Beit Trust Scholarships 2027/2028: Fully Funded Postgraduate Master’s Scholarships at Top Universities in the UK and South Africa

Overview

The Beit Trust Scholarships provide fully funded postgraduate Master’s opportunities for students from Zambia, Zimbabwe, and Malawi. Established by Alfred Beit in 1906, the charitable trust aims to develop skilled professionals who can contribute to the long-term development of their home countries. The programme supports study at selected partner universities in the United Kingdom, beginning in September 2027, and in South Africa, beginning in January 2028.

Who can apply

Applicants must be nationals of and domiciled in Zambia, Zimbabwe, or Malawi. Candidates may apply for eligible postgraduate courses at partner institutions, which include the University of Oxford, the University of Cambridge, the University of Leeds, the University of Glasgow, the University of Strathclyde, the University of Edinburgh, the University of St Andrews, the University of Pretoria, the University of Cape Town, Stellenbosch University, and Rhodes University. Applicants can select up to four degree courses across these partner universities and may combine choices from both the United Kingdom and South Africa. The Trust does not fund undergraduate degrees or initial PhD research.

What you get

The scholarship provides comprehensive financial support, covering full tuition and academic fees paid directly to the university, along with a living allowance for ordinary expenses. Recipients receive economy-class flights for international travel to and from the study destination, as well as additional allowances for arrival, a laptop, and departure. For placements in the United Kingdom, the award covers visa costs, the Immigration Health Surcharge, tuberculosis tests, and biometric expenses. Spouses and dependants are not supported by the funding.

Requirements

Applicants must meet the scholarship criteria and are generally expected to secure at least one conditional offer from an eligible UK partner university before applying. Candidates choosing the South African route may submit their proposed university and course choices without an existing offer, but must subsequently secure admission if awarded a scholarship, or the award may be withdrawn. Applicants must check the individual admission requirements and deadlines of their chosen universities.

How to apply

Candidates must apply directly to their chosen partner universities and follow the official instructions provided by the Trust. Applications for the academic year open on 1 December 2026.

Key dates

Applications close on 12 February 2027. Studies at UK partner universities begin in September 2027, while studies at South African partner universities begin in January 2028.