South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA)

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 years has provided evidence-based analysis to decision-makers.

Registered name

South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA)

Type

Independent think tank (foreign policy and international affairs)

Fields funded

Master’s study in international relations, political science, development, economics, law and related fields

Website

saiia.org.za

African voices in global debates

SAIIA produces peer-reviewed research to make sure African perspectives shape debates in forums such as the G20, BRICS and the World Trade Organization. Recent SAIIA work examines South Africa’s G20 presidency and exclusion from the 2026 summit, the scope for a collective African voice in BRICS, South Africa’s relations with Japan and Germany, and economic diplomacy under the Foreign Service Act.

SAIIA engages governments, civil society, business, media and universities, and intergovernmental organisations such as SADC, the African Union, the European Union and the United Nations draw on its expertise.

Youth and training

SAIIA’s long-standing Youth@SAIIA programme equips young people to take part in international relations and public policy. SAIIA and the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung (KAS), a German political foundation, also host an annual careers event; in 2026, more than 700 people joined under the theme “Beyond the Degree: Humanities Careers in a Transitioning World”, opened by SAIIA chief executive Elizabeth Sidiropoulos.

The KAS-SAIIA scholarship

SAIIA’s scholarship programme, now in its 26th year, pairs a funded master’s degree with a research internship at SAIIA, and KAS has funded it since 1999. The scholarship covers coursework master’s tuition and a monthly stipend, while scholars intern at SAIIA from February to November with a mentor, co-authoring articles and building research skills. Former scholar Cynthia Chigwenya now works as a research consultant for the Club of Rome.

Johannesburg scholars study at Wits in fields such as international relations, political science, economics, law or journalism, and Cape Town scholars study political science at UCT, Stellenbosch or UWC. Applicants must be under 30 and choose one city. There is no work-back, but the internship is part of the award. The 2027 call closed on 1 September 2026, and the 2028 call should open in late July 2027.

How to research SAIIA

Read several SAIIA policy briefs and choose one to discuss in your motivation. Apply to the partner university for master’s admission at the same time, since the scholarship depends on acceptance.

See the Mandela Rhodes scholarship for another leadership-focused award.