The Canon Collins RMTF Scholarships are now open for postgraduate students planning to study in South Africa in 2027. The scholarship supports Master’s and PhD students whose studies focus on social justice and development across Southern Africa. Eligible applicants can receive funding of between R20,000 and R100,000, depending on their financial circumstances.
Applications close on 14 August 2026 at 16:00 SAST. Therefore, interested candidates should prepare and submit their applications as early as possible.
Canon Collins RMTF Scholarships 2027: What You Need to Know
The Canon Collins Trust offers funding for postgraduate study at South African universities. The scholarship aims to develop future leaders committed to creating positive social change across the region.
Funding is available for:
- Master’s degrees for up to two years
- PhD degrees for up to three years, subject to satisfactory academic progress
- Full-time and part-time study
- Distance learning programmes where applicable
In addition to financial support, successful applicants become part of the Canon Collins scholar network. They also attend annual conferences and professional development events throughout the scholarship period.
Fields of Study Supported
For the 2027 intake, the scholarship will only fund postgraduate programmes in the following areas:
- Justice, including:
- Climate Justice
- Law
- Economics
- Politics
- Education Policy and Practice
- Humanities, including:
- Literature
- History
- Anthropology
- Arts
Applicants studying unrelated fields, such as MBAs, Medical Sciences, Sports Sciences or Applied Sciences, will not be considered.
Who Can Apply?
To qualify for the Canon Collins RMTF Scholarships, applicants must meet all of the following requirements:
- Be a citizen or recognised refugee from:
- Angola
- Botswana
- Eswatini
- Lesotho
- Malawi
- Mozambique
- Namibia
- South Africa
- Zambia
- Zimbabwe
- Ordinarily reside in one of the countries listed above.
- Apply for or already be enrolled in a Master’s or PhD programme at a South African university.
- Hold or expect to obtain:
- A good Honours degree for Master’s applications.
- A good Master’s degree for PhD applications.
- Show at least two years of meaningful involvement in social justice activities.
- Demonstrate that their research addresses an important social justice issue affecting Southern Africa.
PhD applicants must also:
- Identify a supervisor willing to supervise the research.
- Submit a draft research proposal during the application process.
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What Does the Scholarship Cover?
The scholarship provides financial assistance based on each student’s circumstances.
Successful applicants may receive:
- Funding between R20,000 and R100,000
- Support for tuition and study-related costs
- Funding for up to:
- Two years for Master’s studies
- Three years for PhD studies, depending on academic progress
Beyond financial support, scholars gain access to:
- Annual Canon Collins conferences
- Networking opportunities
- Leadership development events
- An active alumni community
How to Apply for Canon Collins RMTF Scholarships
The application process has two stages.
Stage 1
Applicants must complete the online application before:
Deadline: 14 August 2026 at 16:00 SAST
You will need to upload:
- Degree certificates
- Academic transcripts
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Identification document
- Proof of refugee status, where applicable
- Two recent payslips if currently employed
Only complete applications from eligible applicants will proceed to Stage 2.
Stage 2
Successful Stage 1 applicants will receive an invitation by email in September 2026.
Applicants will then submit:
- Two reference letters
- Sample writing piece (Master’s applicants)
- Draft PhD research proposal (PhD applicants)
- Supervisor support letter for PhD applicants
Shortlisted candidates will attend interviews during October and November 2026.
Final outcomes will be communicated by mid-December 2026.
Important Application Rules
Applicants should keep the following requirements in mind:
- Complete every section of the online application.
- Save your work regularly before submitting.
- Apply well before the closing date to avoid technical issues.
- Use your own writing throughout the application.
Canon Collins does not allow applicants to use generative AI tools, including ChatGPT, to draft or substantially edit application responses. Applications found to contain AI-generated content will be disqualified. Standard spelling and grammar checkers remain acceptable.
Why Apply?
The Canon Collins RMTF Scholarships offer more than financial assistance. The programme supports future researchers, educators and leaders working to solve major social and economic challenges across Southern Africa.
If your postgraduate studies focus on justice, education or the humanities, this scholarship provides valuable funding while connecting you with an influential network of scholars and professionals.
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Frequently Asked Questions
When do applications close?
Applications close on 14 August 2026 at 16:00 SAST.
How much funding is available?
Successful applicants may receive between R20,000 and R100,000, depending on their financial circumstances.
Can South African students apply?
Yes. South African citizens who meet all eligibility requirements may apply.
Is distance learning supported?
Yes. Canon Collins will consider eligible applicants studying through approved distance learning programmes.
Apply for Canon Collins RMTF Scholarships 2027
Eligible applicants can submit their online application before 14 August 2026 at 16:00 SAST. Ensure you upload all required documents and complete every section of the application before submitting. Applying early is strongly recommended to avoid last-minute technical issues.
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