Canon Collins Trust Postgraduate Scholarships

Canon Collins Trust

♡ Save

Details checked on 30 October 2026. Dates and amounts change every year. Always confirm on the official page.

Who can apply

Nationals or recognised refugees from Angola, Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Zambia or Zimbabwe, living in one of these countries, with a good Honours degree (master's) or a good master's degree (PhD). For 2027 the funded fields are justice (incl. climate justice, law, economics and politics), education policy and practice, and humanities.

Watch: how to apply

About this opportunity

The Canon Collins Trust funds postgraduate study for people from southern African countries who show academic promise and a commitment to social justice, mainly at South African universities.

How to apply, step by step

1. Check that you are eligible. Nationals or recognised refugees from Angola, Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Zambia or Zimbabwe, living in one of these countries, with a good Honours degree (master's) or a good master's degree (PhD). For 2027 the funded fields are justice (incl. climate justice, law, economics and politics), education policy and practice, and humanities.
2. Note the deadline. Jun – Aug (annual; the 2027 round had a Stage 1 deadline of 21 Aug 2026 - the next round is expected to open in mid-2027) Confirm the exact date on the official page.
3. Prepare your documents. Passport or national ID; Academic transcripts and degree certificates; CV; Statement of purpose or motivation letter (if requested); Reference or recommendation letters (if requested); Research proposal (for research degrees, if requested); Refugee or asylum-seeker certificate; English-language test result or other language proof (if required); Anything else listed on the official page (this list is a typical checklist - always confirm there).
4. Apply on the official page. Open the official application page and submit your application before the deadline.

Free materials

Templates, checklists and guides to help you apply.

Browse all free materials →

Tips from our advisors

1. Read the eligibility line by line before you write anything. Most rejections are eligibility mismatches, not weak essays.
2. Contact potential supervisors before you apply. Send a one-page research summary and a short, specific email.
3. Show a clear link between your past studies, this programme and your career goal. Committees look for a story, not a list.
4. Start at least 8 to 12 weeks early. Certified transcripts, translations and referee letters usually take longer than expected.
5. Ask your referees at least 4 weeks ahead and give them your CV, your draft SOP and the deadline.
6. Submit at least 48 hours before the deadline. Portals slow down on the last day.

Quick answers

Who can apply for Canon Collins Trust Postgraduate Scholarships?

Nationals or recognised refugees from Angola, Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Zambia or Zimbabwe, living in one of these countries, with a good Honours degree (master's) or a good master's degree (PhD). For 2027 the funded fields are justice (incl. climate justice, law, economics and politics), education policy and practice, and humanities.

What does Canon Collins Trust Postgraduate Scholarships cover?

Packages from ZAR 20,000 to ZAR 100,000 depending on circumstances, for up to two years of a master's or three years of a PhD

When is the deadline for Canon Collins Trust Postgraduate Scholarships?

Jun – Aug (annual; the 2027 round had a Stage 1 deadline of 21 Aug 2026 - the next round is expected to open in mid-2027) Dates change every year, so confirm on the official page.

Where can I study or work with Canon Collins Trust Postgraduate Scholarships?

Host countries: South Africa.

What documents do I need for Canon Collins Trust Postgraduate Scholarships?

Passport or national ID; Academic transcripts and degree certificates; CV; Statement of purpose or motivation letter (if requested); Reference or recommendation letters (if requested); Research proposal (for research degrees, if requested); Refugee or asylum-seeker certificate; English-language test result or other language proof (if required); Anything else listed on the official page (this list is a typical checklist - always confirm there).

How much work is the Canon Collins Trust Postgraduate Scholarships application?

High: Academic Transcripts + PhD Proposal + Impact Essays + 2 Reference Letters + Proof of Income/Pay Slips