KAS-SAIIA Scholarships Programme 2027 in South Africa | Fully Funded

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The KAS-SAIIA Scholarships 2027 in South Africa are now open for applications. This scholarship and internship programme is offered by the South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA) in partnership with the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung (KAS). The programme provides financial support and professional research experience to students pursuing a master’s degree in South Africa. Successful applicants will receive a full tuition bursary, a monthly living stipend, and an opportunity to work as research interns at SAIIA while completing their postgraduate studies.

The KAS-SAIIA Scholarship is available for applicants who wish to study selected master’s programmes in Johannesburg or Cape Town. Unlike many traditional scholarships, this programme combines postgraduate education with practical policy research and mentorship. Participants work alongside experienced researchers, contribute to publications, and develop research, writing, and presentation skills. Applications for the 2027 KAS-SAIIA Scholarships opened on 29 July 2026 and will close on 1 September 2026.

The scholarship is designed for students interested in international affairs, governance, diplomacy, political science, economics, development studies, journalism, law, and related social science disciplines. Applicants must choose either the Johannesburg or Cape Town programme, as dual applications are not accepted. Candidates whose university admission is still pending may still submit their scholarship application, provided they explain their admission status in their cover letter.

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Quick Overview of KAS-SAIIA Scholarship 2027

What is the KAS-SAIIA Scholarship Programme?

The KAS-SAIIA Scholarship is a postgraduate scholarship and internship programme established in 1999 through a partnership between the South African Institute of International Affairs and the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung. The programme enables students to complete a master’s degree while gaining practical research experience at one of South Africa’s leading public policy think tanks.

Scholars are assigned experienced mentors and contribute to research projects related to foreign policy, governance, economic diplomacy, climate change, African diplomacy, and other international affairs topics. The programme focuses on developing future policy researchers, analysts, and leaders through academic study and practical experience.

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Scholarship Benefits

Selected applicants will receive:

• Full bursary covering master’s tuition fees.
• Monthly stipend for accommodation and living expenses.
• Research internship at SAIIA.
• Individual mentorship from experienced researchers.
• Opportunity to co-author research publications.
• Professional development in academic writing, research methods, and policy analysis.
• Training to improve presentation and organisational skills.
• Experience working on public policy and international affairs projects.

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Available Study Locations

Applicants must choose one study location when applying.

Johannesburg Programme

The Johannesburg scholarship is linked with the University of the Witwatersrand. Scholars work at SAIIA’s Johannesburg office, where research focuses on:

• Economic resilience
• African diplomacy
• Governance

Eligible master’s fields include:

• International Relations
• Development Studies
• Political Science
• Economics
• Law
• Journalism
• Related humanities and social science programmes

Cape Town Programme

Applicants interested in the Cape Town scholarship must obtain admission to the Political Science department at one of the following universities:

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

Research activities at the Cape Town office focus on:

• Futures studies
• Climate change

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Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must:

• Meet the admission requirements for an eligible master’s programme.
• Apply for either the Johannesburg programme or the Cape Town programme.
• Be 30 years old or younger.
• Not have completed the first year of their master’s degree before the internship begins.
• Demonstrate interest in public policy, governance, diplomacy, or related research areas.

Applicants whose university admission decision is still pending may still apply for the scholarship by explaining the situation in their cover letter.

Internship Duration

The internship runs annually from:

1 February to 30 November

During this period, scholars work alongside SAIIA researchers while completing their master’s degree.

Research Areas

Depending on the selected office, scholars may contribute to research covering:

• International relations
• African diplomacy
• Governance
• Economic diplomacy
• Climate change
• Futures studies
• Public policy
• Political science
• Development studies

How to Apply for the KAS-SAIIA Scholarship Programme 2027

To apply:

1. Choose either the Johannesburg or Cape Town programme.
2. Apply for admission to the relevant master’s programme.
3. Prepare a cover letter explaining your academic interests and, if applicable, your pending university admission status.
4. Complete the official KAS-SAIIA online application form.
5. Submit your application before 1 September 2026.

Applicants should carefully review the research focus of both SAIIA offices before selecting their preferred location.

Application Deadline

The last date to apply for the KAS-SAIIA Scholarships 2027 is 1 September 2026.

Applications submitted after the deadline are not expected to be considered.