Key Facts
- Status
- Applications Closed
- Provider
- Field of Study
- Study Level
- Academic Year
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2027
- Application Closes
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Eligibility Requirements
- Currently living, studying, or working in South Africa
- 30 years old or younger
- Minimum 70% average in your Honours degree
- Admitted (or pending admission) to a qualifying Political Science Master's programme
- Have not completed the first year of your Master's
Documents Needed
- Certified copy of South African ID or proof of residency/work/study in South Africa
- Academic transcript showing your Honours average
- Proof of university admission or application (if pending)
- Cover letter
- CV
About Kas Saiia Scholarship
The KAS-SAIIA Scholarship is a fully funded Master's programme run jointly by the South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA) and the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung (KAS), a German political foundation. It funds Political Science Master's study at a small group of partner universities, paired with a structured internship at SAIIA or KAS.
Unlike a general postgraduate bursary, this scholarship is built to grow South Africa's pipeline of foreign policy analysts and diplomats. The internship component means recipients gain real policy research experience alongside their degree, not just financial support.
Funding Details
The scholarship fully funds Master's-level study, and includes a structured internship placement at SAIIA or KAS, giving recipients hands-on experience in foreign policy research and analysis alongside their academic work.
Where You Can Study
You must choose one of two programme locations and apply for that location only - dual applications for both are not considered.
For the Cape Town track, you need admission to a Political Science Master's programme at the University of Cape Town, Stellenbosch University, or the University of the Western Cape. For the Johannesburg track, admission to a Political Science Master's programme at the University of the Witwatersrand is required.
About South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA)
The South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA) is an independent, non-governmental foreign policy think tank based in Johannesburg, established in 1934. It researches and publishes on Africa's role in globa…
View full provider profile →Fields of Study & Who Can Apply
Applicants must be Master's students who meet their chosen university's admission requirements, be 30 years old or younger, and not yet have completed the first year of their Master's programme. You must currently live, study, or work in South Africa - applicants based outside the country do not qualify.
A minimum average of 70% for your Honours degree is required. You may apply even if your admission is still pending, provided you mention this in your cover letter.
Application Procedure
Apply directly with the provider using the official application link below, before the closing date.
Applications for this cycle have closed. Check the provider's site for the next intake.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply to both the Cape Town and Johannesburg tracks?
No, you must choose one location and apply for it only. Dual applications are not considered.
What if my university admission is still pending?
You can still apply, but you must mention the pending status in your cover letter.
Does the scholarship cover any Master's degree?
No, it is restricted to Political Science Master's programmes at the named partner universities.
Is there a work-back requirement?
No, but the scholarship includes a mandatory internship placement at SAIIA or KAS as part of the award.
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