master's students, not those who have completed their first year.
- Studies must take place at Wits, UCT, Stellenbosch University, or UWC.
- You must fulfill the entry requirements for your selected degree program at the university.
You do not qualify if
- Students over 30 years old cannot apply.
- Students who have already finished their first year of Master's studies are ineligible.
- Applicants applying to both Johannesburg and Cape Town programs simultaneously will be rejected.
Documents you need to submit
- Endorsement letter from a current lecturer for Master's enrollment
- Curriculum vitae with contact details for at least one additional referee
- Full academic transcript to date
- Two writing samples written by the applicant
- Motivational letter explaining suitability (maximum 750 words)
- Outline of research interest or proposed dissertation topic (maximum 100 words)
If your university admission status is pending when applying, mention this in your cover letter.
How to apply
- 1Review the specific program focus areas for Johannesburg or Cape Town.
- 2Choose one location and degree path that matches your background.
- 3Gather all mandatory supporting documents including writing samples and recommendations.
- 4Submit your online application through the official portal before the deadline.
Applications submitted after 1 September 2026 will not be processed.