Ready to turn your postgraduate dreams into a tool for social justice? The Canon Collins Trust is now accepting applications for its RMTF Scholarship for the 2027 academic year, and the deadline is fast approaching.
What the scholarship offers
The Canon Collins RMTF Scholarship supports Master’s and PhD students whose research helps Southern Africa move toward justice and development. It is open to recognised South African universities and can be taken full‑time, part‑time or through eligible distance learning.
Funding ranges from R20 000 to R100 000 per student, based on financial need and study costs. Grants may cover tuition, study‑related expenses and other approved academic costs.
Beyond money, scholars join a network that includes annual conferences, leadership workshops and a community of alumni.
Who can apply
To be eligible you must meet all of the following:
- Citizenship or recognised refugee status from Angola, Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Zambia or Zimbabwe.
- Ordinarily resident in one of the listed countries.
- Enrolled or about to enrol in a Master’s or PhD programme at a South African university.
- Hold a good Honours degree (for Master’s) or a good Master’s degree (for PhD).
- Have at least two years of meaningful social‑justice involvement.
- Study in one of the approved fields: Justice, Education Policy and Practice, or Humanities.
Approved fields of study
- Justice – climate justice, law, economics, politics (research must address a Southern African social‑justice issue).
- Education Policy and Practice – access, inequality, curriculum, teacher development, governance, higher‑education policy, education and social transformation.
- Humanities – literature, history, anthropology, arts (research must link to development or social change).
Fields not funded
Applications in the following areas will not be considered:
- Master of Business Administration
- Medical Sciences
- Sports Sciences
- Applied Sciences
What you gain
- Financial support of up to R100 000 per year.
- Eligibility to receive funding for up to two years (Master’s) or three years (PhD).
- Access to the Canon Collins scholar network.
- Invitation to annual conferences and professional‑development events.
- Opportunities for mentorship and leadership training.
How to apply – step by step
- Visit the official portal and start a new application: Canon Collins RMTF Scholarship 2027.
- Create an account or log in.
- Select the “Canon Collins RMTF Scholarship” option.
- Enter your personal details and upload the Stage 1 documents (see list below).
- Provide information about your study programme, research topic and how it tackles a social‑justice issue.
- Describe your two‑year social‑justice experience, giving concrete examples.
- Review every field for accuracy.
- Submit the application before 16:00 SAST on 14 August 2026.
- Save the confirmation email and reference number.
Stage 1 documents you must upload
- Degree certificate(s) and full academic transcript(s).
- Updated Curriculum Vitae.
- Passport or national ID (or refugee‑status document if applicable).
- Two recent payslips if you are currently employed.
What follows if you pass Stage 1
Successful applicants will receive an email invitation in September 2026 to complete Stage 2.
- Two reference letters.
- Writing sample (Master’s) or draft research proposal (PhD).
- Supervisor support letter (PhD only).
- Any additional documents requested by the selection panel.
Only those invited need to submit these items.
Interview and selection timeline
- Interviews: October 2026 and November 2026.
- Final decisions communicated by mid‑December 2026.
Check your email (including spam) regularly after the interview stage.
Tips to strengthen your application
- Make sure your research proposal clearly states the problem, the affected community, and how your work could bring change.
- Link your study field directly to one of the approved categories.
- Supply reference letters from people who can speak to your social‑justice work.
- Proofread all documents; errors can cause delays.
- Submit early to avoid last‑minute technical issues.
Final checklist before you hit “Submit”
- Citizenship or refugee status from an eligible country?
- Ordinary residence in the same country?
- Enrolled (or will enroll) in a Master’s or PhD at a South African university?
- Programme falls under Justice, Education Policy and Practice, or Humanities?
- At least two years of documented social‑justice involvement?
- Research addresses a Southern African social‑justice issue?
- All degree certificates, transcripts, CV, ID/passport, refugee documents and payslips attached?
- Application submitted before 14 August 2026 16:00 SAST?
Take the next step
If you meet the criteria, start gathering your documents today. The deadline is only weeks away, and early preparation will give you confidence and time to perfect your proposal. Good luck, and let your research drive change across Southern Africa.
