Scholarship Overview
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Overview
The Martingale Scholarship 2027 is a competitive UK-based funding programme designed to support talented students who demonstrate both academic potential and financial need to pursue postgraduate research. The scholarship covers Masters and PhD degrees at partner universities across the United Kingdom, with a strong emphasis on building a collaborative cohort of scholars who will shape the future of research.
For applicants from Zimbabwe and the SADC region, this scholarship presents a significant opportunity—provided you meet the specific UK/Ireland schooling requirements or qualify through refugee status with Home Fee status.
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What the Scholarship Covers
The Martingale Foundation provides comprehensive funding that typically includes:
- Full tuition fees for eligible Masters or PhD programmes
- Living stipend support (exact amount not specified in published materials)
- Access to the Martingale Development Programme, including workshops, mentoring, and networking events
- Application support services, including one-to-one guidance and proofreading assistance
Funding is allocated through a structured process where successful candidates become “Qualified Candidates” and are then supported through university applications and final placement.
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Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible for the 2027 Martingale Scholarship, you must satisfy all six criteria below:
Academic Requirements
- Hold or be on track to achieve a First or Upper Second Class degree (or equivalent) in your most recent taught degree in a relevant subject
Fee Status and Commencement
- Be eligible to commence a Masters or PhD degree at a UK university from September 2027
- Qualify for Home Fee status at partner universities
Schooling History (Critical for African Applicants)
- Have attended school in the UK or Ireland for at least three years between ages 11 and 18; OR
- Have attended school in the UK or Ireland for at least seven years between ages 4 and 18
Important exception: If you have refugee status and are eligible for Home Fee status, you may apply even if you do not meet the minimum UK/Ireland schooling requirements.
Secondary Education Type
- Completed GCSEs or equivalent at a state-funded school; OR
- Received a scholarship or bursary covering at least 90% of fees to attend a fee-paying school or college
Financial Need
- Have faced or be facing financial barriers, including household income of £45,000 or under
Application Process
The Martingale Scholarship uses a three-stage application process:
Stage 1: Apply to Martingale (12 August – 18 October 2026)
Complete the online application form, which assesses your background and motivation for postgraduate research. You must submit:
- Academic transcript
- Evidence of financial need
- Two referees
Shortlisted candidates are invited to an in-person interview with academic and Martingale representatives to assess academic potential, motivation, and cohort contribution.
Stage 2: Apply to Partner Universities (January–February 2027)
Successful candidates become “Qualified Candidates” and apply directly to one or more partner universities for eligible courses. Martingale provides:
- Online workshops
- One-to-one guidance
- In-person Showcase Event for PhD candidates (December 2026)
Stage 3: Funding Allocation (March–April 2027)
Masters: Submit course preferences to Martingale; the Foundation allocates funded places based on preferences and university capacity.
PhD: Universities make offers directly from the pool of Qualified Candidates, with fixed numbers of Martingale places at each institution.
Key Dates
| 12 August 2026 | Applications open |
| 18 October 2026 | Final application deadline (23:59) |
| November 2026 | Interviews for shortlisted candidates |
| December 2026 | Outcomes notified; PhD Showcase event |
| December 2026 – January 2027 | Application support for Qualified Candidates |
| January–February 2027 | Applications to partner universities |
| March 2027 | Confirmation of university offers |
| April 2027 | Offers of Martingale-funded places |
Information Sessions
Martingale hosts webinars to answer questions about the application process. The confirmed 2026 session is:
- Monday 5 October 2026, 5pm
Resources for Applicants
- 2027 Programme Brochure – details courses and the Martingale Development Programme
- 2027 Scholarships Eligibility guidance document – comprehensive eligibility details
- 2027 Scholarships Application Guidance – step-by-step application instructions
- FAQs page – answers to common questions
Important Notes for African Applicants
The schooling requirements make this scholarship challenging for most Zimbabwe and SADC applicants who completed secondary education in Africa. However, two pathways may still work:
- Refugee status pathway: If you hold refugee status and have secured Home Fee status, you may bypass the UK/Ireland schooling requirements.
- Home Fee status: Some applicants with long-term UK residency or specific immigration statuses may qualify for Home Fees despite African birth—verify this with UKCISA or target universities before applying.
If you do not meet these criteria, consider alternative scholarships without schooling restrictions, such as Commonwealth Scholarships, Chevening, or university-specific international awards.
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
