SOAS University of London Ortigia Scholarship 2026

The scholarship is open to those who were the first in their family to go to university or who are resident in a country where there is conflict, extreme challenge or adversity. SOAS strongly encourage applicants who would not have considered the programme without the opportunity afforded by this scholarship.

SOAS hope the scholarship will be a transformative opportunity, enabling the successful applicant to pursue a career related to Asian art, such as academia, curatorial or museum work, or a position in the commercial art world.

• Table of Content
• About SOAS University of London
• Ortigia Scholarship Master's Scholarship
• Aim and Benefits of Ortigia Scholarship Master's Scholarship
• Ortigia Scholarship Master's Scholarship Courses
• Requirements for Ortigia Scholarship Master's Scholarship Qualification
• Interview date, Process and Venue for Ortigia Scholarship Master's Scholarship
• Application Deadline
• How to Apply

Ortigia Scholarship Master's Scholarship

Aim and Benefits of Ortigia Scholarship Master's Scholarship

• This scholarship covers full tuition fees for the in-person pathway of the SOAS-Alphawood Postgraduate Diploma in Asian Art and an allowance to cover living costs during term time.

Ortigia Scholarship Master's Scholarship Courses

• Asian Art

Requirements for Ortigia Scholarship Master's Scholarship Qualification

One Ortigia Scholarship is available for the 2026/27 academic year running from 28 September 2026 to 4 August 2027. Recipients of the scholarship will complete the following modules:

• Arts of India
• Analysing and Exploring the Arts
• Arts of China
• Arts of Japan & Korea or Arts of the Buddhist World
• the Independent Study Project in Asian Art History or Asian Art: Theories, Practices and Objects

Applicants must:

• Already hold an offer of a place on the SOAS-Alphawood Postgraduate Diploma in Asian Art.
• Possess or expect to be awarded a 2:1 or above, an equivalent non-UK qualification, or equivalent professional experience. Students with a non-UK degree are to be adjudged by their referees and transcript.
• Be either the first in their family to go to university or resident in a country where there is conflict, extreme challenge or adversity.
• Provide a supporting statement (two pages maximum) stating why they wish to take this programme and how this scholarship will make a difference to them. This statement must also speak to how they meet the eligibility criteria as either the first in their family to go to university or resident in a country where there is conflict, extreme challenge or adversity

International students must demonstrate that they meet SOAS's English language requirements by the 17 July 2026.

Interview date, Process and Venue for Ortigia Scholarship Master's Scholarship

• Candidates will be assessed by an Advisory Panel consisting of three members of SOAS staff.
• The panel will be looking at the applicants’ degree results, references, professional experience, supporting statement, writing sample, and other relevant information.
• The scholarship will be awarded on the basis of a combination of academic potential, financial need, and impact of the scholarship on the applicant’s academic and professional development.

Check also:
Erasmus Mundus Scholarship 2027
Global Korea Scholarship 2027

Application Deadline

How to Apply

Please apply for the Ortigia Scholarship by completing and submitting the online application form. As part of this form you must also submit:

• A recently submitted piece of academic work at least 1,000 words in length, or equivalent piece of writing from a professional context (i.e., auction or museum catalogue essay). If you have not recently submitted a piece of academic work please produce a new piece of writing on an art historical topic of your choosing at approximately 1,000 words in length (please note that the panel may only review the first 1,000 words).
• Two references providing an opinion on your suitability for this programme of study as a scholarship student. Academic references are preferred, but one professional reference is acceptable. Two professional references can be provided if you have been out of academia for more than 5 years.

Referees can email references directly to Programme Manager Patrick Monger at [email protected] but these must be received by the application deadline.

If you have any queries about the application process, eligibility requirements, or any other aspects of the programme, please contact [email protected].

For more information, kindly visit SOAS University of London scholarship webpage.