Canon Collins Mail & Guardian Scholarship: How to Apply

The Canon Collins Mail & Guardian Scholarship funds a master's degree in journalism, communications or media studies at a South African university. It also includes a 12-month paid internship as a reporter at the Mail & Guardian. The Canon Collins Trust funds it through its Sol Plaatje Educational Project.

The official page gives a deadline of 3 November with no year, but it also refers to an internship in 2024. This suggests that the page may describe an older round. Therefore, do not assume this journalism scholarship is open. Email the trust and ask whether a new round is running before you prepare an application.

The award makes a contribution towards your study costs, and the page does not publish an amount. So it may not cover everything, and you should plan for any shortfall. You also receive the 12-month paid internship, along with events that build your networks and your academic and leadership skills.

The internship is the main feature of this award, since it gives you newsroom experience and a paid role. However, you must be available for the full 12 months. The page does not mention any further work-back, but you should confirm the terms before you accept.

You can study at any South African university. Choose a programme that clearly fits journalism, communications or media studies, and check that its timetable leaves room for the internship. The page does not explain how the two fit together, so ask the trust how they would run alongside each other.