About the opportunity
The KAS-SAIIA Scholarship is a joint initiative between the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung (KAS) and the South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA), run in conjunction with leading South African universities. The program provides successful candidates with the opportunity to pursue a master’s degree in fields such as International Relations, Development Studies, Political Science, Economics, Law, or Journalism, while simultaneously working as interns at SAIIA. The program is output-focused, assigning scholars to mentors to help them hone their methodological, research, and writing skills, and encourages co-authoring articles in SAIIA publications and improving presentation and organizational skills.
Funding and benefits
- Full bursary for tuition fees
- Monthly stipend to cover living costs and accommodation
Who can apply?
- Must meet the entry requirements for a master's degree at the relevant university
- Must not be older than 30 years
- Must not have already completed the first year of their master's programme
Required documents
- Cover letter (specifically if the status of the university application is still unclear at the time of the deadline)
When to apply
- Applications opened on 29 July 2026
- Closing date for applications is 1 September 2026 for both Johannesburg and Cape Town
How to apply
- Complete the online application form available at https://pages.services/briefings.themidpoint.org.za/2027-kas-saiia-scholarship-application
Our Take on This Opportunity
This section reflects Open Opportunities’ own analysis of the opportunity from an applicant’s perspective.
You may be a strong fit if…
- You are under 30 years old and plan to pursue or are currently applying for a master's degree in International Relations, Political Science, Development Studies, Economics, Law, or Journalism.
- You are eager to combine graduate coursework with practical policy research and mentorship through an internship at SAIIA in Johannesburg or Cape Town.
- You want fully funded support that covers both tuition fees and living costs via a monthly stipend.
What should you think carefully about?
- You must be willing and able to study and intern on-site in South Africa, which involves relocation if you are not already based in Johannesburg or Cape Town.
- You cannot have already completed the first year of your master's program to be eligible.
- You should verify specific university entrance criteria and application deadlines, as you must meet the formal requirements of the relevant South African university.
How could this fit your current goals and plans?
This scholarship offers a structured pathway to bridge rigorous academic study with practical think-tank experience. By coupling master's coursework with mentored research, co-authored publications, and skill-building in presentation and writing, the program directly serves your goals if you aim to build a strong professional profile in international affairs, policy analysis, or research.
Our take
You should seriously consider applying if you are an eligible prospective master's student looking for comprehensive funding and hands-on policy institute experience in South Africa. Those seeking purely academic study without concurrent internship duties may find this output-focused model less suitable.
Ready to apply?
Review the opportunity on the official website before applying.
Official-source verified
