The Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung (KAS) and the South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA) are inviting applications for the 2027 KAS-SAIIA Scholarship Programme. The programme gives successful candidates the opportunity to enrol for a coursework-based Master’s degree while also working at SAIIA in either Johannesburg or Cape Town. Applications opened on 29 July 2026 and close on 1 September 2026.
At a glance
Sponsor/host: Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung (KAS) / South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA)
Opportunity type: Scholarship / internship programme linked to Master’s study
Academic year/intake: 2027
Who it’s for: Prospective Master’s students in relevant humanities and social sciences fields who meet the university entry requirements
Locations: Johannesburg or Cape Town
Application opening date: 29 July 2026
Closing date: 1 September 2026
Last verified: 1 August 2026
High-value notes (read this first)
- Applicants must choose either the Johannesburg or Cape Town route. Dual applications will not be considered.
- Johannesburg-based scholars study towards a Master’s degree while working with SAIIA’s Johannesburg office. Relevant areas include International Relations, Development Studies, Political Science, Economics, Law, Journalism and related humanities/social sciences subjects.
- Cape Town-based applicants must apply for and be admitted into a Master’s programme at the Political Science departments of either the University of Cape Town, Stellenbosch University or the University of the Western Cape.
- The internship runs from 1 February to 30 November each year.
- Students who have already completed the first year of their Master’s programme are not eligible.
About the sponsor
The Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung (KAS) is a German political foundation that promotes democracy through dialogue, political education and training. Since 1999, KAS has funded an internship programme run by SAIIA in conjunction with the University of the Witwatersrand.
SAIIA is an independent public policy think tank focused on a well-governed, peaceful, economically sustainable and globally engaged Africa.
Official application route: SAIIA links applicants to the official KAS-SAIIA 2027 Scholarship Application Process form.
What it covers
Successful candidates receive:
- Full bursary support for tuition fees
- Monthly stipend to cover living costs and accommodation
- Internship placement at SAIIA
- Mentorship and support to improve research, writing, presentation and organisational skills
- Opportunities to co-author articles in SAIIA publications
Eligibility
Applicants must:
- Meet the entry requirements for a Master’s degree at the relevant university
- Be applying for a relevant Master’s programme linked to the Johannesburg or Cape Town route
- Be not older than 30 years
- Not have already completed the first year of a Master’s programme
- Apply for either Johannesburg or Cape Town, not both
Fields of study supported
The Johannesburg route is linked to coursework Master’s study in fields such as:
- International Relations
- Development Studies
- Political Science
- Economics
- Law
- Journalism
- Related subjects within the humanities and social sciences
For the Cape Town route, applicants must apply for and be admitted into a Master’s programme at the Political Science departments of:
- University of Cape Town
- Stellenbosch University
- University of the Western Cape
Documents to prepare
The SAIIA listing sends applicants to the official application form, which asks applicants to first submit their contact details before receiving more information about the application process by email.
Applicants should prepare the likely supporting documents usually needed for this type of scholarship application, including:
- Updated CV
- Academic transcript
- Proof of application or admission to the relevant Master’s programme
- Cover letter / motivation letter
- ID or passport
- Any additional documents requested by the official application process
Closing date
1 September 2026.
Applications opened on 29 July 2026 and close on 1 September 2026 for both Johannesburg and Cape Town.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Applying for both Johannesburg and Cape Town, because dual applications will not be considered
- Waiting for university admission to be finalised before applying — SAIIA says applicants should still proceed if their university application status is unclear, and explain this in their cover letter
- Applying if you have already completed the first year of your Master’s programme
- Applying if you are older than 30
- Choosing a university or programme that does not match the Johannesburg or Cape Town route requirements
- Missing the 1 September 2026 deadline
How this opportunity was verified
This opportunity was verified from the official SAIIA listing for Applications Open for 2027 KAS-SAIIA Scholarships and the official application process page linked from that listing. The SAIIA page confirms the programme description, Johannesburg and Cape Town routes, eligibility notes, benefits, application opening date and closing date.
How to apply
- Open the official SAIIA scholarship listing.
- Decide whether you are applying for the Johannesburg or Cape Town route.
- Review the relevant university and Master’s programme requirements.
- Open the official application form linked on the SAIIA page.
- Submit your contact details through the form.
- Check your email for further application instructions.
- Prepare the required documents and submit before 1 September 2026.
- Keep proof of submission.
Application link: