Canon Collins Trust Mail & Guardian Scholarship Application for 2026/2027
Detailed guide on Canon Collins Trust Mail & Guardian Scholarship Application 2026/2027. Are you a Southern African student with a strong academic record and a passion for social justice, leadership, and positive change? The Canon Collins Trust Mail & Guardian Scholarship Programme 2026/2027 is now open for applications, offering vital financial support to outstanding students who wish to pursue postgraduate studies at selected South African universities. This prestigious scholarship is a collaboration between the Canon Collins Trust, a UK-based charitable organisation dedicated to advancing equality and social justice in Southern Africa, and the Mail & Guardian, one of South Africa’s leading independent newspapers.
The Canon Collins Trust Mail & Guardian Scholarship is designed to support future leaders committed to advancing social justice, human rights, and development in their communities. The scholarship typically covers tuition fees (full or partial), a living allowance, study-related costs, and academic support, depending on funding availability and individual need. Beyond financial assistance, scholars benefit from leadership development programmes, academic networking opportunities, and access to a vibrant community of alumni working across civil society, academia, media, law, and public policy.
This scholarship is highly competitive and is aimed at students who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership potential, and a clear commitment to social change. Fields of study often include the humanities, social sciences, law, education, media, and other disciplines aligned with social transformation and democratic development in Southern Africa.
By applying for the Canon Collins Trust Mail & Guardian Scholarship 2026/2027, students not only gain financial support for their postgraduate studies but also become part of a respected network of change-makers shaping the future of the region.
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, eligible fields of study, application process, and closing date for the Canon Collins Trust Mail & Guardian Scholarship Programme 2026/2027.
About Canon Collins Trust and Mail & Guardian
Canon Collins Trust
The Canon Collins Trust is an internationally respected organisation that supports development in Africa through postgraduate education. Since 1981, the Trust has awarded over 3,000 postgraduate scholarships to exceptional individuals from Southern Africa across fields such as science, law, education, public service, medicine, and human rights advocacy.
Many Canon Collins alumni have gone on to become leaders in government, academia, civil society, and the private sector, making a lasting impact in their communities and countries.
Mail & Guardian
The Mail & Guardian is a leading South African weekly newspaper and digital news platform, widely recognised for its investigative journalism, political analysis, and in-depth reporting. Covering Southern African news, arts, culture, and popular discourse, the Mail & Guardian is regarded as a newspaper of record in South Africa and plays a vital role in promoting transparency, accountability, and democratic values.
About the Canon Collins Trust Mail & Guardian Scholarship Programme 2026/2027
Canon Collins Trust invites eligible students to apply for the Mail & Guardian Scholarship Programme for the 2026 academic year.
Fields of Study Covered
The scholarship supports Master’s degree studies in the following fields:
- Journalism
- Communications
- Media Studies
Studies may be undertaken at any accredited university in South Africa.
Purpose of the Scholarship
The primary aim of the scholarship is to support exceptional individuals committed to social justice in Southern Africa who require a postgraduate qualification to strengthen their work as media professionals. Particular emphasis is placed on candidates working in or aspiring to contribute to human rights, education, and positive social change through journalism and media.
Scholarship Benefits and Opportunities
The Canon Collins Trust Mail & Guardian Scholarship offers a comprehensive support package, including:
- A financial contribution towards tuition and study-related costs for the duration of the Master’s programme
- A 12-month paid internship as a Reporter at the Mail & Guardian
- Opportunities to build professional networks within the media and development sectors
- Access to leadership development activities, academic enrichment, and networking events organised by Canon Collins Trust
This combination of academic funding and practical experience makes the scholarship highly competitive and career-enhancing.
Selection Criteria for the Scholarship
Applicants are selected based on academic merit, financial need, and potential to contribute to the future prosperity of Southern Africa. The selection process considers the following key areas:
Academic Record and References
- Strong academic performance or clear improvement over time
- High-quality academic or professional references
Work Experience
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Demonstrated alignment between past work experience (paid or voluntary) and the chosen field of study
Leadership Competencies
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Evidence of leadership development in the workplace, academic settings, or personal initiatives
Commitment to Community and Country
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A clear desire to contribute meaningfully to Southern Africa’s development and social progress
Quality of Application
- Strong written English skills
- Completion of all required sections
- Submission of all documents by the deadline
Applicants will be notified of their application status via email. Shortlisted candidates are interviewed in November 2026, with final outcomes communicated shortly thereafter.
Eligibility Requirements for Canon Collins Trust Mail & Guardian Scholarship for 2026/2027
Applicants must meet all of the following minimum requirements:
- Must reside in South Africa
- Must be a national of a Southern African country, including:
South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Lesotho, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Malawi, Eswatini, Angola, or Mozambique - Must have completed a good Honours degree (minimum second-class upper division or equivalent), or be completing it by the end of 2026
- Must be applying for a one-year full-time Master’s degree, or currently registered for a two-year Master’s programme
- The course must be in Journalism, Communications, or Media Studies
- Must be studying or applying to study at a South African university
- Must be available to complete a 12-month paid internship at the Mail & Guardian in 2024
- Preference is given to applicants with a demonstrated commitment to education or human rights through work, volunteerism, or activism
Failure to meet any requirement will result in the application not being considered.
How to Apply for Canon Collins Trust Mail & Guardian Scholarship for 2026/2027
Applications must be submitted online via the official Canon Collins Trust platform.
Applicants are strongly advised to read the Guidelines for Applicants carefully before submitting an application.
Required Supporting Documents
The following documents must be uploaded with the online application:
- Certified copy of ID document, passport, birth certificate, or driver’s licence
- Proof of refugee status, if applicable
- Degree certificates (if available)
- Certified academic transcripts
- Proof of registration or application at a South African university (on official letterhead)
- Proof of residence
- Two reference letters
- Two recent payslips, if employed
Incomplete applications may be disqualified.
Closing Date for Canon Collins Trust Mail & Guardian Scholarship Application for 2026/2027
Application Deadline: 1 November at 15:00 (GMT)
Late applications will not be accepted. Applicants are encouraged to apply well before the deadline.
Contact Details of Canon Collins Trust Mail
For further information or scholarship-related enquiries, contact Canon Collins Trust directly:
Tel: +44 020 8004 8362
Email: scholarships@canoncollins.org
