The Tom Queba and Pegasys Scholarships for Social Change support postgraduate study at South African universities that contributes directly to social and environmental development. The awards are run by the Canon Collins Trust in partnership with the Tom Queba Memorial Fund and Pegasys, and this cycle covers Honours and Masters study starting in 2027.
What sets this scheme apart is its focus. The organisers are looking for scholars who can drive change towards just and equitable civil societies, with the central requirement being that your proposed study improves the lives and livelihoods of the poorest people in South Africa. Awards are made across four broad areas: Justice; Education; Humanities and the Arts; and Sciences and Applied Sciences.
For South African students who meet the eligibility rules, this is more than money towards fees. Scholars join a network, attend an annual conference and take part in smaller events throughout the year, building both academic and leadership skills.
Scholarship benefits
- A scholarship package valued at R85,000 (the value stated for 2026).
- Funding provided for up to a maximum of two years.
- Support for both full-time and part-time study, including applications from those who wish to study by distance learning.
- Access to an annual conference for current scholars and several smaller events during the year.
- Membership of the Canon Collins scholar network, with the expectation that you participate and contribute.
Eligibility checklist
✔ You are a black or coloured South African national (in terms of the definitions in South African BEE law) residing in South Africa.
✔ You will be under 34 years of age at the commencement of your course.
✔ You hold a good first degree (minimum second class, upper division or equivalent), or you are about to graduate in the year of application.
✔ You are studying or applying to study at Honours or Masters level at a South African university.
✔ Your proposed study contributes directly to social and/or environmental development, particularly to bettering the lives of the poorest people in South Africa.
Application tips for African students
- Anchor your application in the scheme’s core requirement: show concretely how your Honours or Masters research will improve lives and livelihoods for the poorest South Africans, not just advance your own career.
- Pick the award area (Justice, Education, Humanities and the Arts, or Sciences and Applied Sciences) that genuinely fits your study, and make the link explicit rather than leaving the panel to guess.
- Have proof of your first degree ready. A certified transcript and certificate showing at least a second class, upper division and if you are still completing your degree, be clear about your expected graduation date.
- Confirm your age and residency details match the BEE-law and under-34 requirements before you start; these are hard eligibility gates.
- Because the online form is described as short, use every section deliberately. A focused, well-argued statement beats a long, vague one.
- Line up any supporting details (university admission status, choice of institution) early so you are not scrambling as the deadline nears.
- Submit well before 14 August 2026 at 16:00 SAST — online systems get congested near the cut-off, and a late submission cannot be fixed.
How to apply
Applications are made through a short online form, which must be completed and submitted by 14 August 2026 at 16:00 SAST. Review the full criteria and start your application on the official Canon Collins page: Tom Queba and Pegasys Scholarships for Social Change.
Frequently asked questions
Who can apply for this scholarship?
It is open to black or coloured South African nationals (as defined in South African BEE law) who reside in South Africa, are under 34 at the start of their course, and hold or are about to complete a good first degree.
What level of study does it cover?
The scholarships fund Honours and Masters study at South African universities, beginning in 2027.
How much is the award worth?
The source states the scholarship package was valued at R85,000 in 2026, with funding provided for up to a maximum of two years. Check the official page for the confirmed 2027 value.
Can I study part-time or by distance learning?
Yes. The organisers support both full-time and part-time study and will consider applications from those who wish to study by distance learning.
What is the deadline?
Applications must be submitted by 14 August 2026 at 16:00 SAST.
Are there obligations beyond studying?
Yes. Scholarship holders are expected to attend the annual conference and other events, and to become active, contributing members of the scholar network.