The KAS-SAIIA Scholarship South Africa 2027 is now open for applications. If you are a postgraduate student not older than 30, with a 70% average in your Honours degree, and you intend to study a Master’s programme in Political Science at UCT, Stellenbosch, UWC, or Wits, this opportunity could help you fund your studies. The Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung (KAS) is a German political foundation which aims to promote democracy by way of political education and training, operating globally with offices in Cape Town and Johannesburg. In this article, we will explain everything you need to know about the KAS-SAIIA Scholarship South Africa 2027: who qualifies, what fields are covered, what expenses are included, and how to apply before the closing date.
About the KAS-SAIIA Scholarship Programme
The Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung (KAS) is a German political foundation which aims to promote democracy by way of political education and training. KAS operates globally, with offices also located in Cape Town and Johannesburg, South Africa.
The South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA) is an independent, non-government research institute located in South Africa, which focuses on regional and international issues.
The Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung (KAS) is inviting postgraduate students to apply for the KAS-SAIIA Scholarship Programme for the 2027 academic year.
Organisation: KAS (Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung) & SAIIA • Focus: Political Science Master’s programmes • Academic Year: 2027
What Fields of Study Are Covered?
The KAS-SAIIA Scholarship South Africa 2027 will cover Master’s programmes within the Political Science Departments at the following selected universities:
- University of Cape Town (UCT)
- Stellenbosch University (SU)
- University of the Western Cape (UWC)
- University of the Witwatersrand (Wits)
What Expenses Does the Scholarship Cover?
The KAS-SAIIA Scholarship South Africa 2027 includes:
- A full bursary for tuition fees
- A monthly stipend to cover living costs and accommodation
Note: The internship will run from 1 February to 30 November 2026.
Eligibility Requirements for the KAS-SAIIA Scholarship South Africa 2027
Before you apply for the KAS-SAIIA Scholarship South Africa 2027, check that you meet all the requirements below. If you miss any requirement, your application will not be considered.
- You must not be older than 30 years old
- You must currently live, study, or work in South Africa
- You must have achieved a minimum average score of 70% for your Honours degree
- You must intend on studying towards a Masters degree in Political Science in 2027
- You must intend on studying at one of the four selected universities listed above
- You must meet the minimum requirements for a Masters degree at your selected university
Note: The scholarship does NOT fund students who have already completed a first year of their Master’s programme.
Important Information About the Programme
- Prospective scholars are encouraged to thoroughly review SAIIA’s research programmes available at its Cape Town and Johannesburg offices to help them make an informed decision about their university choice. The Cape Town office focuses on SAIIA’s Futures and Climate Change initiatives, while the Johannesburg office is home to the Economic Resilience and African Diplomacy and Governance programmes
- Applicants may choose to apply to either the Johannesburg or Cape Town office, but not both, as dual applications will not be accepted
- The programme emphasises results, with KAS-SAIIA scholars, who are paired with mentors, often advancing to prominent roles in both the public and private sectors
- Scholars receive support in refining their research, writing, and methodological abilities, and are encouraged to:
- Co-author articles for SAIIA publications
- Enhance their presentation and organisational skills
Required Documents
Submit clear copies of the following supporting documentation along with your online application for the KAS-SAIIA Scholarship South Africa 2027:
- Support or endorsement letter from a current lecturer for enrolment into a Masters Programme
- Curriculum Vitae with a minimum of 1 additional written reference
- Full academic record to date
- Two samples of your own writing
- Motivational letter explaining why you are applying for the scholarship and why you should be selected (maximum 1 page / 750 words)
- Research area of interest and/or a potential topic for your Masters Dissertation (maximum 100 words)
Note: If the status of your application to the relevant university is still pending by the internship application deadline, you are encouraged to submit your internship application regardless, mentioning this in your cover letter.
How to Apply for the KAS-SAIIA Scholarship South Africa 2027
Follow these steps to submit your application for the KAS-SAIIA Scholarship South Africa 2027. Applications are submitted online.
Step 1: Check Your Eligibility
Make sure you meet all the eligibility requirements listed above, including being under 30, having a 70% Honours average, and intending to study Political Science at one of the four selected universities.
Step 2: Choose Your Office
Decide whether to apply to the Cape Town office (Futures and Climate Change initiatives) or the Johannesburg office (Economic Resilience and African Diplomacy and Governance programmes). You may only apply to one office.
Step 3: Prepare Your Documents
Gather all the required documents listed above, including your endorsement letter, CV with references, academic record, writing samples, motivational letter, and research area of interest.
Step 4: Complete the Online Application
Click the button below to go to the official KAS-SAIIA application portal. Fill in all required fields carefully and upload your documents.
Direct application link: https://pages.services/briefings.themidpoint.org.za/2027-kas-saiia-scholarship-application/
Step 5: Submit Before the Deadline
⏰ Closing Date for the KAS-SAIIA Scholarship South Africa 2027: 1 September 2026. Applications submitted after this date will not be accepted. Please apply before the closing date to ensure your application is considered.
Contact Information
If you have any queries related to the KAS-SAIIA Scholarship South Africa 2027, please contact the South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA) directly:
- Telephone: 011 339 2021
- Email: info@saiia.org.za
KAS-SAIIA Scholarship South Africa 2027 – Quick Summary
- Organisation: Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung (KAS) & SAIIA
- Scholarship Name: KAS-SAIIA Scholarship Programme
- Academic Year: 2027
- Who can apply: Postgraduate students under 30, living/studying/working in SA
- Fields of study: Master’s in Political Science
- Eligible universities: UCT, Stellenbosch, UWC, Wits
- Minimum academic requirement: 70% average in Honours degree
- Key requirement: Not already completed first year of Master’s
- What is covered: Full tuition fees + monthly stipend
- Internship period: 1 February – 30 November 2026
- Office choice: Apply to Cape Town OR Johannesburg office (not both)
- Required documents: Endorsement letter, CV with references, academic record, 2 writing samples, motivational letter, research area of interest
- Application method: Online via The Midpoint
- Closing date: 1 September 2026
Frequently Asked Questions About the KAS-SAIIA Scholarship South Africa 2027
1. Can I apply if I am over 30 years old?
The KAS-SAIIA Scholarship South Africa 2027 requires applicants to not be older than 30 years old. If you are 31 or older, you are not eligible.
2. Can I apply if I am not currently in South Africa?
The KAS-SAIIA Scholarship South Africa 2027 requires that you currently live, study, or work in South Africa. Applicants from outside the country are not eligible.
3. What is the minimum Honours average required?
The KAS-SAIIA Scholarship South Africa 2027 requires a minimum average score of 70% for your Honours degree.
4. Can I apply to both the Cape Town and Johannesburg offices?
No. Applicants may choose to apply to either the Johannesburg or Cape Town office, but not both, as dual applications will not be accepted.
5. What if my university application is still pending?
If your university application status is still pending by the internship application deadline, you are encouraged to submit your internship application regardless, mentioning this in your cover letter.
6. Can I apply if I have already started my Master’s programme?
The KAS-SAIIA Scholarship South Africa 2027 does NOT fund students who have already completed a first year of their Master’s programme. You must be intending to start your Master’s in 2027.
7. What is the internship period?
The internship for the KAS-SAIIA Scholarship South Africa 2027 runs from 1 February to 30 November 2026.
8. Where can I find more political science and international relations scholarships?
Visit EduFunds political science bursaries page or international relations scholarships section for more funding opportunities.
Looking for more study funding? Explore all bursaries for 2027 on EduFunds.co.za
Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung (KAS) & SAIIA
Scholarship Programme 2027
Promoting democracy • Developing political leaders • Building Africa’s future