The Midpoint and KAS scholarships prepare talented young people for their duties in state and society and most notably in science, economics, politics and management, media and culture, as well as in international organisations.
Prerequisites for an internship are outstanding academic performance, personal suitability, political and social commitment, as well as the readiness to play an active role. We expect candidates to have a broad general education and a strong interest in political issues, a positive attitude towards democracy and human rights and to exercise tolerance with regard to different-minded people.
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Benefit 1
Gain professional work experience and strengthen your CV.
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Benefit 2
Acquire new skills and competencies.
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Benefit 3
Grow your professional network. -
Benefit 4
Make a positive contribution to the national debate.
Recent opportunities
What is the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung's Parliamentary Research Programme?
The Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung supports internships in the South African parliament that are called the Parliamentary Research programme. This programme's aim is to enable participants to learn how politics and parliament function. As part of the programme, participants work within a political party's research and communications team.
Applications for this programme intake close at 22:00 on Sunday, 8th March.
- To apply, please navigate to https://pages.services/briefings.themidpoint.org.za/2026-prp/
What is it?
A full time, five month placement as a researcher for a political party at Parliament in Cape Town (28th April - 25th September). KAS pays a monthly stipend to assist with living expenses and supports required travel. The stipend amount is at internship level.
Who is eligible?
Individuals with tertiary qualifications in politics, economics, law, media, communications, journalism and related fields. Law and economics are particularly encouraged. Applicants must have at minimum graduated from a 3-year degree, have the right to work in South Africa and be available full time (40 hours a week).
What are the prerequisites?
Outstanding academic performance, personal suitability, political and social commitment. We expect candidates to have a broad general education and a strong interest in political issues, a positive attitude towards democracy and human rights and to exercise tolerance with regard to different-minded people. Strong writing skills under and ability to work under pressure are of particular interest, as is the ability to work in a team in a fast-paced environment.
What can the programme do for me?
> Increase familiarity with structures, processes and people in Parliament.
> Improve writing and time management skills.
> Deepen knowledge of political sector.
> Join the KAS alumni network.
If you are interested in the programme but not available in 2026, then please apply next year. The call for applications will be published on our social media channels, so please follow us there.
Closing date: 26 September 2025.
For an immersive introduction to the scholarship programme, please visit this KAS-SAIIA scholarship video clip. Watch this video clip to hear about the experience of our KAS-SAIIA alumni.
To see information about the scholarship, please visit the application page.
-KAS/SAIIA Internship: Combining theory with practical experience-
The Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung (KAS) is a German political foundation named after the first chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany. KAS operates worldwide with the aim to promote democracy through political education and training.
Since 1999 KAS has funded an internship programme, run by the South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA) in conjunction with the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits). This internship programme provides successful candidates with the opportunity of enrolling for a Masters degree by course work in International Relations, Development Studies, Political Science, Economics, Law or Journalism at Wits, while simultaneously working at SAIIA.
The successful applicants would have to meet the entry requirements for a Masters degree at Wits, UCT, and Stellenbosch University, namely a minimum average of 70%, and should not be older than 30 years. The duration of the internship is from February to November each year. Successful candidates receive a full bursary for their tuition fees and a monthly stipend to cover their living costs and accommodation.
The programme is output-focused and the KAS - SAIIA scholars, who are assigned to mentors, generally go on to high-profile and high-powered positions in public and private life. The scholars are supported in honing their methodological, research and writing skills, and are encouraged to:
- Co-publish newspaper articles on topics relevant to the work of SAIIA and their studies
- Co-author articles in SAIIA publications
- Improve their presentation and organisational skills
We especially encourage applicants with a grounding in economics or development economics to apply for this scholarship.
Please note that Terms and Conditions apply
The Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung supports internships in the South African Parliament that are called the Parliamentary Research programme. This program enables participants to learn how politics and parliament function. As part of the programme, participants work within a political party's research and communications team in Parliament.
