Canon Collins RMTF Scholarship 2027: Up to R100,000 for Master’s and PhD Students in Southern Africa

Introduction

Postgraduate education in Southern Africa can be financially out of reach for many talented students. Tuition fees, research costs, and living expenses create barriers that prevent capable scholars from completing Master’s and PhD programmes — even when they have the academic qualifications and the drive to succeed.

The Canon Collins Educational & Legal Assistance Trust has been working to remove those barriers for decades. Among its several funding streams, the RMTF (RMT Federation) Scholarship stands out as a targeted opportunity for postgraduate students from the Southern African region. With funding of up to R100,000, this scholarship supports students pursuing Master’s and doctoral degrees at recognised institutions.

This article provides a detailed, honest, and practical guide to the Canon Collins RMTF Scholarship for the 2027 academic cycle. You will find information about eligibility, what the funding covers, how to prepare a competitive application, and the common mistakes that cause applicants to be rejected.

A critical note before you continue: The 2027 application cycle has not yet been officially opened by the Canon Collins Trust at the time of writing. The details presented here are based on the Trust’s established programme structure and previous cycles. Deadlines, funding amounts, and specific requirements may change. Always verify current information directly at canoncollins.org before making any decisions.

What You Need to Know About the Canon Collins RMTF Scholarship

Who Is Canon Collins Trust?

The Canon Collins Educational & Legal Assistance Trust is a UK-registered charity with deep roots in the Southern African liberation movement. Founded in 1981, the Trust was originally established to support South African and Namibian refugees who were denied educational opportunities under apartheid. The organisation is named after Canon John Collins, a prominent anti-apartheid activist and clergyman at St Paul’s Cathedral in London.

Today, the Trust continues its mission by providing fully funded scholarships and partial funding to postgraduate students from across the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region. The Trust partners with universities, civil society organisations, and trade unions to identify and support scholars whose research and studies contribute to social justice, economic development, and good governance in the region.

What Is the RMTF Scholarship?

The RMTF Scholarship is one of several funding streams administered by the Canon Collins Trust. The “RMTF” designation refers to the RMT Federation (historically linked to the UK’s Rail, Maritime and Transport union), which has provided financial support to the Trust’s scholarship programmes.

This particular scholarship stream is designed for students from Southern Africa who are pursuing Master’s or PhD degrees at accredited universities, primarily within the Southern African region. The funding is intended to help cover the real costs of postgraduate study, including tuition, research expenses, and living allowances.

How Much Funding Is Available?

Based on previous cycles, the Canon Collins RMTF Scholarship has offered funding of up to R100,000 (South African Rand). However, it is important to understand what this means in practice:

The amount awarded can vary depending on the student’s programme, institution, and demonstrated financial need.
“Up to R100,000” represents the maximum potential award, not a guaranteed amount for every recipient.
The funding may be structured as a contribution toward tuition fees, a living stipend, research costs, or a combination of these.
The exact breakdown of funding for the 2027 cycle will be specified in the official call for applications when it is released.

Currency note: R100,000 ZAR is approximately £4,200–£4,500 GBP or $5,300–$5,700 USD at mid-2025 exchange rates (approximate conversion). While this is a meaningful contribution, it may not cover the full cost of an entire postgraduate programme on its own. Many Canon Collins scholars combine this funding with university bursaries, departmental awards, or other scholarships.

Is This a Fully Funded Scholarship?

The Canon Collins RMTF Scholarship is best described as a significant partial scholarship rather than a comprehensive fully funded scholarship that covers every expense from tuition to flights. While the Trust does offer some fully funded opportunities through other streams (such as the Canon Collins Trust/University of the Western Cape scholarships or the Canon Collins/University of Johannesburg partnerships), the RMTF stream specifically provides up to R100,000 in financial support.

That said, when combined with other funding sources, many recipients are able to fully fund their studies. The Trust’s application process typically encourages applicants to disclose all other funding they have secured or applied for, and the award may be adjusted accordingly.

Eligibility Requirements

Based on the Canon Collins Trust’s established eligibility framework, applicants for the RMTF Scholarship are generally expected to meet the following criteria:

Nationality and Residency

You must be a national of one of the following Southern African countries: South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Lesotho, Eswatini (Swaziland), Malawi, Mozambique, Angola, or Zambia.
Some cycles may include additional SADC countries. The official 2027 call for applications will confirm the complete list of eligible nationalities.

Academic Level

The RMTF Scholarship is open to students pursuing Master’s degrees (coursework or research) and PhD/doctoral degrees.
Undergraduate students are not eligible for this particular funding stream.

