The University of London (SOAS) is offering the 2026 Allan and Nesta Ferguson Scholarships for qualified Africans. The scholarship, valued at £32,500, will cover tuition fees for eligible Master’s degree programmes, with the remainder given as a stipend. The article outlines the scholarship’s details, eligibility criteria, benefits, and the application process.
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When is the Application Deadline:
6 February 2026 (12 noon UK local time)
Results notification: End of March 2026 (at the earliest).
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Tell Me About The Scholarship:
The Allan and Nesta Ferguson Scholarships 2026 at SOAS University of London are prestigious postgraduate scholarships awarded to academically outstanding students from low-income or lower-middle-income countries. Each scholarship has a total value of £32,500, which is applied towards tuition fees. If tuition fees are less than this amount, the remainder is paid as a stipend.
The scholarships are funded by the Allan and Nesta Ferguson Charitable Trust, which promotes education, international friendship, and development. Awards are made strictly on the basis of academic merit and must be taken up in the academic year 2026/27.
Which Fields are Eligible?
Any full-time Master’s programme in the College of Humanities, excluding:
- MA Buddhist Studies
- MA Buddhist Studies with Intensive Language
- MA Traditions of Yoga and Meditation
Eligible departments include:
- School of Arts
- Centre for Creative Industries, Media and Screen Studies
- Department of History of Art and Archaeology
- Department of Music
- Department of East Asian Languages & Cultures (China, Inner Asia, Japan, Korea sections)
- School of History, Religions & Philosophies
- School of Languages, Cultures & Linguistics (African, Near/Middle East, South Asia, South East Asia sections)
- Department of Linguistics
Type:
Postgraduate Scholarship (Taught Master’s).
Who can Apply?
Applicants must:
- Be residents of low-income or lower-middle-income countries (World Bank classification), preferably from low-income households.
- Hold an undergraduate degree at first-class level.
- Have applied to SOAS (not required to have received an offer by the scholarship deadline, but must have one by the time of selection).
- Meet the English language condition of their offer of admission as soon as possible.
- Note: Scholarships do not cover pre-sessional courses.
How are Applicants Selected?
- Selection is based on academic merit.
- Assessment considers degree results, personal statement, and references.
- Shortlisting and awarding completed by March 2026.
- If no suitable candidates are nominated, applications may reopen in April 2026.
Which Countries Are Eligible?
Applicants from low-income or lower-middle-income countries worldwide.
Where will the Scholarship be Taken?
SOAS University of London, United Kingdom.
How Many Scholarships?
Three awards available (minimum of two guaranteed).
What is the Benefit of the Scholarship?
- £32,500 total value per scholarship.
- Applied towards tuition fees.
- Any remainder paid as a stipend.
- No maintenance or accommodation costs included (students must budget for living in London).
How Long Will the Scholarship Last?
One academic year (2026/27).
How to Apply:
Step 1: Apply for a Master’s programme at SOAS (submit a complete online application).
Step 2: Apply for the scholarship via the admissions portal by 6 February 2026 (12 noon UK time).
