Allan & Nesta Ferguson Masters Scholarship 2026 – Fully Funded £12,500 Master’s Scholarship in the UK for Students from Developing Countries
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Overview
The Allan and Nesta Ferguson Charitable Trust Masters Scholarship is a prestigious fully funded postgraduate scholarship offered by the University of Sheffield, in partnership with the Allan and Nesta Ferguson Charitable Trust and the Sheffield Institute for International Development.
The scholarship is designed to support academically outstanding students from developing countries who have never studied outside their home country, enabling them to pursue selected Master’s programmes in the UK that focus on international development, justice, governance, media, and global affairs.
For the 2026/27 academic year, three fully funded scholarships will be awarded to outstanding international students.
Scholarship Name
Allan and Nesta Ferguson Charitable Trust Masters Scholarship
Host University
University of Sheffield 🇬🇧
Partner Organisations
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Allan and Nesta Ferguson Charitable Trust
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Sheffield Institute for International Development
Country of Study
United Kingdom (UK)
Level of Study
Master’s Degree (Postgraduate Taught)
Number of Scholarships
3 scholarships
Value / Benefits
Each scholarship provides:
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100% full tuition fee waiver
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£12,500 maintenance stipend (living expenses)
Eligible Courses (2026 Entry)
Applicants must hold an offer for one of the following programmes:
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MSc International Development
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LLM International Law and Global Justice (selected pathway of Sheffield LLM)
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MA International Political Economy
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MA Global Journalism
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MA International Public and Political Communication
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must:
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Be classified as overseas fee-paying students
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Hold an offer of admission for an eligible course by Friday 8 May 2026
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Be permanently domiciled in a World Bank low or lower-middle income country
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Never studied outside their home country
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Not hold a qualification equal to or higher than the course applied for
(including online qualifications) -
Be self-funded (not sponsored by government, charity, employer, research council, etc.)
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Not hold any other scholarships or funding awards
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Study full-time only
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Start studies in September 2026 (no deferrals allowed)
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Successfully meet all offer conditions
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Successfully obtain a UK student visa
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Not combine this scholarship with any other funding source
Eligible Countries
Includes (but not limited to):
Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Tanzania, Zambia, Zimbabwe, India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Philippines, Vietnam, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, Egypt, Morocco, Ethiopia, Sudan, South Sudan, Somalia, DR Congo, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Malawi, Mozambique, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Haiti, Honduras, Bolivia, Yemen, Syria, Jordan, and many more.
Selection Criteria
Applicants are assessed based on:
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Strong academic excellence
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Clear motivation for postgraduate study
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Clear development impact goals
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Relevant work experience in international development or related fields
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Strong career vision
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Evidence of how learning will benefit others
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Leadership potential
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Commitment to development impact
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Priority given to underrepresented groups where applications are equal
Selection Process
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Course applications reviewed
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Strong candidates shortlisted
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Selected applicants invited to apply for the scholarship
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Application reviewed by senior staff panel
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Final award decisions made
How to Apply
No direct application allowed
Process:
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Apply for an eligible Master’s course at the University of Sheffield
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Strong candidates are shortlisted automatically
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Shortlisted candidates are invited to apply
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Application form sent to shortlisted applicants
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Complete and submit form by deadline
Key Dates
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Course offer deadline:
Friday 8 May 2026 -
Shortlist notification:
By Friday 15 May 2026 -
Scholarship application deadline (invited candidates only):
1 June 2026 (1:00 PM UK time) -
Final results notification:
By Friday 5 July 2026
Duration
Full Master’s programme duration (2026/27 academic year)
Additional Notes
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Extremely competitive
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Only 3 awards nationwide
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Development-focused programmes only
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Cannot be deferred
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Cannot be combined with other funding
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Designed for future leaders from developing countries
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Impact-driven scholarship model
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Development, governance, justice, and global policy focus
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Strong leadership and community impact profile improves chances
For more information and application:
Visit the official website of the Allan & Nesta Ferguson Masters Scholarship 2026