Canon Collins Trust, in partnership with the Ros Moger and Terry Furlong group, invites eligible Southern African students to apply for the Canon Collins RMTF Scholarship for the 2027 academic year.
Scholarship Application Closing Date: 14 August 2026 at 18:00 South African time
Study Location: Accredited universities in South Africa
Canon Collins RMTF Scholarship 2027
The Canon Collins Trust and the Ros Moger and Terry Furlong group are offering postgraduate scholarship funding to students who are committed to advancing social justice in Southern Africa.
The scholarship supports Master’s and PhD studies at South African universities in fields related to Justice, Education policy and practice, and the Humanities.
Applicants may study full-time, part-time or through distance learning, provided that their studies are undertaken through a university in South Africa.
Scholarship Overview
Scholarship provider: Canon Collins Trust
Partner: Ros Moger and Terry Furlong group
Programme: Canon Collins RMTF Scholarship 2027
Study levels: Master’s and PhD
Study location: South Africa
Study mode: Full-time, part-time or distance learning
Scholarship value: R20 000 to R100 000
Master’s funding period: Up to two years
PhD funding period: Up to three years
Closing date: 14 August 2026 at 18:00 South African time
Application method: Online
Fields of Study Covered
The scholarship supports postgraduate studies in the following broad areas:
Justice
This includes fields such as:
- Climate Justice
- Law
- Economics
- Politics
- Human Rights
- Social Justice
- Environmental Justice
- Related justice-focused disciplines
Education Policy and Practice
This may include studies relating to:
- Education policy
- Teaching and learning
- Education reform
- Curriculum development
- Educational leadership
- Access to education
- Social justice in education
- Related education disciplines
Humanities
This includes fields such as:
- Literature
- History
- Anthropology
- The Arts
- Cultural Studies
- Languages
- Heritage Studies
- Related humanities disciplines
Applicants must demonstrate how their proposed study or research addresses a significant social justice challenge affecting Southern Africa.
Scholarship Value
The Canon Collins RMTF Scholarship will be awarded at a value ranging from:
R20 000 to R100 000
The amount awarded will depend on the successful applicant’s individual circumstances and financial needs.
Funding may be renewed based on satisfactory academic performance.
Funding Duration
Successful Master’s students may receive funding for up to:
Two years
Successful PhD students may receive funding for up to:
Three years
Continued support will depend on satisfactory academic progress and compliance with the scholarship conditions.
Who Can Apply?
Applicants must be nationals of, or have recognised refugee status in, one of the following countries:
- South Africa
- Namibia
- Zimbabwe
- Angola
- Botswana
- Lesotho
- Malawi
- Mozambique
- Eswatini
- Zambia
Applicants must also reside in one of the eligible countries.
General Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must:
- Be a national of or have refugee status in an eligible Southern African country.
- Reside in one of the eligible countries.
- Be applying for or studying towards a Master’s or PhD qualification.
- Study in one of the supported academic areas.
- Study or intend to study at a university in South Africa.
- Study full-time, part-time or through distance learning.
- Demonstrate a sustained commitment to social justice.
- Have at least two years of active engagement in social justice-related activities.
- Pursue research or studies that address a significant Southern African challenge.
- Meet the academic requirements for the selected postgraduate qualification.
Master’s Degree Requirements
Master’s applicants must:
- Hold a good Honours degree; or
- Be expected to complete an Honours degree during 2026.
The required academic standard is a minimum Second Class Upper Division or its equivalent.
Applicants should demonstrate that postgraduate study is essential to their social justice work and career goals.
PhD Degree Requirements
PhD applicants must:
- Hold a good Master’s degree; or
- Be expected to complete a Master’s degree during 2026.
- Have identified a supervisor or prospective supervisor.
- Have received an agreement in principle from the proposed supervisor.
- Prepare a draft research proposal.
- Ensure that the research addresses a relevant social justice issue.
