KAS-SAIIA Scholarship 2027, Requirements & Application

Key facts

Status: Applications closed Closed 1 September 2026
Provider: SAIIA
Field of study: Law
Study level: Postgraduate, Undergraduate
Academic year: 2027
Applications open: 29 July 2026
Last checked: September 2026

Applications for the 2027 programme opened on 29 July 2026 and closed on 1 September 2026.

Written by Keagan HendricksStaff Writer (Unisa Alumnus)

Reviewed & verified by Naledi KhumaloSenior Admissions and Bursaries EditorVerified

Closed · applications closed on 1 September 2026 The programme runs every year, so expect the 2028 call to open in late July 2027 and close at the start of September 2027. Latest update ↓

The KAS-SAIIA Scholarship pairs a funded Master’s degree with a year-long research internship at the South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA), one of Africa’s leading foreign policy think tanks. It has been funded since 1999 by the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung (KAS), the German political foundation named after West Germany’s first chancellor, and is aimed at young South Africans who want careers in international relations, policy and research.

About the KAS-SAIIA Scholarship

A full bursary for tuition fees for a coursework Master’s degree.
A monthly stipend for living costs and accommodation.
An internship at SAIIA from 1 February to 30 November, with an assigned mentor, where scholars co-author articles and build research and writing skills alongside their studies.

Placements are in two cities. Johannesburg scholars study at the University of the Witwatersrand in international relations, development studies, political science, economics, law, journalism or a related humanities or social science field. Cape Town scholars study political science at the University of Cape Town, Stellenbosch University or the University of the Western Cape. Applicants must choose one city; dual applications are rejected.

KAS-SAIIA Scholarship eligibility requirements

South African resident, or eligible for residency status.
Younger than 30.
Meets the admission requirements for the chosen Master’s degree at the partner university.
Has not already completed the first year of the Master’s.
Able to work at SAIIA in Johannesburg or Cape Town for the internship period.

How to apply for the KAS-SAIIA Scholarship

Apply to the partner university for admission to the Master’s degree in parallel, since the scholarship depends on acceptance.
During the window, complete the online application form linked from the scholarship notice on saiia.org.za, choosing Johannesburg or Cape Town.
Attach your CV, academic transcripts, a motivation letter and the references requested. Shortlisted candidates are interviewed by SAIIA and KAS in September and October.

KAS-SAIIA Scholarship closing date

1 September 2026 for the 2027 programme (closed). Expect the 2028 call to close at the start of September 2027.

Contact details

Scholarship enquiries: internships@saiia.org.za
SAIIA head office: 011 339 2021, info@saiia.org.za
Website: saiia.org.za

Students in international relations and public policy should also see the Mandela Rhodes scholarship, the Chevening scholarship and our postgraduate bursaries list.

FAQs

1. When does the KAS-SAIIA scholarship close? +

The 2027 round opened on 29 July 2026 and closed on 1 September 2026. The programme runs every year, so expect the 2028 call to open in late July 2027.

2. What is the KAS-SAIIA scholarship? +

A programme funded by the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung, a German political foundation, and run since 1999 by the South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA). Scholars study a coursework Master's while working as interns at SAIIA from February to November.

3. What does it cover? +

Full tuition fees and a monthly stipend for living costs and accommodation, plus a mentor at SAIIA and the chance to co-author research.

4. Which universities and degrees? +

In Johannesburg, a Master's at the University of the Witwatersrand in international relations, development studies, political science, economics, law, journalism or a related field. In Cape Town, a political science Master's at the University of Cape Town, Stellenbosch University or the University of the Western Cape. You must choose one city.

5. Who qualifies? +

South African residents, or people eligible for residency, under 30, who meet the admission requirements for the Master's and have not yet completed its first year.

6. How do I apply? +

Complete the online application form linked from saiia.org.za during the window. Enquiries go to internships@saiia.org.za.

Update note (checked September 2026): applications for the 2027 programme opened on 29 July 2026 and closed on 1 September 2026. The programme runs every year, so expect the 2028 call to open in late July 2027 and close at the start of September 2027. The details below are from the 2027 call.

This round is not open right now. Check the provider’s own site for the next round.

Visit the provider’s website

About SAIIA

Independent think tank (foreign policy and international affairs)

The South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA) is an independent public policy think tank based in Johannesburg, established in 1934. SAIIA works to advance a well-governed, peaceful, economically sustainable and globally engaged Africa, and for about 90…

Read the full SAIIA profile →