Beit Trust Postgraduate Scholarships 2026/2027 for Study in South Africa & United Kingdom (Fully Funded)

Posted: September 22, 2025
Application Deadline: February 13, 2026 (5:00 pm CAT)

About the Scholarship

Applications are now open for the Beit Trust Postgraduate Scholarships 2026/2027. The Beit Trust, through its partnerships with leading British and South African universities, provides fully funded postgraduate scholarships to outstanding candidates. In 2025, the Trust awarded 21 scholarships.

Eligibility Requirements

By Act of Parliament, the Beit Trust supports only applicants who:

Are nationals of Zambia, Zimbabwe, or Malawi.
Are permanent residents of one of these countries.
Live in and/or intend to return to their country after completing their studies.
Have not already begun a course of study.

Benefits

Full tuition and academic fees (paid directly to the university).
Living allowance.
UK Visa and Health Surcharge, TB test, and biometric costs.
Additional allowances for arrival, laptop, and departure.
Economy-class flights to and from the study destination.

Selection Criteria

Your application will be assessed based on:

Academic Achievement

Preference for applicants with a Distinction or Merit (Upper Second Class) in undergraduate studies.
Lower grades are not excluded but face strong competition.
Medical degrees will be evaluated differently due to grading systems.

Postgraduate Qualifications

Applicants with prior postgraduate degrees are generally not considered.

Professional Work Experience

At least three years of relevant professional experience is strongly valued.
Work experience is also seen as an indicator of leadership potential.

Voluntary Work

Evidence of community engagement can enhance your application but does not replace professional experience.

Leadership Qualities

Leadership in academic, professional, or community settings is highly valued.

References

Academic, character, and employer references provide insight into leadership and potential.

Course Relevance

Courses should align with developmental disciplines such as:
- Medicine and Health
- Engineering
- Education
- Economic Growth
- Agriculture
- Conservation
MBA programmes are not supported.

Commitment to Return

Applicants must show intent to return to their home country after their studies.

Selection Process

Shortlisting is based on merit and alignment with Beit Trust criteria.
Interviews will be held in Lusaka, Harare, and Blantyre during the week of April 20, 2026.
Not all interviewees will be awarded scholarships.

How to Apply

Submit only one application through the official portal.
Apply to more than one partner university to improve chances.
You may include up to four degree courses (UK and/or South Africa).
Upload all required documents in one sitting.

Required Documents

Degree certificates and transcripts
Curriculum Vitae (CV)
Personal statement (max 300 words) on how your studies will benefit your country
Recent clear photograph
Valid passport (with sufficient blank pages)
Three references (academic, character, employer if applicable)

Referees will receive a submission link once your application is submitted. Completed reference forms should be emailed directly to: scholarships@beittrust.org.uk