2026 Durham University Ruth First Scholarships

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.

Scholarships make an important contribution towards social, educational and economic development in the region. In addition to their value to individuals they have a wide developmental impact, within and beyond southern Africa. Ruth First Scholars have played positive leadership roles in their communities and are chosen for their active commitment to good causes and their academic ability. Many former Ruth First Scholars now hold important positions in the public and private sectors in southern Africa and have become inspirational role models for young people.

• Table of Content
• About Durham University
• Durham University Masters Scholarship
• Aim and Benefits of Durham University Masters Scholarship
• Requirements for Durham University Masters Scholarship Qualification
• Application Deadline
• How to Apply

Durham University Masters Scholarship

Aim and Benefits of Durham University Masters Scholarship

• 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 for Durham University Masters Scholarship Qualification

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

The Trust and Durham University aim to award the Scholarship to individuals who not only have the academic and personal qualities to enable them to complete and benefit from a postgraduate course but who will also act as positive ambassadors for their home countries in Durham and put their enhanced knowledge and skills to good use for the benefit of the societies to which they return in Africa.

Application Deadline

How to Apply

1. Apply for a course
2. 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
   • When candidates will hear the outcome of their application - End June 2026
   • Application Deadline - 28 February 2026
   • Submit an online scholarship application form by 28 February 2026.
   • Complete a scholarship application
3. Ask Durham University
   • For further information or advice:
   • Email: [email protected]

For more information, kindly visit Durham University scholarship webpage.