Canon Collins Trust Leigh Day Scholarship Application 2026/2027

Detailed guide on Canon Collins Trust Leigh Day Scholarship Application 2026/2027. Are you a passionate and academically strong student from Southern Africa who dreams of advancing your studies in human rights, social justice, law, or related fields? The Canon Collins Trust Leigh Day Scholarship 2026/2027 is now open for applications, offering life-changing financial support to talented students who wish to pursue postgraduate studies in South Africa. This prestigious scholarship is offered by the Canon Collins Trust in partnership with Leigh Day, a leading international law firm renowned for its work in human rights, environmental justice, and public interest litigation. Together, they are committed to developing future leaders who will drive positive social change and uphold justice across Africa.

The Canon Collins Trust Leigh Day Scholarship provides comprehensive funding, which typically includes tuition fees, a living stipend, and additional academic support. Beyond financial assistance, scholars become part of a dynamic network of change-makers, gaining access to mentorship, leadership development programmes, and opportunities to engage with professionals in the legal and human rights sectors. The scholarship is aimed at students who show exceptional academic merit, strong leadership potential, and a deep commitment to advancing equality, justice, and human rights in their communities.

By applying for the Canon Collins Trust Leigh Day Scholarship 2026/2027, students do not only secure funding for their studies but also join a powerful community dedicated to transforming society through knowledge, advocacy, and ethical leadership.

In addition, satrends.co.za offers a wide range of other bursary categories to suit your preference. Click on the links below to access other kinds of bursaries.

Universities in South Africa Bursaries Available for 2026

Government Departments Bursaries Available for 2026

Field of Studies Specified Bursaries Available for 2026

Keep reading to find out more about the eligibility requirements, fields of study covered, application process, and closing date for the Canon Collins Trust Leigh Day Scholarship 2026/2027.

About Canon Collins Trust & Leigh Day

The Canon Collins Trust has been supporting students from Southern Africa since 1981. Over the years, the Trust has helped more than 4,000 scholars from 14 countries, providing them with access to quality education and leadership development opportunities. Today, the Trust offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate scholarships for studies in South Africa, the United Kingdom, Ireland, and Malawi. Its mission is to nurture socially responsible leaders who are committed to justice, equality, and transformation.

Leigh Day & Co, founded in 1987, is a highly respected London-based law firm specialising in personal injury, environmental law, and human rights cases. The firm is internationally known for taking on complex and challenging cases that many others would avoid. Leigh Day’s partnership with the Canon Collins Trust reflects its commitment to supporting legal education and developing future lawyers who are not afraid to challenge injustice.

Together, these two organisations provide a scholarship that combines financial support with a strong emphasis on leadership, ethics, and social responsibility.

About the Canon Collins Leigh Day Scholarship 2026/2027

Fields Covered

The Canon Collins Leigh Day Scholarship is specifically aimed at students pursuing LLB (Bachelor of Laws) studies.

For the 2026 academic year, scholarships will be awarded to students studying at the following institutions:

University of Fort Hare (UFH)
University of the Western Cape (UWC)

This focus ensures that promising law students receive targeted support in preparation for careers in law, human rights advocacy, public interest litigation, and community development.

Scholarship Value, Duration & Obligations

The Trust will select up to 10 students to receive the scholarship. Each successful applicant will be awarded R40,000 per year, for a maximum period of two years.

The funds are paid directly into the student’s university account and may be used to cover:

Tuition fees
Accommodation
Prescribed textbooks
Other essential study-related expenses

Beyond financial assistance, scholarship recipients are expected to:

Attend an annual conference organised by the Canon Collins Trust
Participate in smaller networking and development events throughout the year
Actively contribute to the Trust’s scholar and alumni network

These activities help students build professional relationships, strengthen leadership skills, and become part of a wider community of change-makers.

Eligibility Requirements for Canon Collins Trust Leigh Day Scholarship 2026/2027

Before applying, applicants must meet all of the following criteria:

You must be a national of or hold refugee status in one of the following countries:
South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Mozambique, Malawi, Angola, Lesotho, or Swaziland (Eswatini).
You must be studying towards an LLB qualification at UFH or UWC.
You must currently be in your 2nd or 3rd year of study (full-time, part-time, or distance learning).
You must be entering your 3rd or 4th year of LLB studies in 2026.
You must complete your LLB coursework by December 2027.
You must have a strong academic record.
You must be actively involved in extra-curricular activities, community work, or leadership initiatives.

Failure to meet any of these requirements may result in your application being disqualified.

How to Apply for Canon Collins Trust Leigh Day Scholarship 2026/2027

All applications must be submitted online via the Canon Collins Trust website. Click here to access the application portal.

Before applying, applicants are required to:

Download and carefully read the Canon Collins Trust Leigh Day Scholarship Guidelines (PDF). Click here to download.
Complete the online application form accurately and honestly.
Upload all required supporting documents.

Required Supporting Documents

Applicants must submit certified, clear copies of the following:

ID document, Birth Certificate, Passport, or Driver’s License
Degree certificates (if available)
Latest academic transcripts
A Letter of Reference, which should:
- Be relevant to this scholarship
- Highlight your academic ability
- Demonstrate your leadership potential
- Show your future impact and commitment to society

Incomplete applications or missing documents may lead to automatic disqualification.

Selection Criteria

Candidates are evaluated based on six key factors:

Academic Record: Strong and consistent academic performance is essential.
References: Referees must be able to speak confidently about your abilities and character.
Work Experience: Paid or voluntary experience in legal or related fields is an advantage.
Leadership Qualities: Evidence of leadership in studies, work, or personal life is required.
Community Commitment: A strong desire to contribute positively to your community or country.
Application Quality: All questions must be answered fully, documents submitted correctly, and English proficiency demonstrated.

Shortlisted candidates will be invited for an interview in November 2026. Applicants who do not receive feedback by the end of November 2026 should consider their application unsuccessful.

Closing Date for Canon Collins Trust Leigh Day Scholarship Application 2026/2027

The closing date for the Canon Collins Leigh Day Scholarship 2026 is: 12 September 2026 at 18:00 (South African Time) / 16:00 GMT

Late applications will not be accepted, so applicants are strongly encouraged to apply early.

Contact Details of Canon Collins Trust

For any queries regarding the scholarship, contact the Canon Collins Trust directly:

Telephone: 010 500 2303
Email: scholarships@canoncollins.org