Hey future legal eagles! Dreaming of making a real impact in South Africa’s legal landscape? Then you NEED to know about the Canon Collins Joel Joffe Scholarships! This incredible opportunity is designed to support final-year LLB students at UFH and UWC, helping you not only finish your degree but also kickstart your career with a fantastic paid internship. Let’s dive in and see how you can get funded for 2026!
What Does It Cover?
The Joel Joffe Scholarship isn’t just about money; it’s a launchpad for your legal career! Here’s what you can expect if you’re one of the lucky recipients:
- Financial Boost: Each scholarship is valued at an amazing R40,000, which will definitely help cover your final year study costs.
- Paid Internship: After graduation, you’ll snag a 5-month paid internship at either the Equal Education Law Centre or the Legal Resources Centre. Talk about real-world experience!
- Leadership & Skills Development: You’ll also get access to awesome events and opportunities to boost your academic and leadership skills, helping you stand out.
Who Can Apply?
Ready to see if you qualify? Canon Collins is looking for South African final-year LLB students who are passionate about making a difference. Here’s the breakdown:
Eligibility Requirements:
- You must be a South African national and currently living in South Africa.
- You need to be studying for an LLB qualification at either the University of Fort Hare (UFH) or the University of the Western Cape (UWC).
- You must be in your 3rd year of study (this includes full-time, part-time, or distance learning students).
- You need to be on track to complete your LLB coursework by December 2026 at the latest.
- Show them your smarts! You must have a strong academic record.
- Get involved! They love applicants who are active in extra-curricular activities.
Selection Criteria (How they pick the best!):
When shortlisting candidates, the Canon Collins Trust looks for a few key things:
- Academic Record: Strong performance or clear improvement in your studies.
- References: Powerful recommendations from your referees.
- Work Experience: Preference for candidates with voluntary or paid legal experience (start building that CV now!).
- Leadership Qualities: Show how you’ve led in your academic life, workplace, or community.
- Commitment to Community and Country: A clear vision of how you plan to contribute positively to South Africa and the wider Southern African region.
- Application Quality: Make sure your application is complete, submitted on time, and super well-written in English.
Heads up: If you’re shortlisted, you’ll be invited for interviews in November 2025!
How to Apply?
Applying is super straightforward, but make sure you follow all the steps carefully!
1. **Apply Online:** All applications must be submitted through the official Canon Collins website. Click here to head straight to the application page: Apply for the Canon Collins Joel Joffe Scholarship 2026
2. **Read the Guidelines:** Before you even start, download and thoroughly read the Joel Joffe Scholarship Guidelines (.pdf). This document has all the detailed info you need to craft a winning application.
Don’t Forget These Supporting Documents!
Your application won’t be considered without these, so double-check you have them all ready to upload:
- Certified copy of your ID / Birth Certificate / Passport / Driver’s License.
- Certified copies of any degree certificates you already have (if applicable).
- Certified academic transcripts for your current studies.
- A strong Letter of Reference that is specific to THIS scholarship. Make sure your referee highlights your strengths, academic ability, and your potential future impact.
Seriously, applications missing any of these documents will unfortunately be disqualified, so get them sorted!
Closing Date
Mark your calendars! The deadline for applications is 2 September 2025, at 17:00 (South African time). Don’t leave it until the last minute – late applications will NOT be considered.
If this sounds like the perfect opportunity to boost your legal career and make a real difference, don’t wait — apply now! Your future starts today. Plus, keep exploring more amazing bursaries and scholarships right here on Bursaries Room!
