Canon Collins Trust

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: £622,685 (charitable activities expenditure, 2024)
• Success Rate: Highly competitive (5,000+ applications for ~200 scholarships historically)
• Decision Time: 3-6 months (applications June-August, decisions December)
• Grant Range: R20,000 - R100,000 per scholar (approximately £900 - £4,500)
• Geographic Focus: Southern Africa (South Africa, Zimbabwe, Namibia, Angola, Botswana, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Swaziland, Zambia)

Contact Details

• Website: www.canoncollins.org.uk / www.canoncollins.org
• Email: info@canoncollins.org.uk / scholarships@canoncollins.org
• Phone: 020 8004 8362
• Address: London, United Kingdom (with operations in South Africa)

Overview

The Canon Collins Trust was established in 1981 and has its roots in the struggle against apartheid. With total income of £717,427 in 2024, the Trust exists to “build a community of leaders, thinkers, activists, and social justice organisations, and support their efforts to bring about change” across southern Africa. Since 2004, the Trust has invested nearly R300 million (approximately £12-15 million) in tertiary education funding, supporting over 4,000 scholars from 14 southern African countries. The charity provides educational opportunities through scholarships and community-based projects, building the skills and leadership required to facilitate development in the region, with particular emphasis on improving access to education for disadvantaged groups. Remarkably, 96% of Canon Collins graduates continue to work in and serve the region by remaining in Africa. Through higher education and research funding, project grants, and an international events programme, the organisation cultivates a space that combines activism with research, currently supporting emerging leaders and social justice activists across southern Africa.

Funding Priorities

Scholarship Programs

Canon Collins Scholarships for Postgraduate Study in South Africa

• Amount: R20,000 - R100,000 per year depending on student circumstances
• Duration: Up to 2 years for Masters and PhD, with ability to reapply for a third year
• Application Period: Normally opens in June, closes in August
• Study Mode: Full-time, part-time, and distance learning supported

Canon Collins Scholarships for Masters Study in the UK

• Application Period: Normally opens in December, closes in February
• For study at: Various UK universities

Thekgo Bursaries

• Amount: Up to R10,000
• Target: South African students with financial need

Canon Collins RMTF Scholarships

• Postgraduate study in South Africa
• Fully funded scholarships

Ireland Fellows Programme - Africa

• For study in Ireland

Canon Collins Joel Joffe Scholarships

• For law students

Priority Areas

The Trust supports the following disciplines and focus areas:

• Education and Teaching - Improving access to quality education
• Social Justice - Human rights, legal assistance, activism
• Climate Justice - Priority area for 2026
• Research - Academic research that benefits southern African communities
• Leadership Development - Building capacity of emerging leaders
• Community Engagement - Projects that empower marginalized communities

What They Fund

• Postgraduate scholarships (Masters and PhD) for study in UK, Ireland, South Africa, and Malawi
• Grants to education and human rights NGOs
• Research funding aligned with social justice goals
• Network-building programmes between scholars, alumni, and social justice organisations
• Support for first-generation university students and postgraduate degree recipients

What They Don't Fund

While not explicitly stated, the Trust focuses exclusively on:

• Southern African nationals or refugees from specified countries only
• Postgraduate level study (not undergraduate, except specific bursary programmes)
• Scholars committed to remaining in and serving Africa

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Governance and Leadership

Chief Executive Officer

Stuart Craig joined the Trust as CEO in 2015, having previously worked for 24 years in International Development, most recently as Programme Manager for Comic Relief. Craig has emphasized the Trust's impact: “The most remarkable feature of the programme is that 96% of Canon Collins graduates continue to work in and serve the region by remaining in Africa.”

Patrons

Lord Peter Hain - Former MP for Neath (1991-2015), served in the governments of Tony Blair and Gordon Brown. Introduced to the House of Lords in November 2015 and has served as patron of the Canon Collins Trust since June 2016.

Sir Michael Bear - Civil engineer, born in Nairobi, educated at Wits University. Former Lord Mayor of London, knighted in 2012 for services to regeneration, charity and the City of London.

Elinor Sisulu - Zimbabwean-born South African writer and human rights activist who combines training in history, English literature, development studies and feminist theory.

Max Sisulu - Served as Speaker in South Africa's third democratic Parliament from 2009-2014.

Board of Trustees

The Trust has a distinguished board of trustees including:

• Frewyeni - Principal Gifts fundraiser for Asia Pacific, Scandinavia and Africa for the University of Oxford Development Office (joined 2019)
• Marjorie - Immediate Past President of the Institute and Faculty of Actuaries (joined 2019)
• Dr. Narissa Ramdhani - CEO of the Ifa Lethu Foundation
• Nicolette - Ford Foundation's Director for Southern Africa and Canon Collins alumna
• Justice - Former Canon Collins scholar (joined 2018)
• Kai - Senior Lecturer at SOAS, University of London (joined 2009)
• Keith - Founder and Managing Partner of Equity Impact Partners (joined 2018)

No trustees receive any remuneration, payments or benefits from the charity.

Application Process and Timeline

How to Apply

Online Application: All applications are submitted through an online application form available on the Canon Collins Trust website. Full instructions are provided when starting a new form.

