Scholarship Overview
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Overview
The UCL African Graduate Scholarship is a competitive, fully funded award designed specifically for African nationals who demonstrate exceptional academic and professional potential but lack the financial means to study in the United Kingdom. For the 2027-28 academic year, this scholarship enables one recipient to complete the MSc in Global Health and Development at UCL’s Institute for Global Health.
The scholarship is co-funded by CP Charitable Trust and International Student House, reflecting a partnership committed to developing African health leadership. Unlike broader scholarship programs, this is a targeted, one-off award with a specific focus on global health capacity building.
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What the Scholarship Covers
The UCL African Graduate Scholarship provides comprehensive financial support that includes:
- Full tuition fees for the MSc in Global Health and Development programme
- Accommodation costs in London
- Contribution toward living costs (specific amount not published)
This package eliminates the primary financial barriers African students face when considering UK postgraduate study, particularly the high costs of London living and international tuition rates.
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Eligibility Requirements
Candidates must meet all of the following criteria to be considered:
- Be an African national and permanent resident of an African nation at the time of application
- Hold an unconditional offer from UCL for the MSc in Global Health and Development (full-time study)
- Demonstrate that you would be unable to study at UCL without this financial assistance
The scholarship specifically targets candidates with strong academic and professional backgrounds who face genuine financial constraints. Preference is given to applicants whose career trajectories indicate they will contribute to health system strengthening in Africa.
Eligible African Countries
The scholarship is open to nationals of all African countries, including but not limited to: Nigeria, Algeria, Angola, Benin, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Cabo Verde, Central African Republic, Chad, Comoros, Democratic Republic of the Congo, and 46 additional African nations. Zimbabwe and other SADC member states are fully eligible.
The MSc in Global Health and Development Programme
This one-year taught master’s programme at UCL Institute for Global Health equips students with interdisciplinary skills to address health inequities in low- and middle-income countries. The curriculum integrates epidemiology, health economics, policy analysis, and development studies.
For African applicants, particularly those from Zimbabwe and the SADC region, the programme offers direct relevance to regional health challenges including infectious disease control, health system financing, and the health impacts of climate change and migration.
Application Process
Applications must be completed in two sequential stages:
- Apply for programme admission: Submit a complete application for the MSc in Global Health and Development (full-time) through UCL’s standard admissions portal. You must receive an unconditional offer before scholarship consideration.
- Submit scholarship application: Complete the separate scholarship application form and email it to igh.scholarships@ucl.ac.uk
There is no separate essay requirement for the scholarship application itself, though your programme application will require supporting documents.
Key Deadline
The deadline for 2027/2028 scholarship applications is Friday, 28 May 2027 at 17:00 BST. Late submissions will not be considered.
Selection Criteria and Competitiveness
As a single, one-off award, this scholarship is highly competitive. Selection considers:
- Academic excellence and professional achievements
- Demonstrated financial need
- Potential impact on health outcomes in Africa
- Alignment with programme objectives
Applicants should emphasize in their materials how the degree will enable specific, measurable contributions to health system improvement in their home country or region.
Practical Considerations for SADC Applicants
Timing: Begin your UCL programme application at least 6 months before the scholarship deadline to secure an unconditional offer in time.
English proficiency: UCL requires proof of English language proficiency. Acceptable tests include IELTS, TOEFL, and others. Verify current requirements on the UCL admissions website.
Visa implications: As a fully funded scholarship, this award meets UK student visa financial requirements. UCL will provide documentation for your visa application once the scholarship is confirmed.
Accommodation: International Student House co-funding suggests potential placement in ISH residences, though specific arrangements are confirmed post-award.
Related Opportunities
If unsuccessful or ineligible for this scholarship, consider these alternatives for African health professionals:
- Heidelberg University MSc International Health (Germany) – similar focus, different funding model
- Global MINDS Scholarship (Europe) – broader eligibility, up to $30,000 funding
- Chevening Scholarships (UK) – generalist alternative for African leaders
Official scholarship page: https://scholarsregion.com/scholarship/university-college-london-dbxm1t
You apply directly with the provider. We never charge for applications or ask for payment details. How we verify scholarships
