Scholarship Overview
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Overview
The Canon Collins Trust Leigh Day Scholarship supports future legal professionals in South Africa who are committed to advancing justice and human rights. Established through partnership with Leigh Day & Co, a London-based law firm specialising in personal injury and human rights law, this award targets students at two historically significant South African universities: the University of Fort Hare and the University of the Western Cape.
The scholarship reflects Canon Collins Trust’s long-standing priority of investing in law and human rights education. By supporting students who will shape South Africa’s legal systems, the programme aims to cultivate a new generation of leaders capable of developing just and equitable legal frameworks.
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What the Scholarship Covers
Awards are set at R40,000 per academic year, with funding available for a maximum of two years. This financial support is disbursed directly into your student account, creating a flexible funding structure:
- First allocation: tuition fees
- Remaining balance: accommodation, textbooks, study materials, and other education-related expenses
Beyond financial assistance, scholars gain access to Canon Collins Trust’s professional network through:
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- An annual conference for current scholars
- Multiple smaller networking events throughout the year
- Ongoing engagement with a community of legal and human rights practitioners
Scholarship holders are expected to actively participate in these activities and contribute to the network’s development.
Who Can Apply
This scholarship has narrowly defined eligibility criteria. You must satisfy all requirements below:
- Nationality: Citizen of Angola, Botswana, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Eswatini (Swaziland), Zambia, or Zimbabwe
- Academic standing: Strong academic record with demonstrated extra-curricular involvement
- Programme and year: Currently in 2nd or 3rd year of LLB studies at University of Fort Hare or University of the Western Cape
- Completion timeline: Must finish LLB coursework no later than December 2027
The scholarship supports students entering their 3rd or 4th year in 2027. Both full-time and part-time study modes are eligible, including distance learning arrangements.
Critical Application Rule: AI Prohibition
Canon Collins Trust enforces a strict zero-tolerance policy on artificial intelligence use in applications. This includes:
- ChatGPT, Bard, Claude, or any similar generative AI tools
- AI-assisted editing or refinement of personal statements
- Any AI-generated content, regardless of subsequent human modification
Applications containing AI-assisted content face immediate disqualification without further consideration. All materials must be entirely your original work.
How to Apply
Applications are submitted through the Canon Collins Trust online portal. Follow this process:
- Review the detailed application guidelines on the Canon Collins Trust website
- Prepare all required materials ensuring complete originality
- Complete the online application form with accurate contact information
- Submit well before the deadline to avoid technical failures
Important timing warning: The application portal experiences severe traffic spikes as deadlines approach, causing slow loading, glitches, and failed submissions. Late applications are categorically rejected. Submit early to guarantee your application reaches the system.
Selection and Notification
All application outcomes are communicated via email. Do not email Canon Collins Trust to inquire about your application status. Ensure your provided email address is accurate and regularly monitored.
For application guidance, follow @canoncollinstrust on social media and subscribe to the Scholarship Alert service for practical tips.
Why This Matters for SADC Applicants
For Zimbabwean and SADC region students, this scholarship offers several strategic advantages:
- Regional currency stability: Rand-denominated awards avoid exchange rate volatility affecting USD or GBP scholarships
- Targeted institutional support: Focus on Fort Hare and UWC—universities with strong track records of producing human rights lawyers
- UK legal sector connection: Leigh Day & Co partnership creates potential pathways for international legal exposure
- Network effects: Canon Collins Trust alumni work across SADC in judiciary, civil society, and government legal services
The two-year funding maximum aligns with the typical duration remaining for 2nd and 3rd year students, providing comprehensive coverage through degree completion.
You apply directly with the provider. We never charge for applications or ask for payment details. How we verify scholarships