Applications for this programme closed at 22:00 on Sunday, 15 June.
A full time, four month placement as a researcher for a political party at Parliament in Cape Town (11 August - 12 December 2025). KAS pays a monthly stipend to assist with living expenses, as well as funds airtime and required travel. The stipend amount is at internship level.
Who is eligible?
Individuals with tertiary qualifications in economics, law, politics, media, communications, journalism and related fields. Law and economics are particularly encouraged.
What are the prerequisites?
Outstanding academic performance, personal suitability, political and social commitment. We expect candidates to have a broad general education and a strong interest in political issues, a positive attitude towards democracy and human rights and to exercise tolerance with regard to different-minded people. Strong writing skills and ability to work under pressure are of particular interest, as is the ability to work in a team in a fast-paced environment.
What can the programme do for me?
> Increase familiarity with structures, processes and people in Parliament.
> Improve writing and time management skills.
> Deepen knowledge of political sector.
> Join the KAS alumni network.
The Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung supports internships in the South African Parliament that are called the Parliamentary Research programme. This programs aim is to enable participants to learn how politics and parliament function. As part of the programme, participants work within a political party's research and communications team in Parliament.
Applications for this programme closed on 21 June 2024.
What is it?
A full time, four month placement as a researcher for a political party at Parliament in Cape Town (5 August - 13 December 2024). KAS pays a monthly stipend to assist with living expenses, as well as funds airtime and required travel. The stipend amount is at internship level.
Who is eligible?
Individuals with tertiary qualifications in economics, law, politics, media, communications, journalism and related fields. Law and economics are particularly encouraged.
What are the prerequisites?
Outstanding academic performance, personal suitability, political and social commitment. We expect candidates to have a broad general education and a strong interest in political issues, a positive attitude towards democracy and human rights and to exercise tolerance with regard to different-minded people. Strong writing skills and ability to work under pressure are of particular interest, as is the ability to work in a team in a fast-paced environment.
What can the programme do for me?
> Increase familiarity with structures, processes and people in Parliament.
> Improve writing and time management skills.
> Deepen knowledge of political sector.
> Join the KAS alumni network.
KAS funds internships in the South African parliament that are called the Parliamentary Research programme. As part of the programme, you work within the research and communications team of a political party and learn how politics and parliament function. This intake will focus on political communications.
Applications for this programme intake closed on 31 March 2023.
What is it?
A full time, six month placement as a researcher for a political party at Parliament in Cape Town (2 May - 1 November 2023). KAS pays a monthly stipend to assist with living expenses, as well as funds airtime and required travel. The stipend amount is at internship level.
Who is eligible?
Individuals with tertiary qualifications in politics, economics, law, media, communications, journalism and related fields.
What are the prerequisites?
Outstanding academic performance, personal suitability, political and social commitment. We expect candidates to have a broad general education and a strong interest in political issues, a positive attitude towards democracy and human rights and to exercise tolerance with regard to different-minded people.
What can the programme do for me?
> Increase familiarity with structures, processes and people in Parliament.
> Opportunity to network widely in Parliament for job opportunities.
> Generally improved job prospects and deepened knowledge of political sector.
> Join the KAS alumni network.
KAS funds research internships in the South African parliament. As part of the programme, you work within the research team of political parties and find out how politics and parliament function.
Applications for this programme closed on 14 June 2022.
What is it?
A full time, five month placement as a researcher for a political party at Parliament in Cape Town (18 July - 12 December 2022). KAS pays a monthly stipend to assist with living expenses, as well as funds airtime and required travel. The stipend amount is at internship level.
Who is eligible?
Individuals with postgraduate qualifications in politics, economics, law, media and related fields.
What are the prerequisites?
Outstanding academic performance, personal suitability, political and social commitment. We expect candidates to have a broad general education and a strong interest in political issues, a positive attitude towards democracy and human rights and to exercise tolerance with regard to different-minded people.
What can the programme do for me?
- Increase familiarity with structures, processes and people in Parliament.