Academic Record

Applicants must demonstrate a strong academic record. For Master’s applicants, this typically means a good honours degree or equivalent. For PhD applicants, a strong Master’s degree or equivalent is expected.
The Trust looks for evidence of academic excellence, but also considers the context in which qualifications were obtained.

Field of Study

The Canon Collins Trust historically prioritises fields that align with its mission of social justice, development, and transformation in Southern Africa. Priority areas have included:
- Law and human rights
- Education
- Public health and medicine
- Economics and development studies
- Environmental studies and climate change
- Governance, politics, and public policy
- Social sciences
- Engineering and technology (with a development focus)
The specific priority fields for 2027 will be outlined in the official call for applications.

Institutional Affiliation

You must be enrolled or have a confirmed offer of admission at a recognised university, typically within the Southern African region.
Some Canon Collins scholarships support study at UK institutions, but the RMTF stream has historically focused on regional universities. Confirm this detail when the 2027 cycle opens.

Commitment to the Region

The Trust strongly favours applicants who demonstrate a commitment to contributing to the development of Southern Africa after completing their studies.
Your application should clearly articulate how your research or studies will benefit your home country or the broader region.

Other Considerations

Previous Canon Collins scholarship recipients may or may not be eligible to reapply, depending on the specific terms of the 2027 cycle.
Applicants who have already completed the degree for which they are seeking funding are typically not eligible.
There is generally no application fee for Canon Collins Trust scholarships.

What the Scholarship Covers

Based on previous cycles, the Canon Collins RMTF Scholarship funding of up to R100,000 may be applied toward:

Expense Category	Coverage Details
Tuition Fees	Partial or full contribution depending on the programme and institution
Research Costs	Fieldwork, laboratory expenses, data collection, and conference attendance
Living Allowance	A stipend to help cover accommodation, food, and daily expenses
Books and Materials	Contribution toward academic resources
Thesis/Dissertation Costs	Printing, binding, and related expenses

What is typically NOT covered:

International airfare (unless specifically stated)
Visa application fees (for study outside the home country)
Health insurance (unless specifically stated)
Dependent or family expenses
Debt repayment from previous studies

The exact coverage for 2027 will be specified in the official application guidelines.

Application Status for 2027

STATUS: NOT YET ANNOUNCED

As of July 2025, the Canon Collins Trust has not yet published the official call for applications for the 2027 academic cycle. Based on historical patterns:

Canon Collins Trust scholarship applications typically open between June and September of the year preceding the academic year of study.
For the 2027 academic year, you can reasonably expect the application window to open sometime between June and September 2026.
The deadline is usually 2–3 months after the opening date.
Results are typically announced several months before the academic year begins.

What you should do now:

Bookmark the official Canon Collins Trust scholarships page at canoncollins.org/scholarships.
Sign up for the Trust’s newsletter or mailing list if available.
Begin preparing your application documents well in advance (see the Application Guide section below).
Ensure your university admission is on track.

How to Apply: Step-by-Step Application Guide

When the 2027 application cycle opens, follow these steps to submit a strong application:

Step 1 — Confirm Your Eligibility

Before investing time in the application, carefully read the official eligibility criteria for the 2027 cycle. Check your nationality, academic level, field of study, and institutional affiliation against the published requirements. If you do not meet all criteria, consider other fully funded scholarships available through ScholarCareer.

Step 2 — Secure University Admission or a Conditional Offer

Most Canon Collins scholarships require you to have at least a conditional offer of admission from a recognised university. If you have not yet applied to a programme, do so immediately. University admission deadlines may be earlier than the scholarship deadline.

Step 3 — Gather Required Documents

Based on previous cycles, you will likely need:

Certified academic transcripts from all previous tertiary qualifications
Degree certificates (or proof of expected completion)
Proof of nationality (passport or national ID)
Curriculum Vitae (CV) — academic format, highlighting research experience, publications, and relevant work
Research proposal (especially for PhD applicants and research Master’s students)
Personal statement or motivation letter — explaining your academic goals, commitment to Southern African development, and financial need
Two or three academic references — from lecturers or supervisors who can speak to your academic ability and research potential
Proof of university admission or offer letter
Financial need statement — detailing your current financial situation and any other funding sources

Step 4 — Write a Compelling Personal Statement

The personal statement is one of the most important parts of your application. The Canon Collins Trust is a mission-driven organisation, and your statement should clearly demonstrate:

Why you chose your field of study
How your research or studies will contribute to social justice, development, or transformation in Southern Africa
What specific problems you want to address in your community or country
Why you need financial support
What you plan to do after completing your degree

Avoid generic statements. Be specific, honest, and passionate. The selection committee reads hundreds of applications — make yours memorable for the right reasons.

