Canon Collins RMTF Scholarships for Postgraduate Study

• Scholarship package of R20,000 to R100,000, depending on the student's circumstances.
• Master's: funding for up to a maximum of two years.
• PhD: funding for up to a maximum of three years (the guidelines describe two years with the option to reapply for a third year).
• Continued funding depends on satisfactory progress and academic reports.
• Full-time, part-time and distance-learning study are supported.
• Scholars are invited to the annual Canon Collins conference and other events and are expected to take part and contribute to the network.

• Stage 1 short online application (2027 intake): closes 21 August 2026 at 16:00 SAST, after an extension. Late applications are not considered.
• Stage 2 detailed application: successful Stage 1 applicants are invited by email in September 2026.
• Interviews for shortlisted applicants: October/November 2026.
• All applicants are notified of the outcome by mid-December 2026.

1. Check you meet every eligibility criterion and that your programme falls in one of the three funded areas; read the Canon Collins 2027 guidelines.
2. Apply to your chosen South African university for a place on your course.
3. Open the online application form through the official scholarship page, complete every section (progress can be saved and edited until you submit) and upload the Stage 1 documents before the deadline.
4. If you pass Stage 1, wait for the emailed invitation and submit the detailed Stage 2 application in September, including two reference letters and the other Stage 2 documents.
5. If shortlisted, attend an interview in October/November 2026.
6. Outcomes are sent by email by mid-December 2026, so give an accurate email address and do not email the Trust to ask about the result.

The application must be in your own words: using generative AI tools to draft or substantially edit any part of it leads to disqualification (standard spelling and grammar checkers are allowed). Submit early, because the portal is busy near the deadline.

Stage 1 (upload with the short application):

• Copy of degree certificates.
• Academic transcripts.
• CV.
• ID document: passport, birth certificate or driver's licence.
• Proof of refugee status, if applicable.
• Two recent payslips, if currently employed.

Stage 2 (by invitation):

• Two reference letters: ideally one from your current or most recent academic supervisor and one from an employer; if you have never been employed, a reference from voluntary work or two academic references are accepted. Referees should speak to your suitability for this scholarship.
• Master's applicants: a sample piece of writing.
• PhD applicants: a draft research proposal and a letter of support from your supervisor or prospective supervisor.

Only complete Stage 1 applications from applicants who meet all eligibility criteria and upload all required documents go through to Stage 2. Shortlisted Stage 2 applicants are interviewed. The Trust assesses applications against these criteria, including academic merit, financial need and potential to contribute to education in southern Africa:

• Academic record and references: at least an upper second-class (merit) undergraduate or Honours degree and excellent references.
• Future impact: how the scholarship and your studies will let you contribute to open and just societies in southern Africa.
• Work experience: preference for continuity between your past study and career and the proposed course.
• Leadership: priority to applicants who show they have formulated a shared vision or strategy, built relationships and networks, supported and mentored others, or delivered results.
• Alignment with the Trust's priorities.
• Commitment to social justice: a minimum of two years of relevant engagement, with evidence.