The Canon Collins Trust, in partnership with the Tom Queba Memorial Fund and Pegasys, has opened applications for the Tom Queba and Pegasys Scholarships for Social Change 2027, providing financial support for outstanding South African students pursuing Honours and Master’s degrees at South African universities. The scholarship programme aims to support young leaders and researchers whose academic work contributes directly to social and environmental development, with a particular focus on improving the lives and livelihoods of disadvantaged communities in South Africa. Successful scholars will receive funding for up to two years while gaining access to leadership development opportunities, academic networking, and participation in activities designed to strengthen their ability to drive positive change. The application deadline is 14 August 2026 at 16:00 SAST. Supporting Future Leaders for Social and Environmental Change The Tom Queba and Pegasys Scholarships for Social Change are designed for academically talented young South Africans committed to building more just and equitable societies. The programme supports students whose proposed studies demonstrate clear potential to address important social and environmental challenges. Scholarship recipients are expected to become active members of the Canon Collins Trust network and participate in initiatives that promote leadership, collaboration, and community impact. The scholarship supports study and research in the following fields: • Justice. • Education. • Humanities and the Arts. • Sciences and Applied Sciences. Eligibility Requirements Applicants must meet all eligibility requirements to be considered. Eligible candidates must: • Be a black or coloured South African national as defined under South African BEE legislation. • Currently reside in South Africa. • Be under 34 years of age at the beginning of their academic programme. • Hold a good first degree, with at least a second-class upper division qualification or equivalent. • Be applying for or currently studying towards an Honours or Master’s degree at a recognised South African university. • Demonstrate that their proposed study contributes to social and/or environmental development. Only applicants who meet every eligibility requirement are encouraged to submit applications. Scholarship Funding and Benefits The scholarship provides financial assistance and professional development opportunities for successful candidates. The 2026 scholarship package is valued at: • R85,000 Funding is available for a maximum period of two years. The programme supports different study arrangements, including: • Full-time study. • Part-time study. • Distance learning programmes. In addition to financial support, scholars benefit from: • Annual conferences for scholarship recipients. • Academic and leadership development events. • Networking opportunities with other scholars and professionals. • Membership in the wider Canon Collins Trust community. Application Process The scholarship application process consists of two stages. Applicants must complete the online application form and provide all required documentation before the deadline. Stage One: Initial Application The first stage requires applicants to submit a short online application by: 14 August 2026 at 16:00 SAST Only applicants who meet all eligibility requirements and submit complete applications with supporting documents will proceed to the next stage. Required documents include: • Degree certificates, where available. • Academic transcripts. • Identification document, such as a passport, birth certificate, or driver’s licence. Stage Two: Detailed Application and Selection Applicants who successfully pass Stage One will be invited to complete a more detailed application process in September 2026. Shortlisted candidates following Stage Two will be invited for interviews scheduled for: • October and November 2026. Applicants will receive final outcomes by: • Mid-December 2026. Artificial Intelligence Use Restrictions The Canon Collins Trust requires all applications to reflect the applicant’s own ideas, experiences, and writing style. Applicants must not use generative artificial intelligence tools, including platforms such as ChatGPT or similar software, to: • Draft application responses. • Rewrite sections of applications. • Generate personal statements. • Substantially edit application content. Applications containing AI-generated or AI-assisted content may be rejected. Applicants may use standard spelling and grammar checking tools provided these tools do not create or rewrite content. Preparing a Strong Application Applicants are encouraged to begin their submissions early to avoid technical challenges caused by high traffic near the deadline. The Trust advises candidates to: • Carefully read the scholarship guidelines before applying. • Prepare supporting documents in advance. • Ensure all sections of the application form are completed. • Submit applications well before the deadline. Late applications will not be accepted. Advancing Social Change Through Education The Tom Queba and Pegasys Scholarships for Social Change provide an important opportunity for young South African scholars seeking to combine academic achievement with meaningful community impact. By supporting research and postgraduate education in areas linked to justice, education, culture, science, and social development, the programme aims to strengthen a new generation of leaders committed to creating inclusive and sustainable societies. Eligible students pursuing Honours or Master’s studies at South African universities are encouraged to apply before the 14 August 2026 deadline. VISIT OFFICIAL WEBSITE TO APPLY For more opportunities such as these please follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn and WPChannel Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the organization offering this opportunity. For any inquiries, please contact the official organization directly. Please do not send your applications & CVs to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails, we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.