Application Requirements:

• Completion of detailed online application form
• Two reference letters (one employment, one academic)
• For PhD applicants: supervisor's supporting statement
• Personal statement demonstrating commitment to social justice
• Evidence of academic merit and financial need

Application Periods:

• South Africa Scholarships: June - August (typically)
• UK Scholarships: December - February (typically)
• Specific deadlines vary each year

Decision Timeline

Typical Timeline:

1. Application submission: June - August (for SA programmes) or December - February (for UK programmes)
2. Shortlisting: 2-3 months after deadline
3. Interviews: October - November for candidates shortlisted from mid-year applications
4. Final decisions: December
5. Notification: All applicants notified via email

Total Time: 3-6 months from application deadline to final decision

Success Rates

The Canon Collins Trust scholarships are highly competitive. Historical data shows:

• Nearly 5,000 applications for approximately 200 scholarships in a single year (approximately 4% success rate)
• More recently: 57 new scholarships awarded annually
• Each year the Trust enables more than 100 leaders to study at postgraduate level

The Trust emphasizes that meeting eligibility criteria does not guarantee an award.

Selection Process

Applications are assessed through a bespoke online selection process run by trained assessors using a common scoring matrix. Selection is based on:

• Academic merit and record
• Work experience
• Financial need
• Leadership competencies
• Potential to contribute to southern African societies
• Future impact potential
• Quality of references
• Alignment with Trust's values and priorities

Reapplication Policy

No explicit reapplication policy is stated in public materials. Unsuccessful applicants should contact scholarships@canoncollins.org for guidance on reapplying.

Application Success Factors

What the Trust Values

Commitment to Social Justice: "Scholars must demonstrate their commitment to social justice and share the Trust's values of agency, learning, collaboration, solidarity and fairness."

Authenticity: “Be Authentic – your story is unique and enriching just as it is.” The Trust emphasizes honest and authentic applications over polished but generic ones.

Leadership with Impact: Don't just list leadership roles. Provide specific, recent examples of how you made a difference and influenced others. Show practical impact, not just titles held.

Network Engagement: Research the Canon Collins network and articulate why you want to join and what you can both contribute and gain from the community of scholars and activists.

Academic Excellence with Purpose: The Trust looks for “academic excellence and a genuine passion for research as well as a profound commitment to social justice and a determination to apply their skills to benefit the broader community.”

Application Best Practices

Research Thoroughly: "Research the organisation or institution offering the scholarship by looking at the 'About Us' page of their website, past events or other programmes they offer to understand their priorities and the kind of scholars they seek."

Align with Mission: Clearly connect your goals to southern Africa's development and the Trust's mission of social justice and equality.

Provide Concrete Examples: When interviewed or writing applications, avoid vague statements. Give concrete, specific examples of your work and impact.

Strong References: Reference letters should:

• Include a brief description of the relationship between applicant and referee
• Evaluate the applicant's suitability for the scholarship
• Outline strengths and capacity to study at required level
• Demonstrate how the applicant would benefit from further study
• Identify potential future impact

Time Management: Allow sufficient time to write a thorough application, submit before the deadline, and give referees adequate time to prepare strong letters.

Interview Preparation: "While planning and preparation are essential, your responses should still be spontaneous, rather than a 'learned speech'."

Recent Scholar Examples

Athenkosi Nzala - PhD scholar at University of Pretoria, aged 31, researching equitable and quality primary and secondary online education access for all.

The Trust gives special consideration to those who will be the first in their family to receive a postgraduate degree, including some who are the first in their village to receive a degree, whose attendance at university is funded and supported by their entire community.

What Makes Applications Stand Out

• Demonstrated track record of community engagement and activism
• Clear plan for how postgraduate study will enhance ability to create change in southern Africa
• Commitment to returning to and serving the region after study (96% retention rate indicates this is valued)
• Evidence of financial need combined with academic merit
• Innovative research ideas that address social justice issues
• First-generation postgraduate students from disadvantaged backgrounds

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Highly Competitive: With approximately 4% success rate, applications must be exceptionally strong across all criteria - academic merit, social justice commitment, leadership, and financial need.

• Social Justice is Central: This is not just an academic scholarship - you must demonstrate genuine, concrete commitment to social justice through past actions and future plans. Generic statements won't suffice.

• Africa-Focused: You must be from southern Africa and demonstrate commitment to working in and serving the region after your studies. The 96% retention rate shows this is a key selection factor.

• Network Matters: The Trust sees scholarships as entry to a community of activists and scholars. Show you understand and value this network dimension, not just the funding.

• Authenticity Over Polish: Be genuine and tell your unique story rather than trying to present a perfect, polished application. Concrete examples of impact matter more than impressive titles.

• Plan Ahead: With 3-6 month timelines and high competition, start preparing your application, securing strong referees, and researching the Trust's priorities well in advance of deadlines.

• First-Generation Encouraged: If you're the first in your family or community to pursue postgraduate education, highlight this - the Trust actively seeks to support such candidates.

References

• Canon Collins Trust official website: https://canoncollins.org/
• Canon Collins Trust UK website: https://www.canoncollins.org.uk/
• UK Charity Commission Register, Charity Number 1102028: https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/charity-details/?regid=1102028 - Financial data for year ending 31 December 2024
• “Canon Collins Trust avails 57 new scholarships this year, R300m spent since 2004,” IOL News: https://www.iol.co.za/news/education/canon-collins-trust-avails-57-new-scholarships-this-year-r300m-spent-since-2004-572b8a93-db2d-478c-9d8e-4fd75a97bc2f
• Canon Collins Trust Application Tips: https://canoncollins.org/scholarship/application-tips/
• Canon Collins Trust Trustees page: https://canoncollins.org/about/trustees/
• Canon Collins Trust FAQs: https://canoncollins.org/faqs/
• Canon Collins Trust scholarship programmes: https://canoncollins.org/scholarship/our-scholarships/
• The Sigrid Rausing Trust - Canon Collins Trust profile: https://www.sigrid-rausing-trust.org/grantee/canon-collins-trust/