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 scholarships support postgraduate education in development-related disciplines, including medicine and health, engineering, education, economic growth, agriculture and conservation. 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 cannot be processed after this deadline. About the Beit Trust Scholarships The Beit Trust is a charitable organisation that supports postgraduate education for eligible students from Zimbabwe, Zambia and Malawi. Its scholarship programme aims to develop skilled professionals and future leaders who can contribute to the economic and social development of their home countries. In 2026, the Trust awarded 19 scholarships at British and South African universities through partnerships with leading academic institutions. The programme focuses primarily on taught Master’s degrees rather than undergraduate or doctoral study. Applicants are expected to demonstrate strong academic achievement, professional experience, leadership potential and a commitment to returning home after completing their studies. What Do the Scholarships Cover? The Beit Trust provides a comprehensive scholarship package for successful candidates. The support includes: Full tuition and academic fees, paid directly to the university. A living allowance to support scholars during their studies. UK visa fees and the Immigration Health Surcharge for UK-bound scholars. Support for tuberculosis testing and biometric costs. Additional allowances for arrival, a laptop and departure. Economy-class flights to and from the study destination. 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 consult the official scholarship guidance for the precise terms and conditions applicable to their chosen destination and programme. Eligible Countries The 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 Trust does not consider applicants who have already started the course for which they seek funding. Eligible Universities and Programmes Applicants must apply to one or more of the Beit Trust’s designated partner universities. United Kingdom partner universities: 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: Rhodes University Stellenbosch University University of Cape Town The Trust supports the following programmes: UK: 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. All 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 partner universities have additional restrictions. For example, the Beit Trust supports applicants to the Computer Science Department at St Andrews and engineering disciplines at Strathclyde. Applicants interested in Cambridge must observe the university’s published application and funding deadlines. Who Can Apply? The scholarship is intended for academically strong candidates with the potential to make a meaningful contribution to their home countries. Applicants are assessed using several criteria. Academic achievement Preference is given to applicants who achieved a Distinction or Merit, equivalent to an Upper Second Class degree, in their undergraduate studies. Candidates with Lower Second Class or Credit/Pass qualifications are not automatically excluded but should expect strong competition. Previous postgraduate study Applicants who already hold a postgraduate degree are generally not considered, except in exceptional circumstances. The Trust prioritises candidates who have not yet had the opportunity to pursue postgraduate education. 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 significantly strengthen an application. Leadership and community engagement The Trust considers leadership potential an important indicator of a candidate’s ability to contribute to national development. Examples of leadership in academic, professional or community settings can strengthen an application. Voluntary work is not compulsory, but evidence of community involvement may be beneficial. It does not, however, replace professional experience. Commitment to return home Applicants must demonstrate a clear intention to return to their home country after completing their studies. The proposed degree should also align with the Trust’s development priorities. Additional Requirements for Medical and Veterinary Applicants Applicants in medicine and veterinary fields must have completed: At least 18 months of internship. At least one year of in-country posting. Experience in rural practice may strengthen an application. How to Apply The application process involves securing admission to an eligible university and submitting a separate scholarship application to the Beit Trust. Applicants to UK universities Candidates must apply directly to one or more UK partner universities and inform the institutions that they are also applying for Beit Trust funding. Applicants must receive their university offer or offers before submitting the Beit Trust scholarship application. Conditional offers are acceptable. Applicants to South African universities Because applications to South African partner universities open after the Beit Trust scholarship deadline, candidates may submit their scholarship application before receiving a confirmed university offer. They must instead provide a PDF list of the universities and courses they intend to apply to in the relevant section of the scholarship application. Applicants must also obtain a SAQA Certificate of Evaluation for their foreign undergraduate qualifications, unless applying for an MMed programme. The qualification must be equivalent to NQF Level 8 for Master’s study. The Trust advises allowing up to 90 days for the certificate, which costs approximately R2,500. If awarded a scholarship, applicants must subsequently apply to their selected South African partner university. Failure to obtain an offer will result in the scholarship being withdrawn. Required Application Documents Applicants should prepare the following documents before beginning the online application: University offer letter or list of proposed South African courses, as applicable. Undergraduate degree certificates and academic transcripts. Other academic certificates, awards and evidence of achievements. SAQA Certificate of Evaluation, where required. Curriculum vitae (CV). A personal statement of no more than 300 words explaining how the proposed studies will benefit the applicant’s home country. A clear, recent photograph that is not a passport photograph. A valid passport copy showing issue and expiry dates and sufficient blank pages. Three references: academic, character and employer, 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 appropriate reference forms. Important: The online application form must be completed in one sitting. Applicants cannot save their progress and return later, so all documents should be prepared in advance. Application Timeline Applications open: 1 December 2026. Application deadline: 12 February 2027. Interviews: Usually held in April. UK study begins: September 2027. South African study begins: January 2028. Application window: 1 December 2026 – 12 February 2027. Shortlisting is based on merit, eligibility and alignment with the Trust’s criteria. Interviews are compulsory for shortlisted candidates and are held in person in Lusaka, Harare and Blantyre. Not every candidate interviewed will receive a scholarship. VISIT OFFICIAL WEBSITE HERE For more opportunities such as these please follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn and WPChannel Important: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the offering organisation for these scholarships. GSO shares opportunities for informational purposes based on official announcements and external sources. Applicants should verify eligibility, university requirements, funding conditions and application procedures directly with the Beit Trust. Do not send applications or supporting documents to GSO. Apply through the official Beit Trust scholarship process when the application window opens.