2026 Konrad Adenauer Foundation-SAIIA Scholarships

If you are a young South African under 30 years old with a passion for international affairs, the 2026 KAS-SAIIA Scholarship offers a unique opportunity to pursue a Master’s degree while gaining practical policy research experience. This prestigious programme, a collaboration between the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung (KAS) and the South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA), has been empowering emerging leaders since 1999. Let's dig into details!

🎓 Scholarship Summary

• Location: Johannesburg or Cape Town, South Africa

• Sponsor: SAIIA in conjunction with universities (Johannesburg or Cape Town)

• Host Universities:

  • Johannesburg Office: University of the Witwatersrand

  • Cape Town Office: University of Cape Town, Stellenbosch University, or University of the Western Cape

• Study Level: Master’s degree by coursework

• Target Group: Young South Africans under 30 years

• Fields of Study: International Relations, Development Studies, Political Science, Economics, Law, Journalism, and related Humanities & Social Sciences disciplines

• Value & Coverage: Full tuition bursary + monthly stipend covering living costs and accommodation

• Award Duration: 1 February – 30 November 2026

• Application Deadline: 26 September 2025

• Eligible To: South African citizens who meet the entry requirements for a Master’s programme

🧭 Scholarship Overview

The KAS-SAIIA Scholarship allows scholars to combine academic study with hands-on policy research. Scholars are assigned mentors and work on projects aligned with SAIIA’s research programmes:

• Johannesburg Office: Economic Resilience and African Diplomacy & Governance

• Cape Town Office: Futures and Climate Change

Successful candidates will enhance their research, methodological, writing, and presentation skills, and are encouraged to co-author SAIIA publications. The programme has a strong track record of preparing scholars for high-profile roles in both the public and private sectors.

🎁 Benefits

• Full tuition coverage for the selected Master’s programme

• Monthly stipend to cover living costs and accommodation

• Hands-on experience in policy research and analysis

• Mentorship and professional development

• Opportunity to co-author research articles and present findings

✅ Eligibility Criteria

• Must be under 30 years old

• Must meet university entry requirements for the Master’s programme

• Must not have completed a first year of the Master’s programme

• Applicants may choose only one location (Johannesburg or Cape Town)

✍🏻 Application Procedure

1. Select your preferred university and office location carefully after reviewing SAIIA’s research programmes.

2. Apply for admission to the relevant Master’s programme at the chosen university.

3. Submit the KAS-SAIIA Scholarship application via the SAIIA application form by 26 September 2025.

📧 Contact:

• Email: info@saiia.org.za

• Phone: +27 (0)11 339-2021

🚀 Conclusion

This scholarship provides an exceptional platform for young South Africans to advance academically and professionally in international affairs while contributing to impactful research in governance, climate, and economic resilience.