Beit Trust Postgraduate Scholarships 2026 – Fully Funded Master’s Study in the UK & South Africa

Beit Trust Postgraduate Scholarships 2026: Overview

The Beit Trust Postgraduate Scholarships offer fully funded opportunities for talented graduates from Zambia, Zimbabwe, and Malawi to pursue Master  ‘s-level study at top partner universities in the UK and South Africa. The Trust focuses on disciplines that directly contribute to the development of the scholars’ home countries, such as health, engineering, education, agriculture, and economic growth.

In 2025, the Trust awarded 21 scholarships. The next cycle will cover programmes starting:

• UK Universities: September 2026

• South African Universities: January 2027

Beit Trust Postgraduate Scholarships 2026: Eligibility

Applicants must:

• Be nationals and permanent residents of Zambia, Zimbabwe, or Malawi.

• Live in and intend to return to their home country after completing studies.

• Hold at least an Upper Second-Class (Merit/Distinction) undergraduate degree.

• Not have started the proposed course prior to applying.

• Apply to one or more Beit Trust partner universities.

• For medical/veterinary applicants: completed 18 months of internship + 1 year in-country posting (rural practice preferred).

Benefits

The scholarship covers:

• Full tuition and academic fees (paid directly to the university).

• Living allowance throughout study.

• UK Visa, Health Surcharge, TB Test, Biometric costs.

• Additional allowances: Arrival, Laptop, Departure.

• Economy-class flights to and from the study destination.

📌 Note: Dependents and spouses are not supported.

Fellowship/Program Components

• One-year taught MSc (UK universities).

• Two-year taught MSc (South African universities).

• Four-year MMed (South Africa; highly competitive, one award per year).

• All programmes include a research component.

• Special partner university arrangements:

  • St Andrews: Computer Science only

  • Strathclyde: Engineering disciplines only

  • Cambridge: Apply before their internal deadlines

Application Requirements

Applicants must prepare and upload in one sitting:

• Degree certificates and transcripts

• CV

• Personal Statement (max 300 words) explaining how studies will benefit home country

• Recent photo

• Valid passport copy

• Three references: Academic, Character, Employer (if applicable)

Selection Criteria

Applications are assessed on:

• Academic excellence (Merit/Distinction preferred).

• Relevant professional experience (3+ years recommended).

• Leadership potential in chosen field.

• Evidence of community engagement (voluntary work considered an advantage).

• Relevance of chosen course to Beit Trust focus areas.

• Strong and specific references.

• Clear commitment to returning home after studies.

Application Process

1. Apply to one or more Beit Trust partner universities.

   • UK applicants: must hold a conditional/firm offer before applying to Beit Trust.

   • SA applicants: may apply without an offer but must provide a list of intended universities/courses + SAQA Certificate of Evaluation (NQF8).

2. Apply for the Beit Scholarship through the official Beit Trust application link.

3. Submit all required documents in one session.

4. Send reference request links to referees (or provide downloadable forms).

Interviews: Week of 20 April 2026 in Lusaka, Harare, and Blantyre. Only shortlisted candidates will be invited (two weeks’ notice).

For more information and application: 

Visit the official website of the Beit Trust Postgraduate Scholarships 2026 – Fully Funded Master’s Study in the UK & South Africa