The 2027 KAS-SAIIA Scholarships are now open for applications, offering an exceptional opportunity for outstanding young graduates who aspire to pursue postgraduate studies while gaining practical research and policy experience at one of Africa’s leading think tanks. Jointly supported by the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung (KAS) and the South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA), this prestigious programme combines a fully funded master’s degree with a structured internship, preparing future leaders for influential careers in academia, public policy, diplomacy, governance, and international affairs.

Since its establishment in 1999, the KAS-SAIIA Scholarship Programme has built a reputation for producing graduates who move into high-impact positions across government, academia, international organizations, civil society, and the private sector. The programme offers scholars the rare opportunity to study at leading South African universities while simultaneously working alongside experienced researchers and policy experts at SAIIA.

Whether your ambition is to become a diplomat, policy analyst, researcher, academic, journalist, governance expert, or international development practitioner, this programme provides the academic training, professional mentorship, and practical experience needed to launch a successful career.

About the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung (KAS)

The Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung (KAS) is a German political foundation named after Konrad Adenauer, the first Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany.

Operating across the globe, KAS promotes the following:

• Democracy
• Good governance
• Political education
• Leadership development
• International dialogue
• Peaceful international cooperation

Through partnerships with universities, think tanks, research institutions, and civil society organizations, KAS invests in developing future leaders committed to democratic values and sustainable development.

About the South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA)

The South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA) is Africa’s leading independent public policy think tank dedicated to advancing the following:

• Peaceful societies
• Effective governance
• Sustainable economic development
• African diplomacy
• International relations
• Public policy research
• Climate governance
• Global engagement

SAIIA produces evidence-based research and policy recommendations that influence decision-making across Africa and internationally.

The institute hosts several specialized research programmes covering topics such as:

• African Diplomacy
• Economic Resilience
• Governance
• Climate Change
• Natural Resources
• Global Governance
• Foreign Policy
• Foresight Studies

About the KAS-SAIIA Scholarship Programme

The KAS-SAIIA Scholarship Programme is much more than a traditional scholarship.

It combines:

• Fully funded master’s studies
• Paid internship
• Research mentorship
• Professional skills development
• Academic publishing
• Policy engagement
• Career coaching

Successful candidates pursue a master’s degree while working directly with SAIIA researchers on projects that contribute to policy discussions in South Africa, Africa, and globally.

This integrated model allows scholars to bridge academic knowledge with practical policy experience.

Programme Locations

Applicants may apply to only one of the following locations:

Johannesburg Programme

Scholars based in Johannesburg work within SAIIA’s headquarters, where major research programmes focus on:

• Economic resilience
• African diplomacy
• Governance
• International relations
• Foreign policy

Students enrolled in Johannesburg may undertake master’s studies at the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits University).

Cape Town Programme

Applicants choosing Cape Town will work within SAIIA’s Cape Town office, where research emphasizes:

• Climate change
• Futures studies
• Sustainability
• Environmental governance

Eligible universities include:

• University of Cape Town (UCT)
• Stellenbosch University
• University of the Western Cape (UWC)

Applicants for the Cape Town scholarship must obtain admission into a Political Science master’s programme at one of these universities.

Important Application Rule

Applicants must choose either Johannesburg or Cape Town.

Dual applications are not permitted and will not be considered.

Prospective scholars are encouraged to carefully review SAIIA’s research priorities before selecting their preferred office and university.

Eligible Master’s Programmes

The scholarship supports master’s degrees in areas including:

• International Relations
• Development Studies
• Political Science
• Economics
• Law
• Journalism
• Humanities
• Social Sciences
• Related disciplines

Applicants should ensure their intended programme aligns with SAIIA’s research priorities.

Scholarship Benefits

The KAS-SAIIA Scholarship provides substantial financial and professional support throughout the internship period.

Successful scholars receive:

Full Tuition Funding

The programme covers the full cost of university tuition for the approved master’s programme.

Monthly Living Stipend

Scholars receive a monthly stipend to support:

• Living expenses
• Accommodation
• Daily costs

Practical Research Experience

Participants gain hands-on experience working on:

• Policy research
• International affairs
• African governance
• Economic diplomacy
• Climate policy
• Global governance

Individual Mentorship

Each scholar is paired with experienced mentors who guide their:

• Academic development
• Research projects
• Professional growth
• Career planning

Professional Skills Development

Participants strengthen their abilities in:

• Policy analysis
• Academic writing
• Research methodology
• Data interpretation
• Critical thinking
• Communication

Publishing Opportunities

Scholars are encouraged to:

• Co-author articles
• Publish research
• Contribute to SAIIA publications

This provides valuable publication experience early in their careers.

