Open Call for 2027 KAS-SAIIA Scholarship Program (South Africa)

The KAS-SAIIA Scholarship and Internship Programme supports eligible master’s students in South Africa by providing postgraduate funding, research training, mentorship, and professional development opportunities through the South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA). The programme offers location-based opportunities in Cape Town and Johannesburg, focusing on climate change, futures studies, economic resilience, African diplomacy, and governance.

Overview of the KAS-SAIIA Scholarship and Internship Programme

The KAS-SAIIA Scholarship and Internship Programme is designed for postgraduate students who want to pursue a master’s degree while gaining practical research and professional experience.

The programme combines:

• Financial support for postgraduate studies.
• Research development opportunities.
• Internship experience with SAIIA.
• Mentorship from experienced researchers.
• Opportunities for academic writing and publication.

The initiative supports young researchers interested in African policy issues, governance, climate change, economic development, and international affairs.

Programme Locations and Research Focus Areas

The scholarship is available through two research locations, each connected to different SAIIA programmes.

Cape Town-Based Scholarship

The Cape Town programme is linked to:

• Futures programmes.
• Climate change research.
• Sustainability-focused policy areas.

Applicants interested in environmental policy, climate resilience, and future development challenges may benefit from this track.

Johannesburg-Based Scholarship

The Johannesburg programme is connected to:

• Economic resilience programmes.
• African diplomacy.
• Governance research.

This track focuses on political, economic, and international relations issues affecting Africa.

Scholarship Benefits

Successful candidates receive full scholarship support through a bursary.

The funding includes:

• Tuition fee coverage.
• Monthly living allowance.
• Accommodation support.

The scholarship enables students to focus on their master’s studies while participating in research and internship activities.

Research and Professional Development Opportunities

The programme provides scholars with opportunities to strengthen their academic and professional skills.

Participants receive support in:

• Research methodology.
• Academic writing.
• Policy analysis.
• Presentation skills.
• Professional communication.
• Organisational skills.

Scholars are assigned mentors who guide them throughout the programme.

Publication and Networking Opportunities

The programme encourages scholars to contribute to SAIIA’s research activities.

Participants may have opportunities to:

• Co-author articles for SAIIA publications.
• Present research findings.
• Engage with researchers and policy professionals.
• Build professional networks.

Who Is Eligible?

Applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Be applying for a master’s degree programme in South Africa.
• Meet admission requirements of the relevant university.
• Be 30 years old or younger.
• Not have completed the first year of their master’s programme.

University Admission Requirements

For the Cape Town-based scholarship, applicants must apply for and be admitted into a master’s programme in the Political Science departments of one of the following universities:

• University of Cape Town.
• Stellenbosch University.
• University of the Western Cape.

Applicants whose admission status is still pending at the internship deadline may still apply.

They should clearly mention their pending admission status in their cover letter.

Application Restrictions

Applicants should note:

• Candidates may apply for either the Johannesburg or Cape Town programme.
• Dual applications for both programmes are not considered.
• Applicants cannot already have completed the first year of their master’s programme.

Why This Scholarship Matters

The KAS-SAIIA Scholarship and Internship Programme supports the development of future researchers and policy professionals.

The programme helps participants by:

• Reducing financial barriers to postgraduate education.
• Building advanced research skills.
• Providing practical experience in policy research.
• Creating connections with academic and professional networks.
• Supporting young African scholars working on important regional issues.

How the Programme Works

Step 1: Choose a Research Location

Applicants should select either:

• Cape Town programme focusing on futures and climate change, or
• Johannesburg programme focusing on economic resilience, diplomacy, and governance.

Step 2: Apply for a Relevant Master’s Programme

Applicants must seek admission to an eligible master’s programme at the relevant university.

For Cape Town applicants, admission must be pursued through the Political Science departments of eligible universities.

Step 3: Submit Scholarship Application

Applicants should provide:

• Academic background information.
• Cover letter.
• Details of master’s programme application.
• Relevant research interests.
• Supporting documents.

Step 4: Participate in Research Internship Activities

Selected scholars participate in SAIIA activities and receive mentorship throughout the programme.

Step 5: Develop Research Outputs

Participants work toward:

• Research publications.
• Policy contributions.
• Presentations.
• Professional development outcomes.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Applicants should avoid:

• Applying to both Johannesburg and Cape Town programmes.
• Applying without meeting university admission requirements.
• Failing to mention pending admission status.
• Applying after completing the first year of a master’s programme.
• Submitting applications without clear research interests.

Tips for a Strong Application

Applicants can improve their chances by:

• Clearly explaining their research interests.
• Connecting their academic goals with SAIIA programme areas.
• Highlighting relevant academic or professional experience.
• Demonstrating interest in African policy challenges.
• Preparing a strong and focused cover letter.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the KAS-SAIIA Scholarship and Internship Programme?

It is a postgraduate scholarship and internship programme that supports master’s students in South Africa through funding, research training, and professional development.

Who can apply for the scholarship?

Eligible applicants are master’s students who meet university admission requirements, are 30 years old or younger, and have not completed the first year of their master’s programme.

What financial support does the scholarship provide?

Successful candidates receive tuition funding, a monthly stipend, and support for living costs and accommodation.

What are the main research areas covered?

The programme focuses on climate change, futures research, economic resilience, African diplomacy, and governance.

Can applicants apply for both Johannesburg and Cape Town programmes?

No. Candidates must choose one programme location. Dual applications are not considered.

Do applicants need university admission before applying?

Applicants may apply even if admission is still pending, but they must mention this in their cover letter.

What professional benefits do scholars receive?

Scholars receive mentorship, research training, writing support, publication opportunities, and networking experience with policy professionals.

Conclusion

The KAS-SAIIA Scholarship and Internship Programme provides a valuable pathway for young researchers to pursue master’s studies while developing practical skills in policy research and professional environments. Through financial support, mentorship, and research opportunities, the programme helps prepare future leaders working on Africa’s key social, economic, climate, and governance challenges.