About the opportunity
What this programme is offering
Beit Trust Postgraduate Scholarships 2027: Fully Funded Master’s Studies in the UK and South Africa
The Beit Trust Postgraduate Scholarships 2027 will open for applications on 1 December 2026, offering eligible students from Zimbabwe, Zambia and Malawi an opportunity to pursue postgraduate studies at selected universities in the United Kingdom and South Africa.
The scholarship programme supports development-focused disciplines, including medicine and health, engineering, education, agriculture, conservation and economic development. Successful applicants can receive comprehensive financial support covering tuition fees, living expenses, travel and other approved study-related costs.
The next scholarship round will support studies beginning in September 2027 at UK partner universities and January 2028 at South African partner universities.
Applications close on 12 February 2027. The Trust has stated that applications submitted after the deadline cannot be processed.
Beit Trust Postgraduate Scholarships 2027: Overview
Scholarship provider: Beit Trust
Academic year: 2027–2028
Eligible countries: Zimbabwe, Zambia and Malawi
Study destinations: United Kingdom and South Africa
Study level: Postgraduate
Supported programmes: Selected taught Master’s degrees and Master of Medicine programmes
Funding: Comprehensive financial support, subject to the Trust’s terms
Applications open: 1 December 2026
Application deadline: 12 February 2027
UK programmes begin: September 2027
South African programmes begin: January 2028
Application method: Online
About the Beit Trust Postgraduate Scholarships
The Beit Trust is a charitable organisation that supports postgraduate education for eligible students from Zimbabwe, Zambia and Malawi. Through its scholarship programme, the Trust aims to develop skilled professionals and future leaders who can contribute to the social and economic development of their home countries.
The programme works with selected universities in the UK and South Africa to provide opportunities for students pursuing advanced qualifications in fields relevant to national development.
The Trust primarily supports taught Master’s degrees rather than undergraduate or doctoral programmes. Applicants are expected to demonstrate strong academic achievement, professional experience, leadership potential and a clear commitment to returning home after completing their studies.
According to the supplied programme information, the Trust awarded 19 scholarships at British and South African universities in 2026.
What Does the Beit Trust Scholarship Cover?
The Beit Trust provides a comprehensive scholarship package to successful candidates. Depending on the destination and applicable conditions, the support includes:
Tuition and academic fees: Payment of approved university fees directly to the institution.
Living allowance: Financial support towards living expenses during the period of study.
Travel expenses: Economy-class flights to and from the study destination.
UK visa-related costs: Visa fees and the Immigration Health Surcharge for scholars studying in the UK.
Medical and administrative costs: Support for tuberculosis testing and biometric expenses, where applicable.
Arrival allowance: Assistance with approved initial expenses.
Laptop allowance: Support towards obtaining a laptop.
Departure allowance: Assistance with approved departure-related expenses.
The scholarship is intended to cover essential study and living costs. However, the Trust does not provide financial support for spouses or dependants.
Applicants should review the official scholarship guidance to understand the precise benefits, funding limits and conditions applicable to their intended programme and destination.
Eligible Countries
The Beit Trust Postgraduate Scholarships are available exclusively to eligible nationals of:
Zimbabwe
Zambia
Malawi
Applicants must also be permanent residents of one of these countries and live in, or intend to return to, their home country after completing their studies.
The programme is designed to develop professionals who can use their advanced knowledge and skills to contribute to development in their home countries.
Important: Applicants who have already started the course for which they are seeking funding are not considered.
Eligible Universities and Programmes
Applicants must apply to one or more of the universities designated as Beit Trust partners.
United Kingdom Partner Universities
The listed UK partner institutions include:
University of Cambridge
University of Edinburgh
University of Glasgow
University of Leeds
University of Oxford
University of St Andrews
University of Strathclyde
Blavatnik School of Government
South African Partner Universities
The listed South African partner institutions include:
Rhodes University
Stellenbosch University
University of Cape Town
Applicants should confirm the current partner list and the programmes supported at each institution before applying.
Supported Programmes
The scholarship programme supports the following study pathways:
United Kingdom: One-year taught MSc programmes.
South Africa: Two-year taught MSc programmes.
South Africa: Four-year Master of Medicine (MMed) programmes, with no more than one award per year.
Supported programmes must include a research component.
Applicants are generally expected to hold an undergraduate Honours degree with a First or Upper Second Class classification, or an equivalent qualification.
Some universities have additional restrictions on the disciplines supported. For example, the supplied programme information identifies Computer Science at St Andrews and engineering disciplines at Strathclyde as eligible areas of interest. Candidates considering Cambridge should also pay close attention to the university’s separate admission and funding deadlines.
Who Can Apply?
The Beit Trust seeks academically strong candidates who have the potential to make meaningful contributions to their home countries after completing their postgraduate studies.
Applications are assessed using several criteria.
1. Academic Achievement
The Trust gives preference to candidates with strong undergraduate results. A Distinction or Merit, or an equivalent Upper Second Class qualification, can strengthen an application.
Applicants with Lower Second Class or Credit/Pass qualifications are not automatically excluded according to the supplied guidance, but competition may be strong.
Candidates should ensure that their academic qualifications meet the requirements of their chosen university and the scholarship programme.
2. Previous Postgraduate Study
Applicants who already hold a postgraduate degree are generally not considered, except in exceptional circumstances.
The programme prioritises candidates who have not yet had the opportunity to pursue postgraduate education.
3. Professional Experience
Relevant professional experience is highly valued. As a guideline, at least three years of professional experience, supported by a positive employer reference, can strengthen an application.