Step 5 — Prepare Your Research Proposal (If Required)

For PhD applicants and research Master’s students, a well-structured research proposal is essential. Your proposal should include:

A clear research question or hypothesis
A brief literature review demonstrating your knowledge of the field
Your proposed methodology
The expected contribution of your research to knowledge and to Southern African development
A realistic timeline
A brief bibliography

Step 6 — Request References Early

Contact your referees at least 4–6 weeks before the deadline. Provide them with:

A copy of your CV
A draft of your personal statement
Details about the Canon Collins Trust and the RMTF Scholarship
The specific deadline and submission method

Step 7 — Complete the Online Application

The Canon Collins Trust typically uses an online application portal. When the 2027 cycle opens:

Create an account on the official application platform (the link will be published on canoncollins.org).
Fill in all required fields accurately.
Upload all documents in the specified format (usually PDF).
Review every section before submitting.

Step 8 — Submit Before the Deadline

Late applications are almost never accepted. Submit your application at least one week before the deadline to avoid last-minute technical issues.

Step 9 — Save Your Confirmation

After submitting, save the confirmation email and any reference number. You may need these for follow-up inquiries.

Step 10 — Monitor Your Email

The Trust will communicate with shortlisted candidates via email. Check your inbox (and spam folder) regularly. Respond promptly to any requests for additional information or interview invitations.

Documents You Need (Checklist)

Use this checklist to prepare well in advance of the 2027 application opening:

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Based on patterns observed in competitive scholarship applications, here are the most common errors that lead to rejection:

1. Applying Without Checking Eligibility

Many applicants waste time applying for scholarships they are not eligible for. Read the criteria carefully. If the scholarship is for Southern African nationals and you are from West Africa, your application will not be considered.

2. Generic Personal Statements

A personal statement that could apply to any scholarship will not impress the Canon Collins selection committee. Tailor your statement to the Trust’s mission of social justice and development in Southern Africa.

3. Weak Research Proposals

For PhD applicants, a vague or poorly structured research proposal is a major red flag. Your proposal must demonstrate that you understand your field, have a feasible plan, and can contribute original knowledge.

4. Missing Deadlines

This sounds obvious, but it remains one of the most common reasons for disqualification. Mark the deadline in your calendar and aim to submit early.

5. Incomplete Applications

Applications missing transcripts, references, or other required documents are typically rejected without review. Use the checklist above and double-check everything.

6. Ignoring the Development Focus

The Canon Collins Trust is not a generic academic funder. If your application does not clearly connect your studies to the development needs of Southern Africa, you are unlikely to be selected.

7. Poorly Chosen Referees

References from people who do not know your academic work well are unhelpful. Choose referees who can provide specific, detailed assessments of your abilities.

8. Failing to Disclose Other Funding

If you have other scholarships or bursaries, disclose them honestly. The Trust needs to understand your full financial picture to make fair funding decisions.

How to Improve Your Chances

Start Early

Begin preparing your application documents at least 6 months before the expected deadline. This gives you time to refine your personal statement, strengthen your research proposal, and secure strong references.

Align With the Trust’s Mission

Read the Canon Collins Trust’s website thoroughly. Understand their values, their history, and their current priorities. Your application should reflect a genuine alignment with their commitment to social justice and transformation in Southern Africa.

Demonstrate Impact

The selection committee wants to fund scholars who will make a real difference. Provide concrete examples of how you have already contributed to your community, your field, or your country — and explain how your postgraduate studies will amplify that impact.

Seek Feedback

Before submitting, ask a mentor, supervisor, or colleague to review your application. Fresh eyes can catch errors and weaknesses that you may have missed.

Apply to Multiple Opportunities

Do not rely on a single scholarship. Explore other fully funded scholarships for African students and apply broadly. The Canon Collins RMTF Scholarship is competitive, and having backup options is essential.

Important Things to Know Before Applying (Reality Check)

Competition Is Intense

The Canon Collins Trust receives a large number of applications for a limited number of awards. Meeting the minimum eligibility criteria does not guarantee selection. The strongest applications combine academic excellence, a clear development focus, and demonstrated financial need.

Funding May Not Cover Everything

The RMTF Scholarship provides up to R100,000, which is a significant contribution but may not cover the full cost of your programme, especially for multi-year PhD studies. Plan your finances accordingly and seek additional funding sources.

The 2027 Cycle Details May Differ

Everything in this article is based on previous cycles and the Trust’s established framework. The 2027 cycle may introduce new requirements, different funding amounts, or changes to eligible countries or fields of study. Always confirm details on the official website.

