Scholarship Overview
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What Is the Martingale Scholarship?
The Martingale Scholarship is a competitive UK-based funding programme designed to support students who demonstrate academic potential, financial need, and strong motivation for postgraduate research. The scholarship covers both Masters and PhD level study at partner universities across the United Kingdom.
Unlike many international scholarship programmes, Martingale specifically targets candidates with a substantial connection to the UK or Irish education system. This makes it particularly relevant for Zimbabwean and SADC students who completed secondary schooling in the UK or Ireland, or who hold refugee status with Home Fee eligibility.
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What Does the Scholarship Cover?
The research does not specify exact monetary values. However, the scholarship provides full funding for eligible Masters and PhD programmes at partner universities. This typically includes tuition fees, living stipend, and programme-related costs, though applicants should verify specific coverage details directly with Martingale during the application process.
Eligibility Requirements
Candidates must meet all six criteria below to be considered for the 2027 scholarship:
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- Academic achievement: First or Upper-Second Class degree (or equivalent) in a relevant subject, achieved or on track to achieve
- Programme start: Eligible to commence Masters or PhD study at a UK university from September 2027
- Fee status: Qualify for Home Fee status at partner universities
- Schooling history: Attended school in the UK or Ireland for at least 3 years between ages 11–18, OR at least 7 years between ages 4–18
- Secondary education: Completed GCSEs or equivalent at a state-funded school, OR received a scholarship/bursary covering at least 90% of fees at a fee-paying school
- Financial circumstances: Household income of £45,000 or under, or other demonstrated financial barriers
Important exception: Refugees with Home Fee status may apply even without meeting the UK/Ireland schooling history requirements.
Application Process: Three Stages
Stage 1: Apply to Martingale (August–October 2026)
Complete the online application form, which assesses your background and research motivations. Required materials include:
- Academic transcript
- Evidence of financial need
- Two referees
Shortlisted candidates attend in-person interviews with academic and Martingale representatives. Interviews assess academic potential, research motivation, and cohort contribution potential.
Stage 2: Apply to Partner Universities (December 2026–February 2027)
Successful candidates (‘Qualified Candidates’) apply directly to partner universities for eligible courses. Martingale provides application support including:
- Online workshops
- One-to-one guidance
- In-person PhD Showcase Event (December 2026)
- Application proofreading
Each university application follows standard admissions processes and deadlines. Some programmes may have earlier deadlines than the general February 2027 window.
Stage 3: Funding Allocation (March–April 2027)
Masters candidates: Submit course preferences to Martingale after receiving university offers. The Foundation allocates funded places based on preferences and cohort distribution across partner universities.
PhD candidates: Universities directly offer Martingale PhD places to Qualified Candidates from their applicant pool. Each partner university has a fixed number of PhD places available.
All Martingale funding remains conditional until university offers become unconditional.
Key Dates for 2027 Entry
| 12 August 2026 | Applications open |
| 18 October 2026 | Final deadline (23:59) |
| November 2026 | Interviews for shortlisted candidates |
| December 2026 | Outcome notifications; PhD Showcase Event |
| December 2026–January 2027 | Application support period |
| January–February 2027 | University applications by Qualified Candidates |
| March 2027 | University offers confirmed |
| April 2027 | Martingale-funded places offered |
Resources and Documentation
Before applying, review these official documents:
- 2027 Programme Brochure (course listings and development programme details)
- 2027 Scholarships Eligibility guidance document
- 2027 Scholarships Application Guidance
- FAQs page
Advice for Zimbabwean and SADC Applicants
The schooling history requirement (3 years UK/Irish schooling ages 11–18, or 7 years ages 4–18) significantly limits direct eligibility for most Zimbabwe-based applicants. However, consider these pathways:
- Refugee status route: If you hold refugee status and qualify for Home Fees, you may bypass schooling history requirements
- Diaspora connections: Students who completed substantial schooling in the UK/Ireland before returning to Zimbabwe may qualify
- Alternative programmes: Explore scholarships without residency requirements, such as Commonwealth Scholarships, Chevening, or university-specific international awards
The financial need threshold (£45,000 household income) uses UK income metrics. International applicants with equivalent financial circumstances should contact Martingale directly to understand how their situation is assessed.
Official scholarship page: https://martingale.foundation/scholarships/application/
You apply directly with the provider. We never charge for applications or ask for payment details. How we verify scholarships