Applicants should highlight relevant responsibilities, achievements and skills that demonstrate their readiness for advanced study and their potential contribution to national development.
4. Leadership and Community Engagement
The Trust considers leadership potential an important indicator of a candidate’s ability to contribute to their home country.
Examples of leadership in academic, professional or community settings may strengthen an application. Although voluntary work is not compulsory, evidence of community involvement can be beneficial.
Community service does not, however, replace the value of relevant professional experience.
5. Commitment to Return Home
Applicants must demonstrate a clear intention to return to their home country after completing their studies.
Their proposed qualification should align with the development priorities of their country and support their future contribution to areas such as healthcare, education, agriculture, engineering, conservation or economic growth.
Additional Requirements for Medical and Veterinary Applicants
Applicants in medicine and veterinary fields must meet additional professional experience requirements.
The supplied guidance specifies that candidates should have completed:
At least 18 months of internship.
At least one year of in-country posting.
Experience working in rural practice may strengthen an application.
Medical and veterinary candidates should confirm the precise requirements for their intended programme and ensure their professional experience is properly documented.
How to Apply for the Beit Trust Postgraduate Scholarships 2027
The application process involves securing admission to an eligible university, preparing the required documentation and submitting a separate scholarship application to the Beit Trust.
The process differs slightly depending on whether you intend to study in the UK or South Africa.
Applicants to UK Universities
Candidates applying to UK partner universities should:
Identify one or more eligible UK partner universities and suitable postgraduate programmes.
Apply directly to the university or universities for admission.
Inform the institutions that they are also applying for Beit Trust funding.
Obtain a university offer before submitting the Beit Trust scholarship application. Conditional offers are acceptable.
Prepare the required supporting documents and submit the scholarship application online before the deadline.
Applicants should check each university’s admission requirements and deadlines, as these may differ from the Beit Trust scholarship deadline.
Applicants to South African Universities
The process for South African partner universities differs because their applications may open after the Beit Trust scholarship deadline.
Candidates may submit their Beit Trust scholarship applications before receiving a confirmed university offer. Instead, they must provide a PDF list of the South African universities and courses they intend to apply to in the relevant section of the scholarship application.
Applicants must also obtain a South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) Certificate of Evaluation for their foreign undergraduate qualifications, unless they are applying for an MMed programme.
For Master’s study, the qualification must be equivalent to NQF Level 8. The supplied guidance advises applicants to allow up to 90 days to obtain the certificate and indicates an approximate cost of R2,500.
Successful scholarship applicants must subsequently apply to their selected South African partner university. If they fail to secure an offer, the scholarship will be withdrawn.
Because processing times and fees can change, applicants should verify the latest SAQA requirements directly with the authority.
Required Application Documents
Applicants should prepare the necessary documents before starting the online application.
The supplied application guidance identifies the following requirements:
University offer letter: Required for UK applicants; South African applicants should provide a PDF list of their intended universities and courses where permitted.
Undergraduate degree certificates and academic transcripts: Evidence of completed qualifications and academic performance.
Other academic certificates and awards: Supporting evidence of achievements and relevant qualifications.
SAQA Certificate of Evaluation: Required for relevant South African applications, except MMed applicants, subject to the current rules.
Curriculum vitae (CV): A summary of academic qualifications, employment history, skills and achievements.
Personal statement: A statement of no more than 300 words explaining how the proposed studies will benefit the applicant’s home country.
Recent photograph: A clear photograph that is not a passport photograph.
Valid passport: A copy showing the issue and expiry dates and sufficient blank pages.
Three references: Academic, character and employer references, where applicable.
Reference forms must be submitted directly by referees to scholarships@beittrust.org.uk. Applicants should follow the Trust’s instructions for obtaining and forwarding the relevant forms.
Important Application Preparation Advice
The online application form must be completed in one sitting. Applicants cannot save their progress and return later.
Before opening the form, ensure that all required documents are ready, the information is accurate and the personal statement is within the stated word limit.
Allow enough time to contact referees, obtain university offers where required and complete any qualification evaluation procedures.
Application Timeline
MilestoneDateApplications open1 December 2026Application deadline12 February 2027InterviewsUsually held in AprilUK programmes beginSeptember 2027South African programmes beginJanuary 2028
The Trust has stated that applications received after the deadline cannot be processed. Applicants should therefore submit well before 12 February 2027.
Why Consider the Beit Trust Postgraduate Scholarship?
Postgraduate education can help professionals develop specialised knowledge, advance their careers and contribute to development in their communities and countries.
The Beit Trust programme is particularly relevant to eligible candidates from Zimbabwe, Zambia and Malawi who want to gain advanced qualifications in fields linked to national development.
Its comprehensive financial support can reduce the costs associated with studying abroad, while its partner university network provides access to established academic and research environments.
Candidates with strong academic records, relevant professional experience, leadership potential and a clear plan to apply their skills at home may find this opportunity especially valuable.
How to Apply
Interested applicants should review the official scholarship requirements, verify the partner universities and identify an eligible programme before beginning the application process.
Application opening date: 1 December 2026
Application deadline: 12 February 2027
Official website: https://beittrust.org.uk/
Visit the Trust’s official website for the latest application guidance, partner university information, required forms and submission instructions.
Start preparing early: Secure any required university offers, organise your academic documents, contact your referees and prepare your personal statement before the application portal opens.
Disclaimer: Eligibility criteria, funding arrangements, partner universities and application procedures may change. Applicants should confirm the latest information directly with the Beit Trust and their chosen universities before applying.
How to apply