The KAS-SAIIA Scholarships 2027 combine master’s study with an internship at the South African Institute of International Affairs. Successful candidates receive a full tuition bursary and a monthly stipend for living costs and accommodation. Applications for the Johannesburg and Cape Town placements close on 1 September 2026.
Programme Snapshot
Programme: KAS-SAIIA Scholarships 2027
Category: Master’s Scholarship and Internship Programme
Organisations: Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung and SAIIA
Locations: Johannesburg or Cape Town
Internship Period: 1 February–30 November each year
Funding Status: Full tuition bursary and monthly stipend
Application Deadline: 1 September 2026
Age Requirement: Applicants should not be older than 30
About the KAS-SAIIA Scholarship Programme
The Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung is a German political foundation that promotes democracy through dialogue, political education and training.
Since 1999, KAS has funded an internship programme administered by SAIIA in cooperation with the University of the Witwatersrand. The programme allows selected candidates to pursue relevant master’s studies while working at SAIIA.
Participants receive mentorship and develop their methodological, research and writing skills. They are also encouraged to contribute to SAIIA publications and improve their presentation and organisational abilities.
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Johannesburg Scholarship Route
Applicants choosing Johannesburg may pursue a master’s degree with coursework in areas including:
• International Relations
• Development Studies
• Political Science
• Economics
• Law
• Journalism
• Related humanities and social science subjects
The Johannesburg office houses SAIIA’s economic resilience and African diplomacy and governance programmes.
Applicants should examine SAIIA’s research areas carefully before selecting their preferred location.
Cape Town Scholarship Route
The Cape Town scholarship is connected to master’s study in the Political Science departments of one of the following universities:
• University of Cape Town
• Stellenbosch University
• University of the Western Cape
Applicants for the Cape Town placement must apply for and be admitted to an eligible master’s programme at one of these institutions.
SAIIA’s Cape Town office houses its futures and climate change programmes.
Candidates must select either Johannesburg or Cape Town. Dual applications will not be considered.
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Scholarship Funding and Support
Successful KAS-SAIIA scholars receive financial support for their studies and living expenses.
✓ Full bursary covering tuition fees
✓ Monthly stipend for living costs
✓ Monthly support for accommodation
✓ Placement at a SAIIA office
✓ Guidance from an assigned mentor
✓ Development of research, writing and methodological skills
✓ Opportunities to co-author articles in SAIIA publications
✓ Development of presentation and organisational skills
The official announcement does not list travel or other additional expenses as part of the scholarship coverage.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants should meet the requirements stated for their selected study and internship location.
• Meet the entry requirements for a master’s degree at the relevant university.
• Be no older than 30.
• Apply for either the Johannesburg or Cape Town placement, not both.
• Select a master’s programme connected to the relevant scholarship route.
• Not have already completed the first year of a master’s programme.
Applicants whose university admission status remains unclear at the scholarship deadline may still submit an application. They should explain their admission status in the cover letter.
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Programme Expectations
The KAS-SAIIA programme is output-focused. Scholars work alongside SAIIA teams while completing their master’s studies.
Participants are encouraged to:
• Work with their assigned mentors.
• Strengthen their research methodology.
• Improve their academic and professional writing.
• Contribute to articles published by SAIIA.
• Develop stronger presentation skills.
• Improve their organisational abilities.
Candidates should review the work of the Johannesburg and Cape Town offices before choosing where to apply.
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How to Submit an Application
Applicants should first select either the Johannesburg or Cape Town scholarship route.
They must then:
• Review the relevant master’s admission requirements.
• Apply to the university connected to their chosen placement.
• Complete the official KAS-SAIIA scholarship application process.
• Provide accurate contact details through the application page.
• Explain any pending university admission decision in the cover letter.
• Submit the application by the stated closing date.
After applicants submit their contact details, they will receive an email with further information about the application process.
Key Dates
• Applications opened: 29 July 2026
• Application deadline: 1 September 2026
• Annual internship period: 1 February–30 November
The same application deadline applies to both the Johannesburg and Cape Town scholarship routes.
Application Deadline
Applications for the 2027 KAS-SAIIA Scholarships must be submitted by:
1 September 2026
Apply Here
Submit your details through the official scholarship application page and follow the instructions sent by email.
