KAS-SAIIA-Scholarship South Africa 2027

WHAT FIELDS OF STUDY DOES THE KAS-SAIIA-SCHOLARSHIP COVER?

The Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung (KAS) is inviting postgraduate students to apply for the KAS-SAIIA Scholarship Programme, for the 2027 academic year.

KAS-SAIIA Scholarships are available for studies in either Johannesburg or Cape Town.

Applicants may only apply for one programme. Applications for both Johannesburg and Cape Town will not be considered.

Prospective applicants are encouraged to choose the programme that best aligns with their academic and career interests.

** RELATED BURSARIES **

• View our other Masters degree Bursaries and Scholarships here.
• View our other University-specific Bursaries and Scholarships here.
• View our other Bursaries OPEN for application here.

WHAT EXPENSES ARE COVERED BY THE KAS-SAIIA-SCHOLARSHIP?

The internship will run from 1 February to 30 November 2027.

Recipients will receive a full bursary for tuition fees and a monthly stipend to cover living costs and accommodation.

Many former KAS-SAIIA scholars have gone on to successful careers in government, academia, international organisations, civil society and the private sector.

The program emphasizes results, with KAS-SAIIA scholars, who are paired with mentors, often advancing to prominent roles in both the public and private sectors. Scholars receive support in refining their research, writing, and methodological abilities, and are encouraged to 1) co-author articles for SAIIA publications and 2) enhance their presentation and organizational skills.

www.zabursaries.co.za is committed to keeping you up to date with the latest bursary opportunities, and this article covers all details about the KAS-SAIIA-Scholarship.

WHAT IS THE ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA FOR THE KAS-SAIIA-SCHOLARSHIP?

Applicants must satisfy the following minimum entry criteria before applying (please note that failure to satisfy all the requirements will lead to your application not being considered):

• You must NOT be older than 30 years old
• You must intend on studying towards a Masters degree in one of the fields listed above, in 2027 (the scholarship does NOT fund students who have already completed a first year of their Master’s programme)
• You must intend on studying at one of the following Universities:
  • University of Cape Town (UCT)
  • Stellenbosch University (SU)
  • University of the Western Cape (UWC)
  • University of the Witwatersrand (Wits)
• You must meet the minimum requirements for a Masters degree at your selected University

HOW CAN I APPLY FOR THE KAS-SAIIA-SCHOLARSHIP?

Applications must be submitted online at: KAS-SAIIA-Scholarship Application 2027

Enter “www.zabursaries.co.za” in the field asking how you heard about the KAS-SAIIA-Scholarship.

WHAT DOCUMENTS MUST I SUBMIT FOR THE KAS-SAIIA-SCHOLARSHIP?

Submit clear copies of the following supporting documentation along with your online application (the submission of these documents is compulsory – if any items are missing, your application may be disqualified):

• Support or endorsement letter from a current lecturer for enrollment into a Masters Programme
• Curriculum Vitae with a minimum of 1 additional written reference
• Full academic record to date
• 2 samples of your own writing
• Motivational letter explaining why you are applying for the scholarship and why you should be selected (maximum 1 page/ 750 words) (read our tips on how to write a motivational letter for your bursary application)
• Research area of interest and/or a potential topic for your Masters Dissertation (maximum 100 words)

(Note: If the status of their application to the relevant university is still pending by the internship application deadline, candidates are encouraged to submit their internship application regardless, mentioning this in their cover letter.)

WHEN IS THE CLOSING DATE FOR THE KAS-SAIIA-SCHOLARSHIP?

1 September 2026.

(Applications submitted after this date will not be accepted – please apply before the closing date to ensure your application is considered.)

HOW CAN I CONTACT THE SCHOLARSHIP PROVIDER?

For any queries related to this bursary programme, please contact the South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA) directly:
Tel: 011 339 2021
Email: internships@saiia.org.za

Please do NOT contact KAS or the SAIIA if this bursary has already closed. View our other bursaries open for application here: https://www.zabursaries.co.za/bursary-news/

WHAT DOES KAS & SAIIA DO?

The Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung (KAS) is a German political foundation dedicated to strengthening democracy, the rule of law, good governance and international cooperation. Named after Germany’s first post-war Chancellor, Konrad Adenauer, the foundation promotes political dialogue, civic education, policy research and leadership development in countries around the world. In South Africa, KAS operates from offices in Cape Town and Johannesburg, where it collaborates with universities, research institutions, government bodies and civil society organisations on projects that support democratic governance and sustainable development.

The South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA) is an independent, non-profit public policy think tank that conducts research and analysis on South African, African and global affairs. Through evidence-based research, policy dialogue and public engagement, SAIIA contributes to informed decision-making on issues such as foreign policy, governance, economic development, climate change and international relations. Headquartered at the University of the Witwatersrand in Johannesburg, the institute also has a presence in Cape Town and works with partners across Africa and beyond.

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This bursary listing was last updated in July 2026.

SA Bursaries wishes you the best of luck with your application! Please remember to SHARE this page with anyone you know who may be in need of bursary funding.