Presentation Skills

Participants receive opportunities to improve:

• Public speaking
• Presentation techniques
• Conference participation
• Stakeholder engagement

Networking Opportunities

Scholars interact with:

• Researchers
• Diplomats
• Policymakers
• Government officials
• International organizations
• Civil society leaders

These professional connections often become valuable throughout their careers.

Internship Duration

The internship runs annually from:

1 February to 30 November

Throughout this period, scholars balance postgraduate studies with research responsibilities at SAIIA.

Why This Programme Stands Out

Unlike conventional scholarships, the KAS-SAIIA Programme integrates academic learning with real-world policy experience.

Participants graduate with:

• A master’s qualification
• Professional work experience
• Published research
• Strong analytical skills
• Professional mentorship
• Policy exposure
• Leadership development

This combination makes graduates highly competitive in both academic and professional sectors.

Career Opportunities After the Programme

The programme has an excellent track record of producing graduates who move into influential careers.

Former scholars frequently secure positions in:

• Government ministries
• International organizations
• Research institutes
• Universities
• Think tanks
• Diplomatic services
• Media organizations
• Civil society organizations
• Private sector consulting

The programme’s strong alumni network continues to support scholars long after completion.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must satisfy all programme requirements.

Eligible candidates should:

• Meet the admission requirements for a master’s degree at the relevant university.
• Be 30 years old or younger.
• Apply to only one programme location (Johannesburg or Cape Town).
• Demonstrate strong academic ability.
• Show interest in public policy, governance, diplomacy, development, or related fields.
• Be willing to undertake both postgraduate study and internship responsibilities simultaneously.

Who Is Not Eligible?

The following applicants are not eligible:

• Students who have already completed the first year of a master’s programme.
• Applicants submitting applications to both Johannesburg and Cape Town.
• Applicants who do not satisfy university admission requirements.

University Admission

Applicants should apply for admission to their chosen university.

If university admission has not yet been finalized by the scholarship deadline, candidates should still submit the scholarship application and clearly explain the pending admission status in their cover letter.

Selection Process

Successful candidates are selected based on several factors, including:

• Academic excellence
• Leadership potential
• Research interests
• Motivation
• Alignment with SAIIA’s research programmes
• Suitability for policy-oriented research

Strong applications demonstrate both academic achievement and commitment to public service and policy development.

How to Apply

Interested applicants should complete the official scholarship application form.

Before applying, candidates should:

1. Decide whether to apply for Johannesburg or Cape Town.
2. Apply for admission to the appropriate university.
3. Prepare supporting documents.
4. Draft a compelling cover letter explaining research interests and career goals.
5. Submit the completed scholarship application before the deadline.

Applicants whose university admission is still pending should mention this clearly in their cover letter.

APPLY HERE

Application Timeline

Applications officially open on:

29 July 2026

Application deadline:

1 September 2026

Applicants are encouraged to apply well before the closing date to avoid last-minute challenges.

Why You Should Apply

The KAS-SAIIA Scholarship is an outstanding opportunity for young African leaders seeking to combine postgraduate education with meaningful policy experience. Few scholarship programmes offer the combination of full financial support, professional mentorship, practical research experience, publishing opportunities, and direct engagement with leading policy experts.

Graduates leave the programme with a master’s qualification, an impressive professional portfolio, and the skills necessary to influence policy and governance across Africa and beyond.

Visit HERE for more information about the 2027 KAS-SAIIA Scholarships in South Africa.

Application Deadline

1 September 2026

Late applications are unlikely to be considered.

Conclusion

The 2027 KAS-SAIIA Scholarship Programme represents one of South Africa’s premier postgraduate opportunities for ambitious young graduates interested in international affairs, governance, development, diplomacy, economics, political science, and related disciplines. Through a unique combination of fully funded master’s education and a professional internship at the South African Institute of International Affairs, scholars gain invaluable academic knowledge, practical policy experience, mentorship, and professional networks. With a proven history of producing influential leaders across Africa and the world, the programme offers an exceptional platform for launching a successful career in research, public policy, diplomacy, and international development. Interested applicants are encouraged to prepare their applications early and submit them before the 1 September 2026 deadline.

For more global Scholarship opportunities, visit OFY HERE