Beit Trust Postgraduate Scholarships

• Full tuition and academic fees, paid directly to the university.
• Living allowance.
• UK visa, Immigration Health Surcharge, TB test and biometric costs.
• Arrival, laptop and departure allowances.
• Economy-class flights to and from the study destination.
• No support for spouses or dependants.

The next application window, for UK partner universities in the academic year starting September 2027 (and South African partners from January 2028), opens on 1 December 2026 and closes on 12 February 2027. Applications cannot be processed after the closing date.

Interviews usually take place in April, with invitations sent two weeks before.

1. Apply directly to one or more UK partner universities through their own websites, and tell them you are also applying for Beit Trust funding. Partner universities have in the past waived application fees for Beit applicants.
2. For Cambridge, apply before its published application and funding deadlines.
3. Once you have your offers, submit one application through the Beit Trust online form before the closing date. You may list up to four degree courses at UK and/or South African partner universities.
4. If you are still waiting for a reply from Oxford, Cambridge or Edinburgh, you may apply by the deadline with proof of your university application and explain the delay on the form.
5. Upload all required documents in one sitting; the form cannot be saved and resumed.
6. After submitting, send the automatically generated reference link to your referees. Forms can also be downloaded and emailed to [email protected].
7. If shortlisted, attend an in-person interview in Lusaka, Harare or Blantyre.

• Offer letter(s) from UK partner universities, and/or a list of proposed courses at South African partner universities.
• Degree certificates and transcripts.
• Other academic certificates (awards, prizes, other achievements).
• Curriculum vitae.
• Personal statement of up to 300 words on why the discipline matters and how your studies will benefit your country.
• Clear recent photograph (not a passport photo).
• Copy of a valid passport showing issue and expiry dates and enough blank pages.
• Three references: academic, character (an unrelated adult who knows you well) and employer (if applicable).

Shortlisting is based on merit, eligibility and fit with the Trust's criteria:

• Academic achievement.
• Relevant professional work experience, ideally balanced with academic results.
• Voluntary work as evidence of community engagement (helpful but not a substitute for professional experience).
• Leadership qualities in academic, professional or community settings.
• Evidence-based references.
• Relevance of the course to development.
• Commitment to return home.

Interviews are held in person in Lusaka, Harare and Blantyre, usually in April. Not all interviewees receive scholarships. Unsuccessful applicants may reapply; success after a second unsuccessful attempt is unlikely unless invited to reapply.