Canon Collins Leigh Day LLB scholarship 2026 at University of Fort Hare and the University of the Western Cape
- Omran Aburayya
- Aug 10
- 3 min read
If you are a passionate law student aiming to deepen your expertise in human rights and contribute to creating a just and equitable legal system in Southern Africa, the Canon Collins Leigh Day Scholarships are now open for applications. This scholarship offers a valuable opportunity to study for your LLB at either the University of Fort Hare or the University of the Western Cape, with dedicated financial support to help you complete your degree while becoming part of a network of future leaders in law and human rights.
🎓 Scholarship Summary
Location: South Africa (University of Fort Hare & University of the Western Cape)
Host Institution: University of Fort Hare, University of the Western Cape
Study Level: Undergraduate (LLB - Bachelor of Laws)
Target Group: 2nd and 3rd year Law students (entering 3rd and 4th year in 2026)
Fields of Study: Law with focus on human rights and justice
Value & Coverage: R40,000 per academic year, paid directly to student account to cover tuition fees first, then accommodation, books, or other study-related expenses
Duration: Up to 2 years
Application Deadline: 2 September 2025, 3:00 pm GMT (South African time 17:00)
Start Date: 2026 academic year
Eligible To: Nationals from Angola, Botswana, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Eswatini, Zambia, and Zimbabwe
🎯 Scholarship Overview
The Leigh Day Scholarship is generously supported by Leigh Day & Co, a London-based law firm specializing in personal injury and human rights law. The scholarship aligns with Canon Collins Trust’s priority to invest in future legal professionals who will promote justice and equitable legal systems in Southern Africa.
Selected scholars receive funding for up to two years, supporting both full-time and part-time study options, including distance learning. Alongside financial assistance, scholarship holders are invited to participate in an annual conference and various smaller events, fostering a collaborative network of peers and mentors committed to social justice and legal reform.
🎁 Scholarship Benefits
Tuition fees covered up to R40,000 per year, with remaining funds available for living expenses or educational materials
Access to Canon Collins Trust’s network of scholars and alumni
Invitations to annual conferences and ongoing events for professional development and community building
Opportunity to develop leadership skills within the human rights and legal sectors
✅ Eligibility Criteria
Must be a citizen of one of the following Southern African countries: Angola, Botswana, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Eswatini, Zambia, Zimbabwe
Currently enrolled as a 2nd or 3rd year LLB student at University of Fort Hare or University of the Western Cape, progressing to 3rd or 4th year in 2026
Expected to complete LLB coursework by December 2027
Demonstrate a strong academic record and active involvement in extracurricular activities
Commitment to the principles of justice, human rights, and equitable legal systems
Applications must be original work without any assistance from artificial intelligence tools (AI-generated content is prohibited)
📝 Application Procedure
Applications open: 4 August 2025
Application deadline: 2 September 2025, 3:00 pm GMT (South African time 17:00)
Apply online via the Canon Collins Trust scholarship portal(early application recommended to avoid technical issues near deadline)
Required documents typically include academic transcripts, proof of enrollment, personal statement, and references (check official guidelines for full details)
All communication about application outcomes will be via email, so ensure your contact details are accurate
ℹ️ Important Notes
Use of AI tools such as ChatGPT, Bard, or similar for any part of the application is strictly forbidden and leads to automatic disqualification
The scholarship supports both full-time and part-time students, including those studying by distance learning
This scholarship is an excellent chance for Southern African law students passionate about human rights to gain critical financial support and connect with a community dedicated to justice and legal reform. If you meet the criteria, don’t miss this opportunity to advance your legal education and impact your community positively.
If you are ready to apply, visit the Canon Collins Trust website and submit your application before the deadline on 2 September 2025.
🔗 OFFICIAL CALL LINK
