The KAS-SAIIA Scholarship 2027 offers a fully funded master’s degree internship in South Africa, combining academic study at leading universities with practical research experience at the South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA). Successful candidates receive full tuition bursaries, a monthly stipend for living costs and accommodation, and mentorship to hone research, writing, and presentation skills. The programme runs from 1 February to 30 November each year and is open to students under 30 years old.
The Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung (KAS), a German political foundation, has funded this internship programme since 1999 in partnership with SAIIA. KAS promotes democracy worldwide through dialogue, political education and training. SAIIA, a leading foreign policy think tank, operates offices in Johannesburg and Cape Town, each focusing on distinct research areas such as economic resilience, African diplomacy, climate change, and futures studies. Scholars are integrated into these research programmes and contribute to SAIIA publications.
KAS-SAIIA Scholarship Benefits
- Full bursary covering tuition fees
- Monthly stipend to cover living costs and accommodation
- Mentorship and skills development in research, writing, and presentation
- Opportunity to co-author articles in SAIIA publications
- Access to high-profile career pathways in public and private sectors
KAS-SAIIA Scholarship Eligibility Criteria
- Must meet the entry requirements for a master’s degree at the relevant university
- Age must not exceed 30 years
- Must not have already completed the first year of a master’s programme
- Cape Town applicants must apply to a master’s at UCT, Stellenbosch University, or University of the Western Cape in Political Science
- Johannesburg applicants must enrol in a master’s at the University of the Witwatersrand in relevant fields
- Dual applications to both Johannesburg and Cape Town will not be considered
- Applicants should carefully study SAIIA’s research offerings to align with their university choice
Eligible Master’s Programmes
The scholarship supports master’s degrees in areas including:
- International Relations
- Development Studies
- Political Science
- Economics
- Law
- Journalism
- Humanities
- Social Sciences
- Related disciplines
Applicants should ensure their intended programme aligns with SAIIA’s research priorities.
How to Apply for KAS-SAIIA Scholarship
- Applications open on 29 July 2026
- Complete the online application form available on the SAIIA website
- Submit the application before 1 September 2026
- If university admission status is unclear by the deadline, proceed with the scholarship application and note this in the cover letter
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are the most frequently asked questions about the KAS-SAIIA Scholarship 2027. These answers cover eligibility, benefits, deadlines, and the application process.
What is the KAS-SAIIA Scholarship?
The KAS-SAIIA Scholarship is a fully funded master’s degree internship programme in South Africa, funded by the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung and run by the South African Institute of International Affairs. It combines academic study at partner universities with hands-on research experience at SAIIA’s Johannesburg or Cape Town offices.
Who can apply for the KAS-SAIIA Scholarship 2027?
Applicants must be under 30 years old, meet the entry requirements for a master’s degree at the relevant partner university, and must not have already completed the first year of their master’s programme. Relevant fields include International Relations, Development Studies, Political Science, Economics, Law, or Journalism.
What does the scholarship cover?
The scholarship provides a full bursary for tuition fees and a monthly stipend to cover living costs and accommodation. Scholars also receive mentorship, skills training, and the chance to co-author SAIIA publications.
Which universities are involved?
In Johannesburg, the partner is the University of the Witwatersrand. In Cape Town, partners are the University of Cape Town, Stellenbosch University, and the University of the Western Cape. Applicants must secure admission to one of these universities.
What is the application deadline for the KAS-SAIIA Scholarship?
The closing date for applications is 1 September 2026. Applications open on 29 July 2026. Late submissions will not be considered.
How do I apply for the scholarship?
You must complete the online application form available on the SAIIA website. If your university admission status is still pending at the deadline, submit the scholarship application anyway and mention this in your cover letter.
Can I apply to both the Johannesburg and Cape Town programmes?
No, dual applications are not accepted. You must choose one location and one university. Review SAIIA’s research focus areas—economic resilience and African diplomacy in Johannesburg; futures and climate change in Cape Town—to make your choice.
When does the internship start and end?
The internship runs annually from 1 February to 30 November. Scholars must be available for the full duration and are expected to combine their master’s coursework with work at SAIIA.
Is the scholarship available to international students?
The programme does not explicitly restrict nationality, but applicants must qualify for admission to a South African master’s programme and should refer to the specific university’s international entry requirements.
What career outcomes can scholars expect?
KAS-SAIIA scholars are highly sought-after and often move into high-profile positions in public and private life. The programme’s focus on methodological, research, and writing skills equips graduates for influential policy, diplomacy, and governance roles.
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