Canon Collins RMTF Scholarship 2026 (South Africa) – Fully Guide for Postgraduate Students

If you’re planning to pursue a Master’s or PhD in South Africa, the Canon Collins Scholarship is one of the most respected funding opportunities available.

The Canon Collins Trust, in partnership with the Ros Moger and Terry Furlong Trust, offers funding to support postgraduate students committed to social justice and development in Southern Africa.

About the Canon Collins Scholarship

The Canon Collins RMTF Scholarship supports postgraduate study in South Africa for students from selected African countries.

Supported Levels:

  • Master’s Degree
  • PhD

Funding Duration:

  • Up to 2 years
  • Option to reapply for a 3rd year (based on progress)

What the Scholarship Covers

  • Funding between R20,000 – R100,000 per year
  • Support for:
    • Tuition
    • Living costs
    • Study-related expenses

Additional benefits:

  • Access to a scholars network
  • Annual conferences and events
  • Academic and professional development opportunities

Fields of Study (Very Important)

The scholarship is highly selective and only supports specific fields:

1. Justice

  • Law
  • Economics
  • Politics
  • Climate Justice (priority in 2026)

2. Education

  • Education policy
  • Teaching and learning systems

3. Humanities

  • Literature
  • History
  • Anthropology
  • Arts

⚠️ Not funded:

  • MBA
  • Medical sciences
  • Sports sciences
  • Most applied sciences (unless linked to climate justice)

Useful YouthScope Links:

Who Can Apply?

You must:

  • Be from one of these countries:
    • South Africa, Zimbabwe, Namibia, Botswana, Zambia, Malawi, Mozambique, Angola, Lesotho, Eswatini
  • Be living in one of these countries
  • Have a strong academic record (minimum second class upper or equivalent)
  • Be studying or applying to study at a South African university

Required Documents

Applicants must submit:

  • Degree certificates
  • Academic transcripts
  • CV
  • ID (passport / ID / driver’s licence)
  • Two reference letters

Additional (if applicable):

  • PhD proposal
  • Supervisor support letter
  • Writing sample (Master’s applicants)
  • Payslips (if employed)

STRICT RULE: AI USE IS BANNED

The Canon Collins Trust has a zero-tolerance policy on AI tools.

You CANNOT use:

  • ChatGPT
  • AI writing tools
  • Any automated editing tools

If detected:
Your application is immediately disqualified

How to Apply

Applications are submitted online via the official Canon Collins website.

Important Tips:

  • Complete ALL sections
  • Upload ALL required documents
  • Check grammar and formatting
  • Submit early (avoid last-minute issues)

Application Status

 Applications are currently CLOSED

  • Results are usually released: October (application year)
  • Late applications are NOT accepted

Why This Scholarship Matters

This is more than funding — it’s a leadership and impact programme.

It is ideal for students who want to:

  • Work in policy, law, or social justice
  • Influence education systems
  • Address climate and societal challenges

Pro Tip for Future Applications

If you want to apply next cycle:

Start preparing now:

  • Build a strong academic profile
  • Get involved in:
    • Community work
    • Policy or research projects
  • Develop a clear career purpose

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Final Thoughts

The Canon Collins RMTF Scholarship is one of the most competitive postgraduate funding opportunities in Southern Africa.

If your work aligns with justice, education, or humanities, and especially climate justice, this could be your pathway to advanced study and long-term impact.

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