Are you planning to pursue a Master’s or PhD in South Africa? If so, the Canon Collins RMTF Scholarships for Postgraduate Study 2027 could help you achieve your academic goals.
The scholarship supports talented students who are committed to social justice and leadership across Southern Africa. In addition, it provides financial support, networking opportunities, and access to a community of scholars. Therefore, if you meet the eligibility requirements, this is an opportunity worth exploring.
If you are looking for more postgraduate scholarships, you can also explore our Scholarships section on Opportunitylab.net for similar opportunities across Africa and beyond.
Canon Collins RMTF Scholarships for Postgraduate Study 2027 Overview
The Canon Collins Trust will fund eligible students pursuing Master’s and PhD degrees at South African universities.
For the 2027 academic year, the scholarship supports applicants studying in the following fields:
- Justice, including Climate Justice, Law, Economics, and Politics
- Education Policy and Practice
- Humanities, including Literature, History, Anthropology, and the Arts
However, programmes outside these fields, such as MBAs, Medical Sciences, Sports Sciences, and Applied Sciences, will not qualify.
Furthermore, successful applicants can receive funding for up to two years for Master’s studies and up to three years for PhD programmes.
Canon Collins RMTF Scholarships Eligibility Criteria
To apply, you must meet the following requirements:
- Be a citizen or recognized refugee of:
- Angola
- Botswana
- Eswatini
- Lesotho
- Malawi
- Mozambique
- Namibia
- South Africa
- Zambia
- Zimbabwe
- Live in one of the eligible countries.
- Apply for, or already study, a Master’s or PhD programme at a South African university.
- Hold, or expect to obtain:
- A good Honours degree for Master’s study.
- A good Master’s degree for PhD study.
- Show at least two years of commitment to social justice through community service, advocacy, education, research, civil society work, or leadership activities.
- Plan research or study that addresses important social justice issues affecting Southern Africa.
- PhD applicants must also secure a supervisor who agrees to supervise the proposed research.
Canon Collins RMTF Scholarships Benefits
Selected scholars will receive several valuable benefits.
These include:
- Funding worth between R20,000 and R100,000
- Financial support for up to:
- Two years for Master’s programmes
- Three years for PhD programmes
- Support for both full-time and part-time study
- Eligibility for distance learning programmes
- Access to annual scholar conferences
- Invitations to networking and leadership events
- Membership in the Canon Collins scholar network
Moreover, these opportunities help scholars grow academically and professionally.
Canon Collins RMTF Scholarships Application Process
The application process has two stages.
Stage One
Applicants must submit a short online application before:
You must upload:
- Degree certificates
- Academic transcripts
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Passport, birth certificate, or driver’s licence
If applicable, you should also upload:
- Refugee status documents
- Two recent payslips
Only complete applications that meet every eligibility requirement will move to Stage Two.
Stage Two
Successful applicants will receive an invitation in September 2026.
During this stage, applicants must provide:
- Two reference letters
- Draft PhD research proposal (PhD applicants)
- Writing sample (Master’s applicants)
- Supervisor support letter (PhD applicants)
Afterward, shortlisted candidates will attend interviews in October or November 2026.
Finally, successful applicants will receive their results in December 2026.
Required Documents for the Canon Collins RMTF Scholarships
Before applying, prepare the following documents:
- Degree certificates
- Academic transcripts
- Updated CV
- Valid identification
- Proof of refugee status (if applicable)
- Payslips (if employed)
- Reference letters
- Research proposal (PhD only)
- Writing sample (Master’s only)
- Supervisor support letter (PhD only)
Preparing these documents early will help you complete your application smoothly.
Important AI Policy for Applicants
Applicants must write every part of the application themselves.
The Canon Collins Trust does not allow the use of generative AI tools, including ChatGPT, to draft, rewrite, or substantially edit application responses.
However, basic spelling and grammar checkers remain acceptable.
Therefore, applicants should prepare authentic responses that reflect their own experiences and ideas.
Canon Collins RMTF Scholarships Key Dates
Keep these important dates in mind:
- Applications Open: Currently Open
- Application Deadline: 14 August 2026 (4:00 PM GMT)
- Stage Two Invitations: September 2026
- Interviews: October–November 2026
- Final Results: December 2026
Why You Should Apply for the Canon Collins RMTF Scholarships
This scholarship offers more than financial support.
It also connects scholars with experienced professionals, leadership events, and an international academic network. As a result, recipients gain valuable knowledge, build lasting relationships, and strengthen their careers.
If your goal is to promote social justice while pursuing postgraduate education, this programme offers an excellent opportunity..
How to Apply for the Canon Collins RMTF Scholarships
Interested applicants should complete the online application through the official Canon Collins Trust scholarship portal before the deadline.
