The Beit TrustThe Beit Trust

Fully funded

Beit Trust Postgraduate Scholarships (South African partner universities)

The Beit Trust, South Africa

Scholarship overview

The Beit Trust funds postgraduate study only, with a focus on Master's programmes, for nationals of Zambia, Zimbabwe and Malawi. In 2026 the Trust awarded 19 scholarships at British and South African universities through academic partnerships that share costs.

In South Africa the Trust supports a two-year taught MSc and a four-year MMed at its partner universities: Rhodes, Stellenbosch, Cape Town and Pretoria. All programmes include a research component, and no more than one MMed award is made per year. PhD research is not funded from the start; only in exceptional cases is extension to PhD level considered for Beit Scholars of outstanding merit.

The Trust prefers courses linked to development: medicine and health, engineering, education, economic growth, agriculture and conservation. MBA programmes are not supported. The next round for South African partner universities is for the academic year starting January 2028.

Award Information

  • National of Zambia, Zimbabwe or Malawi.
  • Permanent resident of one of these countries.
  • Live in, or intend to return to, your country after your studies.
  • Not already started the course.
  • Honours degree (First or Upper Second Class or equivalent); preference for Distinction or Merit (Upper Second). Lower Second or Pass is not excluded but faces strong competition.
  • Those who already hold a postgraduate degree are generally not considered.
  • Relevant work experience is highly valued; about three years with a positive employer reference is a guideline, not mandatory.
  • Medical and veterinary applicants: 18 months of internship and at least one year of in-country posting.
  • Must apply to at least one partner university; up to four courses may be listed.
  • For South African universities: SAQA Certificate of Evaluation showing NQF8 equivalence (not required for MMed).
  • Full tuition and academic fees, paid directly to the university.
  • Living allowance.
  • Arrival, laptop and departure allowances.
  • Economy-class flights to and from the study destination.
  • No support for spouses or dependants.
  • Duration: two years for the taught MSc and four years for the MMed in South Africa. The scholarship is withdrawn if you do not receive a university offer.
  • Next application window: opens 1 December 2026, closes 12 February 2027. No applications are processed after this date.
  • South African partner university awards are for the academic year starting January 2028.
  • Interviews usually take place in April each year; invitations are sent two weeks beforehand.
  1. Submit only one application through the online form (Beit Trust application form; guidance at beittrust.org.uk).
  2. Because South African university applications open after the Beit deadline, you may apply without an offer; upload a PDF listing the universities and courses you plan to apply to where an offer letter is requested.
  3. Obtain a SAQA Certificate of Evaluation (allow up to 90 days; cost about R2,500) unless applying for MMed.
  4. Prepare every document first: all must be uploaded in one sitting, as you cannot save and return, though you can preview the form.
  5. After submitting, send the automatic reference link to your referees; reference forms can also be downloaded and emailed to [email protected].
  6. If awarded, apply directly to the South African partner university; the scholarship is withdrawn without an offer.
  7. Attend the in-person interview in Lusaka, Harare or Blantyre if shortlisted.

Official links

Documents you will need

  • List of proposed courses at South African partner universities (PDF).
  • Degree certificates and transcripts.
  • Other academic certificates (awards, prizes).
  • SAQA Certificate of Evaluation, except for MMed.
  • Curriculum vitae.
  • Personal statement of at most 300 words on how your studies will benefit your country.
  • Clear recent photograph (not a passport photo).
  • Copy of valid passport showing issue and expiry dates.
  • Three references: academic, character and employer (if applicable).

How selection works

  • Shortlisting is based on merit, eligibility and fit with Beit Trust criteria: academic achievement, work experience, voluntary work, leadership, references, course relevance and commitment to return home.
  • Interviews are essential and held in person in Lusaka, Harare and Blantyre, usually in April.
  • Not all interviewees receive a scholarship.

Other scholarships

View all scholarships →

Ready to start your study abroad journey?

Book a free consultation with our expert counsellors and take the first step towards your dream university.

Book a Consultation

Explore

Help & Support

Get In Touch

Email: [email protected]

Follow Us

Newsletter

Get the latest courses, scholarships and events in your inbox.

Copyrights © 2026 StudyMapped. All rights reserved.

Terms of Service · Privacy Policy · Refund Policy