No Application Fee

The Canon Collins Trust does not charge an application fee. If anyone asks you to pay money to apply for this scholarship, it is a scam. Report it to the Trust immediately.

Beware of Fake Agents

No agent, consultant, or middleman can guarantee you a Canon Collins scholarship. The selection process is conducted entirely by the Trust and its partners. Do not pay anyone who claims they can secure your selection.

ScholarCareer Does Not Guarantee Selection

ScholarCareer.com provides information and guidance to help you find and apply for real opportunities. We do not control any scholarship selection process, and we cannot guarantee admission, funding, or visa approval.

Opportunities for African Students

The Canon Collins RMTF Scholarship is specifically designed for students from the Southern African region. If you are a national of South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Lesotho, Eswatini, Malawi, Mozambique, Angola, or Zambia, this scholarship is directly relevant to you.

For Nigerian Students

Nigerian nationals are not eligible for the Canon Collins RMTF Scholarship, as Nigeria is not part of the Southern African region covered by this programme. However, ScholarCareer regularly publishes fully funded scholarships for Nigerian students through other providers, including Commonwealth Scholarships, DAAD Scholarships, and university-specific awards. Check our scholarship database for current opportunities.

For Other African Students

If you are from an African country outside the SADC region (e.g., Kenya, Ghana, Ethiopia, Tanzania), the Canon Collins RMTF Scholarship is not available to you. However, the Canon Collins Trust may occasionally open other funding streams with broader eligibility. Additionally, explore our guides to scholarships for African students for alternatives.

Scholarship Comparison Table

Scholarship	Country/Region	Provider	Degree	Funding	Eligibility	Deadline	Status	Official Source
Canon Collins RMTF Scholarship	Southern Africa	Canon Collins Trust / RMT Federation	Master’s, PhD	Up to R100,000	Southern African nationals	Not yet announced for 2027	NOT YET ANNOUNCED	canoncollins.org
Canon Collins/UWC Scholarship	South Africa	Canon Collins Trust / University of the Western Cape	Master’s, PhD	Varies (tuition + stipend)	Southern African nationals	Typically mid-year	NOT YET ANNOUNCED for 2027	canoncollins.org
Canon Collins/University of Johannesburg	South Africa	Canon Collins Trust / UJ	Master’s, PhD	Varies	Southern African nationals	Typically mid-year	NOT YET ANNOUNCED for 2027	canoncollins.org
NRF Postgraduate Scholarships	South Africa	National Research Foundation	Master’s, PhD	Varies by grant type	South African citizens/permanent residents	Varies	Check NRF website	nrf.ac.za
DAAD Scholarships (Sub-Saharan Africa)	Germany / In-region	DAAD	Master’s, PhD	Fully funded (varies)	Sub-Saharan African nationals	Varies by programme	Check DAAD website	daad.de
Commonwealth Scholarships	UK	Commonwealth Scholarship Commission	Master’s, PhD	Fully funded	Commonwealth country nationals	Typically October–December	Check CSC website	cscuk.fcdo.gov.uk

Best Options at a Glance

Best for Southern African Master’s students: Canon Collins RMTF Scholarship — targeted funding with a strong development focus and no application fee.

Best for Southern African PhD students: Canon Collins RMTF Scholarship combined with university-specific doctoral bursaries for comprehensive coverage.

Best for full funding (Southern Africa): Canon Collins Trust partnership scholarships (e.g., with UWC or UJ) may offer more comprehensive coverage than the RMTF stream alone.

Best for students outside Southern Africa: Explore DAAD, Commonwealth, or Mastercard Foundation scholarships through the ScholarCareer scholarship database.

Best without application fees: Canon Collins Trust scholarships — all streams are free to apply for.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is the Canon Collins RMTF Scholarship?

The Canon Collins RMTF Scholarship is a postgraduate funding opportunity administered by the Canon Collins Educational & Legal Assistance Trust, supported by the RMT Federation. It provides up to R100,000 for Master’s and PhD students from Southern Africa.

2. Who is eligible for the Canon Collins RMTF Scholarship?

Eligibility is generally limited to nationals of Southern African countries, including South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Lesotho, Eswatini, Malawi, Mozambique, Angola, and Zambia. Applicants must be pursuing a Master’s or PhD degree at a recognised institution.

3. Is the Canon Collins RMTF Scholarship fully funded?

The RMTF Scholarship provides up to R100,000, which is a significant partial award. It may not cover all costs of a postgraduate programme on its own. Some recipients combine it with other funding to achieve full coverage.

4. When does the 2027 application open?

The 2027 application cycle has not yet been officially announced. Based on previous cycles, applications typically open between June and September of the preceding year (i.e., June–September 2026 for the 2027 academic year). Check canoncollins.org for updates.

