Konrad Adenauer Foundation-SAIIA Scholarships: Applications for 2025 Now Open
Applications are now open for the Konrad Adenauer Foundation-SAIIA Scholarships for the year 2025. The Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung (KAS) is a German political foundation dedicated to promoting democracy through political education and training. In partnership with the South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA) and universities in South Africa, KAS offers an internship programme that provides financial support and practical experience.
About the Scholarship
Since 1999, KAS has funded an internship programme run by SAIIA in conjunction with the University of the Witwatersrand and other South African universities. This programme allows successful candidates to pursue a Master’s degree by coursework in fields such as International Relations, Development Studies, Political Science, Economics, Law, Journalism, and other related subjects within the Humanities and Social Sciences disciplines.
In addition to Johannesburg, KAS also funds a Cape Town-based internship programme in partnership with SAIIA’s Cape Town office. Interns work at SAIIA while completing their Master’s degrees.
Key Details of the Internship Programme
- The scholarship supports a full Master’s degree programme at the following universities:
- Johannesburg: University of the Witwatersrand
- Cape Town: University of Cape Town, Stellenbosch University, or the University of the Western Cape
- The internship runs from 01 February to 30 November each year.
- Successful candidates receive a full bursary covering tuition fees and a monthly stipend to cover living costs and accommodation.
Cape Town and Johannesburg Scholarship Offerings
- The Cape Town office houses SAIIA’s Futures and Climate Change programmes.
- The Johannesburg office is home to SAIIA’s Economic Resilience and African Diplomacy and Governance programmes.
Applicants must carefully consider these research offerings when selecting their university and office location. Dual applications (i.e., applications to both Johannesburg and Cape Town) will not be considered.
Eligibility Requirements
- Applicants must meet the entry requirements for a Master’s degree at the relevant university.
- Applicants must be under the age of 30.
- The scholarship is open to students who are enrolling in their first year of a Master’s degree. Students who have already completed the first year of their Master’s programme are not eligible.
- Candidates must demonstrate strong methodological, research, and writing skills.
- Mentorship is provided, and scholars are expected to contribute to SAIIA’s research output, co-author articles, and improve their presentation and organisational skills.
Selection Process and Application Details
- Applications Close: 21 September 2024
- Students should apply for the scholarship either in Johannesburg or Cape Town, but not both.
- If applicants are awaiting acceptance into a Master’s programme at the time of the internship application deadline, they should proceed with the internship application and note their university application status in their cover letter.
This prestigious programme prepares scholars for high-profile roles in both public and private sectors, offering invaluable experience in research, policy, and governance.
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