Scholarship Overview
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What Is the Martingale Scholarship?
The Martingale Scholarship is a UK-based initiative that funds talented students to pursue postgraduate research at Masters or PhD level. The programme selects candidates based on financial need, academic potential, and motivation for research, then supports them through a structured application process to secure places at partner universities.
Unlike traditional scholarships where you apply directly to a university, Martingale operates a two-stage system: you first apply to Martingale itself, and if successful, you then apply to partner universities with dedicated support from the Martingale team.
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Who Can Apply: Eligibility Requirements
The scholarship has strict eligibility criteria. You must meet all requirements to be considered.
Academic Requirements
- Have achieved 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
- Be eligible to commence a Masters or PhD at a UK university from September 2027
Fee Status and Education History
- Qualify for Home Fee status at partner universities
- Have attended school in the UK or Ireland for at least three years between ages 11 and 18, OR for at least seven years between ages 4 and 18
- 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
Financial Need
- Have faced or be facing financial barriers, including household income of £45,000 or under
Refugee Status 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 education history requirements.
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Important Note for African Applicants
The Martingale Scholarship is designed primarily for students with strong UK/Ireland educational ties. For applicants from Zimbabwe and the SADC region, this typically means you would need to have completed significant schooling in the UK or Ireland, or hold refugee status with Home Fee eligibility. The Home Fee status requirement and education history rules make this scholarship unsuitable for most international applicants based entirely outside the UK. Consider alternatives such as Commonwealth Scholarships, Chevening, or university-specific international awards if you do not meet these criteria.
What the Scholarship Covers
The Martingale Foundation allocates funded places to successful candidates. While specific monetary values are not published, the scholarship covers:
- Tuition fees for eligible Masters or PhD programmes at partner universities
- Living support through the Martingale Development Programme
- Application support including workshops, one-to-one guidance, and proofreading
For PhD candidates, there is a fixed number of Martingale places at each partner university, allocated at the university’s discretion.
How to Apply: The Three-Stage Process
Stage 1: Apply to Martingale (August–October 2026)
Complete the online application form, which assesses your background and motivations. You will need:
- Academic transcript
- Evidence of financial need
- Two referees
Shortlisted candidates are invited to an in-person interview with academic representatives and Martingale staff.
Stage 2: Apply to Partner Universities (January–February 2027)
Successful candidates (‘Qualified Candidates’) apply directly to one or more partner universities. Martingale provides:
- Online workshops
- One-to-one guidance
- Application proofreading
- In-person PhD Showcase Event in London (December 2026)
Stage 3: Funding Allocation (March–April 2027)
For Masters: Submit your university and course preferences to Martingale for allocation.
For PhD: Universities make offers directly from the pool of Qualified Candidates.
All funding is conditional on meeting any conditions of your university offer.
Key Dates for 2027 Entry
| Date | Milestone |
|---|---|
| 12 August 2026 | Applications open |
| 18 October 2026 | Final application deadline (23:59) |
| November 2026 | Interviews (in-person, across the UK) |
| 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 |
Application Tips
- Download and read the 2027 Programme Brochure and Eligibility Guidance Document before applying
- Research partner university courses directly, including graduate admissions requirements
- Attend an information webinar (5 October 2026, 5pm) to have questions answered
- Prepare your financial evidence early—household income documentation is critical
- Choose referees who can speak to both your academic ability and research motivation
Partner Universities and Courses
Martingale works with a network of UK partner universities. The 2027 Programme Brochure contains details of eligible courses. You should verify specific course availability and requirements directly with each university’s graduate admissions department.
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
