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Dorchester Center, MA 02124
Deadline: February 13, 2026
The Beit Trust Postgraduate Scholarships 2026/2027 provide fully funded opportunities for outstanding students from selected African countries to pursue master’s degrees in the United Kingdom or South Africa. These scholarships are awarded to individuals who demonstrate strong academic performance, leadership potential, and a commitment to contributing to the development of their home countries.
With a longstanding tradition of supporting African scholars, the Beit Trust partners with leading universities to offer postgraduate education that equips young professionals with the knowledge and skills to address Africa’s most pressing challenges.
Benefits
Successful applicants of the Beit Trust Postgraduate Scholarship will receive:
- Full tuition coverage at partner universities in the UK or South Africa.
- Living allowances to cover accommodation, meals, and personal expenses.
- Return airfare at the beginning and end of the studies.
- A settling-in allowance upon arrival.
- Full access to academic resources, mentorship, and career development support.
This makes it one of the most comprehensive fully funded scholarships available to African students.
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Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must:
- Be nationals of Malawi, Zambia, or Zimbabwe.
- Hold an excellent undergraduate degree (first-class or strong upper second-class).
- Be under the age of 30 years at the time of application (exceptions apply for medical and veterinary graduates).
- Demonstrate leadership qualities and a commitment to public service.
- Have secured, or be in the process of securing, admission at a Beit Trust partner university in South Africa or the UK.
Application Process and Documents Required
- Submit only one application, via the link below.
- Apply to more than one Partner University to improve your chances.
- Your application may include up to four degree courses, at UK and/or South African Partner Universities.
- Upload all required documents, as listed below.
You must upload all documents in one sitting. You cannot save and return to the application form later, but you can preview it before filling it in.
Prepare the following:
- Degree certificates and transcripts
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Personal Statement (max 300 words) on how your studies will benefit your country
- Clear recent photograph (not a passport photo)
- Copy of valid passport, showing issue/expiry dates and sufficient blank pages
- Three references: Academic, Character, Employer (the latter, if applicable).
Send referees the reference link once you’ve submitted your application – you will receive
this automatically. If referees cannot use the link, you may download and forward the
appropriate form to them:
Download Academic Reference Form – Download Character Reference Form – Download Employer Reference Form
Completed reference forms should be emailed directly to: scholarships@beittrust.org.uk
Selection Process
Please read this section carefully. It will significantly affect how your application is assessed. The Beit Trust supports applicants who meet specific criteria, and understanding these will help you determine your eligibility and strengthen your application.
Your application will be evaluated based on the following:
Academic Achievement
- Preference is given to applicants with a Distinction or Merit (Upper Second Class) in their undergraduate degree.
- Applicants with a Lower Second Class or Credit/Pass degree are not excluded, but will face strong competition.
- The Trust recognises that some medical degrees are not graded in this way and will take this into account.
Postgraduate Qualifications
- Applicants who already hold a postgraduate degree are generally not considered, except in exceptional cases.
- The Trust aims to support candidates who have not yet had the opportunity to pursue postgraduate study.
Professional Work Experience
- Relevant work experience in your proposed field of study is highly valued.
- As a guideline, at least three years of professional experience, supported by a positive employer reference, can significantly strengthen your application.
- Work experience is also considered an indicator of leadership potential in your field.
Voluntary Work
- The application form includes a section on voluntary work as evidence of community engagement.
- While not essential, voluntary work can enhance your application. However, it is not a substitute for professional experience.
Leadership Qualities
- The Trust places strong emphasis on leadership as a sign of your potential to contribute to the economic and social development of your country.
- Examples of leadership in academic, professional, or community settings would help you.
References
- References help provide a well-rounded view of your capabilities.
- Referees are most effective when they can offer evidence-based examples of your leadership, achievements, and professional potential.
Course Relevance
- Your proposed course of study should align with the Trust’s focus on developmental disciplines, such as:
- Medicine and Health
- Engineering
- Education
- Economic Growth
- Agriculture
- Conservation
- These categories are not exhaustive, but the Trust does not support MBA programmes.
Commitment to Return
- Your stated intention to return to your home country after your studies is a key consideration
- Shortlisting is based on merit, eligibility, and alignment with Beit Trust criteria.
- The next round of interviews will take place during the week of 20 April 2026.
- Invitations to interview will be sent two weeks prior to the scheduled date.
- Interviews are essential and will be held in person, in Lusaka, Harare and Blantyre.
- Not all interviewees will be awarded scholarships.
