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 commencing their studies in September 2027: one for an applicant from East or Southern Africa and one for an applicant from West Africa.

The Africa Development Scholarship supports talented Master’s students from Sub-Saharan Africa who want to contribute to the development of their societies. It is intended for applicants who can show strong personal motivation, clear professional aims and a commitment to making a positive impact in their communities.

What’s on offer?

Two full tuition fee waivers for one-year Master’s degrees (postgraduate taught programmes) commencing in September 2027.

What do I need to do?

Eligible applicants can submit their application from 1 February 2027.

The application form includes a 500-word written essay on the following topic:

The successful candidate will be an ambitious individual with a strong understanding of the challenges facing their community and a commitment to making a positive contribution to societal development. In your essay, please explain how you meet this criterion, including 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 degree.

Who is eligible?

Eligible applicants must be international fee-paying offer holders for a postgraduate Master's degree starting in September 2027 and must be permanently domiciled in a country within Sub-Saharan Africa. Applicants must hold a second-class upper degree or a first-class degree, or an equivalent qualification. This scholarship covers tuition fees only; students must still provide evidence that they have sufficient funds for living costs, accommodation, visa costs and any other relevant expenses.

Application Timeline

• Applications open 1 February 2027
• Applications close 11.59pm UK time on 21 May 2027
• Shortlisted applicants will be notified by 31 May 2027
• Proof of Funds to be submitted via an agent by 14 June 2027 (bank statements as per UKVI Student Visa application requirements).
• All Applicants will be notified of the results by 28 June.

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.
• The University of Leicester will award one candidate from East /Southern Africa and one candidate from West Africa where possible to ensure parity across the region.
• You must be starting a full-time, campus-based Master's degree (postgraduate degree), commencing in September 2027. 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), which will be 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 directly or via an official University agent.
• No other university scholarships or discounts may be applied in addition to this fee waiver (unless explicitly stated).
• 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.