The SOAS Teaching Scholarships provide a unique opportunity for eligible Black British students and students based in Africa, Asia, and the Middle East to pursue a full-time MPhil/PhD at SOAS University of London. The application deadline is 21 March 2026. These scholarships aim to address inequalities in doctoral education and offer comprehensive financial support, including a full tuition waiver and a maintenance stipend.
Importantly, recipients will also gain valuable teaching experience during their studies. Therefore, this scholarship not only supports your research ambitions but also helps you develop essential academic skills. If you are interested in starting your academic career with strong financial and professional backing, this is an excellent opportunity.
Key Details:
Application Deadline: 21 March 2026
Eligible Countries: UK, Africa, Asia, Middle East
To be taken at (country): United Kingdom
About this Scholarship
Level of Study: PhD (MPhil/PhD)
The SOAS Teaching Scholarships support full-time MPhil/PhD students beginning their studies in the 2026/27 academic year. The awards are open to both UK/EU/Home and International/Overseas fee-paying students. Each scholarship covers full tuition and provides a maintenance allowance for a three-year period. The minimum maintenance stipend for 2026/27 will be £20,622, with the final amount confirmed closer to September 2026.
Eligibility
- Applicants must be either permanent residents in the UK (Home fee status) from Black ethnic groups (Black or Black British African, Black or Black British Caribbean, Black or Black British other, or Mixed Black or Black British), or ordinarily resident in Africa, Asia, or the Middle East.
- Applicants must have an offer of admission to a full-time MPhil/PhD programme at SOAS for the 2026/27 academic year.
- Applicants must submit a widening participation statement (max 800 words) outlining eligibility and how the scholarship will benefit their career or community.
- Applicants must meet the English language requirements of their offer by 10 May 2026 if applicable.
- Students who are part of the SOAS Ebony Initiative may also apply for the Ebony Initiative studentships.
- One scholarship is reserved for a Palestinian national who meets the general criteria and is an ordinary resident of historic Palestine (Gaza Strip, West Bank, East Jerusalem, or Palestinian citizens in Israel).
- Applicants cannot hold another major scholarship or studentship at the same time.
Number of Awards: Not specified – please see official page
Value of Award: Full tuition fees and minimum £20,622 per year maintenance stipend
Duration of Award: 3 years (full-time)
Benefits
- Full coverage of tuition fees for three years.
- Annual maintenance stipend (minimum £20,622 for 2026/27).
- Opportunity to gain teaching experience during the PhD programme.
- Doctoral skill development and academic career support.
- Support for students from underrepresented backgrounds.
Required Documents
- Completed application for a full-time MPhil/PhD programme at SOAS.
- Widening participation statement (maximum 800 words).
- Proof of English language proficiency (if required).
- Supporting academic documents (references, research proposal, prior results, publications).
Award Provider: SOAS University of London
How to Apply
- Apply for a full-time MPhil/PhD programme at SOAS. Guidance is available on the SOAS Doctoral School and How to Apply pages.
- Once you have applied for your course and received login credentials, apply for the SOAS Teaching Scholarship via the admissions portal by 12 noon UK time on 21 March 2026.
- Submit all required documents, including your widening participation statement and proof of English proficiency if needed.
- Ensure your application for admission is complete, as incomplete or late applications will not be considered.
- If you have questions about the programme application, email [email protected]. For scholarship application queries, contact [email protected].
Notification of results will begin at the end of May 2026. Successful candidates will be contacted first. If no suitable candidates are found, the scholarship may reopen in May 2026. Check the official page for updates.
👉 Visit the official scholarship page for details
