Africa Development Scholarship

To mark the University’s commitment to supporting education and development in Sub-Saharan Africa, we are pleased to offer two full tuition fee waiver scholarships for postgraduate students from the region, commencing their studies in September 2026.

The Africa Development Scholarship is aimed at talented master's students from Sub-Saharan Africa who aspire to make a positive contribution to the development of their societies. The scholarship supports individuals who are also strongly committed to their own personal growth and professional development, enabling them to achieve their long-term goals.

What’s on offer?

2 x full tuition fee waiver for a one year master’s degree (postgraduate taught programme) commencing in September 2026

What do I need to do?

Eligible applicants will be asked to submit an application (via Microsoft form) which includes a 500-word written essay.

Your written essay must: 

• Demonstrate a strong understanding of the challenges facing your community and a commitment to making a positive contribution to societal development.
  
  
• Outline any previous contributions you have made to your community or society and how you plan to build on these efforts after completing your chosen master’s programme.

Who is eligible?

Eligible applicants are international fee-paying applicants holding an offer to study a Postgraduate Taught Programme from September 2026 who are permanently domiciled in any country within Sub-Saharan Africa. Offer holders must possess a qualification of second class upper- or first-class degree (equivalent to UK 2:1 or 1st Class).

This scholarship is for tuition fee only and students will still need to prove they hold sufficient funds for living expenses, accommodation, visa and other relevant expenses.   

Apply for the Africa Development Scholarship

Application Timeline

• Applications open: Monday 16 February 2026
  
  
• Applications close: Sunday 31 May 2026
  
  
• Proof of Funds to be submitted via an agent by: Tuesday 30 June 2026 (bank statements as per UKVI Student Visa application requirements)
  
  
• Applicants will be notified by: Tuesday 14 July 2026

Terms and conditions

• You must be classified as an international student for fee purposes. You must be a permanent resident and passport holder of a country within Sub-Saharan Africa.  
  
  
• You must be starting a full-time, campus-based master's degree (postgraduate degree), commencing in September 2026. PGCE, postgraduate certificate and postgraduate diploma are excluded.  
  
  
• You must possess a qualification of second class upper or higher class degree (equivalent to UK 2:1 or 1st Class), verified by your course application.
  
  
• If you currently have a conditional offer of a place at the University, you will still need to fulfil any conditions stated on your offer letter.
  
  
• The award will be applied to tuition fees only and is not transferable. Successful students will still be required to fund their own accommodation and living expenses and submit proof of these funds by the given deadline via an official University agent. 
  
  
• No other university scholarships or discounts may be applied in addition to this fee waiver (unless explicitly stated).
  
  
• If you are a sponsored student, you may still qualify for this fee waiver provided you meet all other eligibility criteria. 
  
  
• This fee waiver applies only to the academic year in which you start your course, not the year you apply. If you defer your place to the following academic year, your fee waiver offer will no longer be valid. You will be considered under the funding arrangements for the new academic year and will need to reapply.