- Opportunity to network widely in Parliament for job opportunities.
- Generally improved job prospects and deepened knowledge of political sector.
- Join the KAS alumni network.
Closing date: 15 September 2021.
For an immersive introduction to the scholarship programme, please visit this KAS-SAIIA scholarship video clip. Watch this video clip to hear about the experience of our KAS-SAIIA alumni.
To see information about the scholarship, please visit the application page.
-KAS/SAIIA Internship: Combining theory with practical experience-
The Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung (KAS) is a German political foundation named after the first chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany. KAS operates worldwide with the aim to promote democracy through political education and training.
Since 1999 KAS has funded an internship programme, run by the South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA) in conjunction with the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits). This internship programme provides successful candidates with the opportunity of enrolling for a Masters degree by course work in International Relations, Development Studies, Political Science, Economics, Law or Journalism at Wits, while simultaneously working at SAIIA.
The successful applicants would have to meet the entry requirements for a Masters degree at Wits, UCT, and Stellenbosch University, namely a minimum average of 70%, and should not be older than 30 years. The duration of the internship is from February to November each year. Successful candidates receive a full bursary for their tuition fees and a monthly stipend to cover their living costs and accommodation.
The programme is output-focused and the KAS - SAIIA scholars, who are assigned to mentors, generally go on to high-profile and high-powered positions in public and private life. The scholars are supported in honing their methodological, research and writing skills, and are encouraged to:
- Co-publish newspaper articles on topics relevant to the work of SAIIA and their studies
- Co-author articles in SAIIA publications
- Improve their presentation and organisational skills
We especially encourage applicants with a grounding in economics or development economics to apply for this scholarship.
Please note that Terms and Conditions apply
KAS funds research internships in the South African parliament. Work within the research team of political parties and find out how politics and parliament function.
Applications for this programme closed on 4 March 2021.
What is it?
A full time or half time, nine month placement as a researcher for a political party at Parliament in Cape Town (5 April - 3 December 2021). The Konrad Adenauer Foundation (KAS) will pay a monthly stipend to cover living expenses, as well as fund airtime and required travel. The stipend amount is at internship level.
Who is eligible?
Individuals with or enrolled in postgraduate qualifications in politics, economics, law, media and related fields.
What are the prerequisites?
Outstanding academic performance, personal suitability, political and social commitment. We expect candidates to have a broad general education and a strong interest in political issues, a positive attitude towards democracy and human rights and to exercise tolerance with regard to different-minded people.
What can the programme do for me?
- Increase familiarity with structures, processes and people in Parliament.
- Opportunity to network widely in Parliament for job opportunities.
- Generally improved job prospects and deepened knowledge of political sector.
- Join the KAS alumni network.
This scholarship application closed on 16 October 2020.
For an immersive introduction to the scholarship programme, please visit this KAS-SAIIA scholarship video clip. Watch this video clip to hear about the experience of our KAS-SAIIA alumni.
To see information about the scholarship, please visit the Cape Town application page. A parallel scholarship programme runs in partnership with the University of the Witwatersrand in Johannesburg.
-KAS/SAIIA Internship: Combining theory with practical experience-
The Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung (KAS) is a German political foundation named after the first chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany. KAS operates worldwide with the aim to promote democracy through political education and training.
Since 1999 KAS has funded an internship programme, run by the South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA) in conjunction with the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits). This internship programme provides successfulcandidateswith the opportunity of enrolling for a Masters degree by course work in International Relations, Development Studies, Political Science, Economics, Law or Journalism at Wits, while simoultaneously working at SAIIA.
The successful applicants would have to meet the entry requirements for a Masters degree at Wits,namely a minimum average of 65%, andshould not be older than 30 years. The duration of the internship is from February to November each year. Successful candidates receive a full bursary for their tuition fees and a monthly stipend to cover their living costs and accommodation.
