Canon Collins Sol Plaatje Scholarship 2026 Requirements & Application

The Canon Collins Sol Plaatje Scholarship is a prestigious postgraduate scholarship that supports those dedicated to social justice through advanced study in key humanities, justice, or education fields.

About the Programme

The Canon Collins Trust, in partnership with the Sol Plaatje Educational Project, offers this scholarship to exceptional students from South Africa, Namibia, and Zimbabwe. 

It enables master’s and PhD study linked to social justice, with a strong emphasis on climate justice, humanities, or education policy.

Fields of Study Funded

Eligible study themes include:

• Justice, such as Climate Justice, Law, Economics, Politics
• Education Policy and Practice
• Humanities, including Literature, History, Anthropology, and the Arts

Benefits for Recipients

• Awards range from R20,000 to R100,000 annually, depending on circumstances.
• Master’s students: funding up to 2 years; PhD students: up to 3 years (renewable upon satisfactory progress).
• Scholars are expected to engage with Canon Collins events and the alumni network.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must:

1. Be a national or refugee residing in South Africa, Namibia, or Zimbabwe
2. Hold or be about to complete a strong first degree (upper second class or equivalent)
3. Be applying for or registered in a Master’s or PhD at a South African university in one of the eligible study areas
4. Demonstrate a commitment to social justice through their goals and proposals

How to Apply

Applications are submitted online via the Canon Collins Trust portal. You must upload certified documents including:

1. Academic transcript and degree certificate
2. South African ID or passport (certified)
3. Curriculum Vitae
4. A motivation letter (detailing your social justice vision)
5. PhD proposals (if applicable)
6. Reference letters (at least two academic or professional)

Required Documents

1. Certified copy of ID document or passport
2. Academic transcripts and degree certificate (if available)
3. CV
4. Motivation letter
5. PhD proposal (for doctoral applicants)
6. Two reference letters

Closing Date

As of now, no official 2026 date has been published; you must monitor the Canon Collins website closely for the confirmed date.

Contact Details

For enquiries, reach out to the Canon Collins Trust:

• Email: [email protected]
• Telephone: +27 10 500 2303