The Canon Collins Scholarships for postgraduate study in South Africa are now open for the 2026 academic year. This prestigious opportunity offers full or partial funding for African students pursuing Master’s or PhD degrees in areas that contribute to social justice and development across the continent.
If you’re looking for financial support, academic growth, and access to a powerful network of African leaders and scholars, the Canon Collins Scholarship may be the perfect fit. Read: Mastercard Foundation Scholarship at the University of the Western Cape – South Africa
Overview of the Canon Collins Scholarships
- Host Country: South Africa 🇿🇦
- Eligible Study Modes: Full-time, part-time, or distance learning
- Application Deadline: September 2, 2025
- Funding Amount: Between R20,000 and R100,000 per year, depending on the applicant’s financial situation
- Program Duration: Up to 2 years for Master’s programs and a possible third year for PhD candidates
- Additional Perks:
- Annual Scholars’ Conference
- Networking events and training
- Integration into a community of engaged African scholars
Who Can Apply?
To be eligible for the Canon Collins Scholarships, applicants must:
- Be a national of, or have refugee status in one of the following countries:
South Africa, Angola, Botswana, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Swaziland, Zambia, or Zimbabwe - Be normally resident in one of the listed countries
- Have a good first degree (minimum second class upper division or equivalent), or be completing an undergraduate degree in the year of application
- Be currently enrolled or applying to a South African university
⚠️ Only apply if your course of study falls within the eligible disciplines outlined below. Applications in fields such as MBA, medical sciences, sports sciences, or applied sciences will not be considered.
Eligible Fields of Study
In 2025, scholarships will only be awarded to applicants pursuing degrees in the following areas:
- Justice – Including Climate Justice, Law, Politics, and Economics
- Education – Focused on Policy and Practice
- Humanities – Including Literature, History, Anthropology, and the Arts
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Special Priority for Climate Justice: In 2026, special priority will be given to applicants focused on climate justice. Interdisciplinary and applied science degrees will be considered if they directly support climate justice issues.
What the Scholarship Covers
- The Canon Collins Scholarship Package offers:
- Financial support ranging from R20,000 to R100,000 per year
- Support for both full-time and part-time study
- Funding for distance learning programs
- Opportunities to participate in annual conferences and exclusive scholar events
- Belonging to a community of changemakers across Southern Africa
Application Process
- Applications must be submitted online via the official website: https://canoncollins.org/scholarships/canon-collins-south-africa/
Required Documents:
- Certified copies of academic transcripts
- Degree certificates (if available)
- Updated CV
- Identification document (passport, ID card, or driver’s license)
- Two reference letters
Additional Documents (if applicable):
- Proof of refugee status
- Two recent payslips (if employed)
- PhD research proposal
- Supervisor’s support statement (PhD applicants)
- Sample of writing (Master’s applicants)
- All sections of the application must be completed before submission. You can save and edit your form until you are ready to submit.
Important Note: AI Use is Strictly Prohibited
- The Canon Collins Trust has a strict AI policy:
- Any part of your application created or edited with the help of AI tools (e.g., ChatGPT, Bard, etc.) will lead to immediate disqualification.
Only original, personal work will be accepted. Applicants must not:
- Copy answers or reuse responses
- Submit documents in ALL CAPS
- Upload unnecessary files
- Submit incomplete applications
Conclusion
The Canon Collins Scholarships offer more than just funding – they offer a chance to make a difference. If you are passionate about justice, education, or humanities and ready to advance your academic journey in South Africa, don’t miss this opportunity.
Take the next step toward your future. Applications are open until September 2, 2025 – start your application today!