The supervisor’s support letter and draft proposal will be requested from shortlisted applicants.
Social Justice Experience Requirement
Applicants must demonstrate at least two years of active involvement in initiatives addressing challenges such as:
- Social inequality
- Education access
- Economic inequality
- Environmental justice
- Climate justice
- Human rights
- Cultural inclusion
- Community development
- Gender equality
- Public policy reform
- Other social justice concerns
This involvement may include paid work, volunteer activities, advocacy, research, community organising or professional engagement.
What the Scholarship Aims to Support
The scholarship is intended for exceptional individuals who are committed to building a more open and just Southern African society.
Applicants should show how their qualification will help them:
- Address social injustice.
- Influence public policy.
- Improve education systems.
- Advance human rights.
- Support vulnerable communities.
- Promote environmental or climate justice.
- Strengthen cultural and historical understanding.
- Develop practical responses to regional challenges.
Annual Conferences and Events
Scholarship recipients will be expected to participate in:
- Annual Canon Collins conferences.
- Smaller events held throughout the year.
- Networking activities.
- Leadership and development opportunities.
- Scholarship community engagements.
Applicants should be willing to engage actively with other Canon Collins scholars and alumni.
Documents Required
Applicants must submit clear copies of the following documents:
- Certified copy of an identity document, birth certificate, passport or driver’s licence.
- Proof of refugee status, where applicable.
- Certified copies of degree certificates, where available.
- Certified academic transcripts.
- A comprehensive CV.
- Two latest payslips, where the applicant is employed.
- Any additional documents requested through the application portal.
Missing compulsory documents may result in the application being disregarded.
Documents Required from Shortlisted Candidates
Shortlisted candidates will be contacted by email and asked to submit additional documents during September 2026.
PhD Applicants
PhD applicants will need to submit:
- A draft PhD research proposal.
- A letter of support from the proposed supervisor.
- Confirmation that the supervisor has agreed in principle to supervise the research.
Master’s Applicants
Master’s applicants will need to submit:
- A sample piece of academic or professional writing.
Applicants should begin preparing these documents early.
Selection Process
Applicants will be notified of the outcome of their applications by email.
Shortlisted candidates are expected to attend interviews between:
October and November 2026
Final outcomes are expected to be communicated in:
Mid-December 2026
Applicants are asked not to email Canon Collins to follow up on application outcomes.
How to Apply for the Canon Collins RMTF Scholarship 2027
Applications must be submitted online through the official Canon Collins Trust scholarship page.
Click here to apply for the Canon Collins RMTF Scholarship 2027
Applicants should:
- Open the official scholarship page.
- Download and read the scholarship guidelines.
- Confirm that they meet all eligibility requirements.
- Complete the online application form.
- Upload all compulsory supporting documents.
- Clearly explain their social justice experience.
- Describe how the proposed qualification addresses a Southern African challenge.
- Review the application carefully.
- Submit it before the deadline.
Scholarship Application Closing Date
Applications close on 14 August 2026 at 18:00 South African time, which is 16:00 GMT.
Late or incomplete applications may not be considered.
Applicants should avoid waiting until the final day because academic records, certified documents and supporting information may take time to prepare.
Important Application Advice
Before submitting an application, confirm that:
- You are a national or recognised refugee from an eligible country.
- You currently reside in an eligible Southern African country.
- You are applying for a Master’s or PhD qualification.
- Your university is based in South Africa.
- Your field of study is supported.
- You meet the academic entry requirements.
- You have at least two years of social justice engagement.
- Your research addresses a significant Southern African issue.
- Your certified documents and transcripts are attached.
- Your application is submitted by 18:00 on 14 August 2026.
About Canon Collins Trust
Canon Collins Trust supports education, social justice and leadership development across Southern Africa.
Its scholarships are aimed at individuals whose postgraduate studies and professional work contribute towards fairer, more inclusive and democratic societies.