The programme is output-focused and the KAS - SAIIA scholars, who are assigned to mentors, generally go on to high-profile and high-powered positions in public and private life. The scholars are supported in honing their methodological, research and writing skills, and are encouraged to:
- Co-publish newspaper articles on topics relevant to the work of SAIIA and their studies
- Co-author articles in SAIIA publications
- Improve their presentation and organisational skills
We especially encourage applicants with a grounding in economics or development economics to apply for this scholarship.
This scholarship application closed on 11 August 2020.
KAS funds research internships in the South African parliament. Work within the research team of political parties and find out how politics and parliament function.
What is it?
A full time, three month placement as a researcher for a political party at Parliament in Cape Town (14.09. - 14.12.2020). The Konrad Adenauer Foundation (KAS) will pay a monthly stipend to cover living expenses, as well as fund airtime and required travel. The stipend amount is at internship level.
Who is eligible?
Individuals with or enrolled in postgraduate qualifications in politics, economics, law, media and related fields.
What are the prerequisites?
Outstanding academic performance, personal suitability, political and social commitment. We expect candidates to have a broad general education and a strong interest in political issues, a positive attitude towards democracy and human rights and to exercise tolerance with regard to different-minded people.
What can the programme do for me?
- Increase familiarity with structures, processes and people in Parliament.
-
Opportunity to network widely in Parliament for job opportunities.
-
Generally improved job prospects and deepened knowledge of political sector.
-
Join the KAS alumni network.
This scholarship application closed on 2 September 2019.
For an immersive introduction to the scholarship programme, please visit this KAS-SAIIA scholarship video clip.
To see information about the scholarship, please visit the Johannesburg KAS-SAIIA scholarship landing page. A parallel programme runs in Cape Town.
-KAS/SAIIA Internship: Combining theory with practical experience-
The Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung (KAS) is a German political foundation named after the first chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany. KAS operates worldwide with the aim to promote democracy through political education and training.
Since 1999 KAS has funded an internship programme, run by the South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA) in conjunction with the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits). This internship programme provides successfulcandidateswith the opportunity of enrolling for a Masters degree by course work in International Relations, Development Studies, Political Science, Economics, Law or Journalism at Wits, while simoultaneously working at SAIIA.
The successful applicants would have to meet the entry requirements for a Masters degree at Wits,namely a minimum average of 65%, andshould not be older than 30 years. The duration of the internship is from February to November each year. Successful candidates receive a full bursary for their tuition fees and a monthly stipend to cover their living costs and accommodation.
The programme is output-focused and the KAS - SAIIA scholars, who are assigned to mentors, generally go on to high-profile and high-powered positions in public and private life. The scholars are supported in honing their methodological, research and writing skills, and are encouraged to:
- Co-publish newspaper articles on topics relevant to the work of SAIIA and their studies
- Co-author articles in SAIIA publications
- Improve their presentation and organisational skills
We especially encourage applicants with a grounding in economics or development economics to apply for this scholarship.
This scholarship application closed on 1 May 2020.
KAS funds research internships in the South African parliament. Work within the research team of political parties and civil society organisations focussed on parliament. Find out how politics and parliament function, first-hand.
What is it?
A full time, three month placement as a researcher for a political party at Parliament in Cape Town (11.05. - 14.12.2020). The Konrad Adenauer Foundation (KAS) will pay a monthly stipend to cover living expenses, as well as fund airtime and required travel.
Who is eligible?
Individuals with or enrolled in postgraduate qualifications in politics, economics, law, media and related fields.
What are the prerequisites?
Outstanding academic performance, personal suitability, political and social commitment. We expect candidates to have a broad general education and a strong interest in political issues, a positive attitude towards democracy and human rights and to exercise tolerance with regard to different-minded people.
What can the programme do for me?
- Increase familiarity with structures, processes and people in Parliament.
-
Opportunity to network widely in Parliament for job opportunities.
-
Generally improved job prospects and deepened knowledge of political sector.
-
Join the KAS alumni network.
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