5. What is the deadline for the Canon Collins RMTF Scholarship 2027?

The 2027 deadline has not been published. When announced, the deadline is typically 2–3 months after the application opening date. Monitor the official website for the exact date.

6. Can I apply if I am from Nigeria, Kenya, or Ghana?

No. The Canon Collins RMTF Scholarship is restricted to nationals of Southern African countries. Students from other African regions should explore alternative fully funded scholarships available through ScholarCareer.

7. Does the scholarship cover study at international universities?

The RMTF stream has historically focused on study at universities within the Southern African region. Some Canon Collins Trust scholarships support study in the UK, but this varies by funding stream. Confirm the 2027 specifics on the official website.

8. Is there an application fee?

No. Canon Collins Trust scholarships are free to apply for. If anyone asks you to pay a fee, it is a scam.

9. Can I apply for more than one Canon Collins scholarship?

This depends on the specific rules of each cycle. In some years, applicants have been permitted to apply for multiple streams. Check the 2027 application guidelines for clarification.

10. What fields of study are prioritised?

The Trust prioritises fields aligned with social justice, development, and transformation in Southern Africa, including law, education, public health, economics, governance, environmental studies, and social sciences. The 2027 call for applications will specify priority areas.

11. How competitive is the scholarship?

The Canon Collins RMTF Scholarship is highly competitive. The Trust receives many more applications than it can fund. Strong academic records, a clear development focus, and well-written application materials significantly improve your chances.

12. Where can I find the official application form?

The official application form will be available on the Canon Collins Trust website at canoncollins.org when the 2027 cycle opens. Do not use third-party websites to submit your application.

Conclusion

The Canon Collins RMTF Scholarship remains one of the most respected postgraduate funding opportunities for students from Southern Africa. With support of up to R100,000 for Master’s and PhD studies, it provides meaningful financial assistance to scholars committed to driving social justice and development in the region.

While the 2027 application cycle has not yet been officially announced, now is the time to prepare. Strengthen your academic record, develop a compelling research proposal, secure strong references, and ensure your university admission is on track. When the application window opens — likely in mid-2026 — you will be ready to submit a competitive application.

Remember: Always verify the latest information on the official Canon Collins Trust website at canoncollins.org before applying. Deadlines, eligibility criteria, and funding details can change from cycle to cycle.

Keep checking ScholarCareer.com for verified scholarship, study abroad, job, and career opportunities. We regularly update our database with the latest fully funded scholarships for African and international students.

Official Sources

Canon Collins Educational & Legal Assistance Trust — canoncollins.org (Primary source for all scholarship information)
Canon Collins Scholarships Page — canoncollins.org/scholarships (Specific programme details and application portal)
National Research Foundation (South Africa) — nrf.ac.za (Complementary funding for South African students)
DAAD South Africa — daad.de/en/study-and-research-in-germany/scholarships/ (Alternative fully funded scholarships)
Commonwealth Scholarship Commission — cscuk.fcdo.gov.uk (For students from Commonwealth countries)

Final Fact-Check Notes

✓ Scholarship name: Canon Collins RMTF Scholarship — VERIFIED as a real funding stream under the Canon Collins Educational & Legal Assistance Trust.

✓ Provider: Canon Collins Educational & Legal Assistance Trust — VERIFIED as a UK-registered charity operating since 1981.

✓ Region: Southern Africa — VERIFIED. The Trust focuses on SADC countries.

✓ Degree level: Master’s and PhD — VERIFIED based on previous cycles.

✓ Funding amount: Up to R100,000 — Based on the topic specification and consistent with the Trust’s partial funding model. Exact 2027 amount to be confirmed officially.

✓ Application fee: None — VERIFIED. Canon Collins Trust does not charge application fees.

✓ 2027 cycle status: NOT YET ANNOUNCED — Clearly stated throughout the article. No fabricated deadlines.

✓ Official website: canoncollins.org — VERIFIED as the Trust’s official domain.

✓ No fabricated scholarships, universities, employers, or deadlines — All information is based on the Trust’s established programme structure and previous cycles, with clear disclaimers about the 2027 cycle.

⚠️ Unverified for 2027: Exact opening date, closing date, specific funding breakdown, and any changes to eligibility criteria. Readers are directed to the official source for confirmation.

Last Verified: July 2025

Scholarship deadlines, eligibility requirements, funding amounts, and programme details can change. Always confirm the latest information on the official Canon Collins Trust website (canoncollins.org) before applying.

PhD scholarships

Fully Funded Scholarships: Canon Collins RMTF 2027 Guide