KAS-SAIIA Scholarship Programme 2027

The KAS-SAIIA Scholarship Programme 2027 supports master’s students in International Relations, Development Studies, Political Science, Economics, Law, Journalism, and related humanities and social sciences while they intern at SAIIA.⁠​‌​​​‌​​‌​‌‌​‌​‌‌‌​‌‌​​​​‌‌‌‌‌‌​⁠

What it offers

• A full bursary for tuition fees
• A monthly stipend to cover living costs and accommodation
• Enrolment in a master’s degree with coursework at either the University of the Witwatersrand (Johannesburg) or one of the following universities in Cape Town: University of Cape Town, Stellenbosch University, or University of the Western Cape
• Assignment to mentors and skill development in research, writing, presentation, and organisation
• Opportunities to co-author articles in SAIIA publications

Who can apply

• Prospective students applying for a master’s degree in specified fields
• Applicants must meet the entry requirements for a master’s degree at the relevant university
• Applicants must not be older than 30 years
• Students who have already completed the first year of their master’s programme are not eligible
• Applicants should apply to either the Johannesburg or Cape Town office, not both

What you'll do

• Enrol in a master’s degree programme while working at SAIIA
• Work at SAIIA’s Johannesburg or Cape Town office based on the programme chosen
• Develop research, writing, presentation, and organisational skills
• Contribute to SAIIA publications through co-authored articles

How to apply

• Complete the application form available from 29 July 2026
• Submit applications by 1 September 2026 for both Johannesburg and Cape Town

Good to know

• The internship runs annually from 1 February to 30 November
• Applicants should review SAIIA’s research offerings in Johannesburg and Cape Town to inform their university and office choice
• If university application status is unclear by the deadline, proceed with the KAS-SAIIA application and note this in the cover letter