Beit Trust Postgraduate Scholarships 2027

The Beit Trust Postgraduate Scholarships support postgraduate Master’s students from Zambia, Zimbabwe, or Malawi, offering full funding for study at UK or South African partner universities. The scholarships focus on developmental disciplines like medicine, engineering, education, economics, agriculture, and conservation, excluding MBA programmes. Applicants must commit to returning to their home country post-study and demonstrate leadership, academic excellence, and relevant experience. PhD funding is rare and only for exceptional Beit Scholars.⁠‌‌​​​​‌‌‌‌‌‌​​‌‌‌‌​‌​‌​​​​‌‌​​​‌⁠

What it offers

• Full tuition and academic fees paid directly to the university.
• Living allowance and additional allowances (arrival, laptop, departure).
• Economy-class flights to and from study destinations.
• UK Visa and Health Surcharge, TB test, and biometric costs.
• No support for spouses or dependents.

Who can apply

Applicants must be nationals or permanent residents of Zambia, Zimbabwe, or Malawi, currently living in and intending to return to one of these countries after completing their studies. Undergraduate applicants are ineligible, and those already enrolled in a course cannot apply. PhD applicants are only considered in exceptional cases for outstanding merit.

What you'll do

The scholarship supports taught Master’s programmes (1 year in the UK, 2 years in South Africa) with a research component. Applicants must align their studies with developmental disciplines and demonstrate leadership, professional experience (minimum 3 years), and community engagement. Medical applicants must complete 18 months of internship and 1 year of in-country posting (rural practice preferred).

How to apply

1. Apply directly to UK partner universities (must have an offer) or list proposed courses at South African partner universities (no offer required but must submit a SAQA Certificate of Evaluation).
2. Submit a single application via the official link, including:
   • Offer letter(s) from partner universities (or proposed course list).
   • Degree certificates, transcripts, and academic achievements.
   • SAQA Certificate of Evaluation (for South African applicants).
   • CV, personal statement (max 300 words), and recent photograph.
   • Three references (academic, character, employer).
3. Submit references via provided links (referees must use the link or download forms).

Deadline: 2027-02-12. Applications must be submitted before receiving UK offers if applying to both UK and South African universities.

Good to know

• No rolling applications; only one submission per applicant.
• SAQA Certificate of Evaluation (~R2,500) must be obtained before applying to South African universities.
• Scholarship awards are conditional on university offers; withdrawals occur if no offer is received.
• Interviews typically occur in April (invites sent in advance).