KAS-SAIIA: Scholarships 2025

Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung (KAS) and South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA) is pleased to invite South African students to apply for its Scholarship Programme for the 2025 academic year.

Application Closing: 21 September 2024

The scholarship will cover Master’s degree studies, in the following areas, at selected universities:

• University of the Witwatersrand (Wits): Master’s degree by course work in International Relations, Development Studies, Political Science, Economics, Law or Journalism and other related subjects within the Humanities and Social Sciences discipline.
• University of Cape Town (UCT), Stellenbosch University (SU), or the University of the Western Cape (UWC): Master’s programme at the Political Science Departments.

Prospective scholars are encouraged to thoroughly review SAIIA’s research programs available at its Cape Town and Johannesburg offices to help them make an informed decision about their university choice. The Cape Town office focuses on SAIIA’s Futures and Climate Change initiatives, while the Johannesburg office is home to the Economic Resilience and African Diplomacy and Governance programs. Please note that applicants may choose to apply to either the Johannesburg or Cape Town office, but not both, as dual applications will not be accepted.

The internship will run from 1 February to 30 November 2025. Recipients will receive a full bursary for tuition fees and a monthly stipend to cover living costs and accommodation.

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.

Requirements

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 currently live in, study or work in South Africa
• You must have achieved an minimum average score for of 70% your Honours degree
• You must intend on studying towards a Masters degree in one of the fields listed above, in 2025 (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), University of the Western Cape (UWC), Stellenbosch University (SU) or University of the Witwatersrand (WITS)
• You must meet the minimum requirements for a Masters degree at your selected University

How to apply

Applications must be submitted online at: KAS-SAIIA-Scholarship Application 2025

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)
• 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.)