The Scholarship was established in 1912 by Herbert Baker, R.A., F.R.I.B.A., and funded through a Trust Fund with the aim to support the study of architecture in South Africa. The scholarship was open to any British subject of not more than 33 years of age and every holder was required to spend not less than seven months in Rome at the British School at Rome. The scholarship was of the approximate value of 250£ and awarded at intervals, decided by the trustees upon the result of an examination. A second period of study of at least three months was required in London under the supervision of the President of the R.I.B.A. On completion of the scholarship two exhibitions showing the results of their studies were organised and the submission of a thesis required.

The last scholarship was awarded in 1961 when the award ceased to exist due to the political shift in South Africa, which became a Republic in May 1961 and withdrew from Commonwealth on the same year.