Ruth First Scholarships at Durham 2026 (Fully Funded)

The Ruth First Educational Trust aims to enable southern African students from historically disadvantaged backgrounds to undertake postgraduate study at Durham University. Southern Africa is defined for this purpose as comprising the following countries: Angola, Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Republic of South Africa, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

Table of Content

• Summary
• Benefits
• Requirements
• Application Deadline
• How To Apply

Summary

• Application DeadlineFebruary 28, 2026
• Study LevelMasters
• SponsorDurham University
• City to studyLondon
• School to studyDurham University
• Eligible CountryAngola , Botswana , Lesotho , Malawi , Mozambique , Namibia , South Africa , Eswatini , Zambia , Zimbabwe

Benefits

• Full payment of tuition fees
• Stipend for living expenses - 12 monthly payments
• One return air ticket from the home country to the UK and the cost of return travel between the UK airport and Durham City
• Fully funded accommodation and meals at St Chad's College
• 'Settling in allowance' on arrival
• Payment of the cost of a UK visa and the UK Health surcharge

Requirements

Applicants should:

• hold a relevant honours degree of sufficient standard to be admitted to your chosen Master's course; and
• not hold a Master's degree, nor have previously studied at a university outside southern Africa, and
• show evidence of active involvement in and commitment to voluntary work for the benefit of causes such as rural or urban community development; young people or educational projects; charitable organisations; health or AIDS awareness projects; student welfare or guidance; the defence of human rights; the promotion of equal opportunities or social justice; environmental sustainability. If you have a paid job that involves working in such areas, you should show evidence of leadership and commitment beyond the requirements of the job

Check also:
Wits-Edinburgh Programme in Sustainable African Futures by Mastercard Foundation 2026-2027
Department of Aeronautics MSc Scholarship at Imperial College London 2026

Application Deadline

How To Apply

1. Apply for a course

   Submit an academic application to Durham University for one of the eligible programmes by 28 February 2026.  Provide evidence of your Ruth First Scholarship application to colleagues in our admissions service.

   Durham University Applicant Portal 

2. Complete a scholarship application

   Submit an online scholarship application form by 28 February 2026.

   Application Deadline

   28 February 2026

   When candidates will hear the outcome of their application

   End June 2026

3. Ask us

   For further information or advice:

   • Email: [email protected]

For more details, visit Durham University Scholarship webpage