The KAS-SAIIA-Scholarship is an honorable program jointly offered by the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung (KAS) and the South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA).

This scholarship provides a life-changing chance for you to get involved directly in the world of international relations while earning a Master’s degree at a renowned South African university.

About the KAS-SAIIA-Scholarship

The KAS-SAIIA-Scholarship is a highly competitive program that awards full financial support to exceptional South African students pursuing Master’s degrees in International Relations, Political Science, Economics, Law, or Journalism.

Scholarship recipients will begin a year-long journey, while at the same time enrolled in their chosen Master’s program at one of four partner universities (University of Cape Town, Stellenbosch University, University of the Western Cape, or University of the Witwatersrand).

They will be engaged in a stimulating internship at SAIIA’s Johannesburg or Cape Town offices.

This experience allows scholars to gain invaluable practical skills, contribute to cutting-edge research, and network with leading experts in the field.

KAS-SAIIA-Scholarship Application Form

The application process for the KAS-SAIIA-Scholarship is competitive, requiring careful preparation and adherence to specific guidelines.

First, you need to ensure you meet the eligibility criteria before applying.

You must be a South African citizen under 30, intending to pursue a Master’s degree in one of the eligible fields at a partner university in 2024. Previous Master’s enrolment disqualifies you.

Next, assemble all required documents, including academic transcripts, proof of South African citizenship, a detailed CV, a letter of motivation outlining your career goals and interest in the scholarship, and letters of recommendation.

The next step is to download your official application form. To do so, visit the official SAIIA website or the KAS website to download the application form.

Carefully fill out the application form by providing accurate and detailed information. Ensure all sections are completed, including the essay prompts.

You must submit your complete application package, including all required documents, through the dedicated bursary portal by the deadline.

The KAS-SAIIA-Scholarship Requirements

To be considered for the KAS-SAIIA-Scholarship, you must demonstrate exceptional academic achievement, strong leadership potential, and a genuine interest in international affairs.

Here’s a closer look at the key requirements:

  1. Academic Excellence: Possess a strong academic record with a minimum average of 70% for your undergraduate degree.
  2. Leadership Potential: Demonstrate leadership qualities through involvement in extracurricular activities, community service, or other initiatives.
  3. Motivation and Commitment: Express a clear passion for international affairs and a strong desire to contribute to the field.
  4. Language Skills: Fluency in English is essential, and additional language skills are highly valued.
  5. Citizenship: Must be a South African citizen.
  6. Age: Be under 30 years old at the time of application.

The KAS-SAIIA-Scholarship Closing Date

The application deadline for the most recent KAS-SAIIA-Scholarship application cycle was on 22 September 2023.

You need to stay informed about the exact deadline by regularly checking the official SAIIA and KAS websites.

Applying early is highly recommended to ensure you have ample time to gather all necessary documents and carefully prepare your application.

For further inquiries about the KAS-SAIIA-Scholarship, you can contact SAIIA through email at [email protected] or the KAS South Africa office at [email protected].