SOAS Teaching Scholarships 2026/2027: Eligibility, Benefits, and Application Guide
Applications are now open—or were recently—for the SOAS Teaching Scholarships 2026/2027. This program from SOAS University of London gives full financial help to students pursuing MPhil or PhD degrees. It covers all tuition fees and offers a maintenance stipend of at least £20,622. The scholarships target Black British students and those living in Africa, Asia, or the Middle East. This article covers what the scholarships offer, who can apply, and how to submit an application.
What Are the SOAS Teaching Scholarships 2026/2027?
SOAS University of London created these scholarships to fix gaps in who gets to do doctoral programs. They help Black British students and people based in Africa, Asia, or the Middle East join full-time MPhil or PhD studies. Applicants must write a widening participation statement up to 800 words long. Widening participation means steps to include groups that face barriers, like underrepresented students.
In this statement, share personal challenges such as growing up in a low-income home, having a disability, or being the first in your family to attend university. Explain why you want to study at SOAS. Also, describe how the scholarship and program will help your career or community.
Key details include:
- Full-time MPhil/PhD programs only.
- Support lasts three years.
- Includes doctoral skills training.
- One spot reserved for a Palestinian national.
Scholarship Benefits
These scholarships provide strong support so students can focus on their research. Full tuition coverage removes a big cost barrier. The maintenance allowance helps with living expenses, and skills training builds key abilities for a PhD.
| Benefit | Description | Value |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition Fees | Covers all fees for the full program. | 100% paid, no out-of-pocket costs. |
| Maintenance Allowance | Stipend for living costs (exact amount set in September 2026). | At least £20,622 per year. |
| Skills Development | Training in doctoral research methods. | Boosts career readiness and success. |
Eligibility Criteria
Not everyone qualifies, but the rules aim to reach specific groups. You must fit one main category and meet other basics.
- Permanent UK residents with Home fee status from Black groups: Black or Black British African, Black or Black British Caribbean, Black or Black British other, or Mixed Black or Black British.
- People normally living in Africa, Asia, or the Middle East.
- One scholarship for Palestinian nationals who live in Gaza Strip, West Bank, East Jerusalem, or are Palestinian citizens in Israel (must meet general rules too).
All applicants need:
- An admission offer for a full-time research program at SOAS by the selection time.
- English language requirements met by May 10, 2026, if your offer depends on it.
How to Apply for the SOAS Teaching Scholarships 2026/2027
The process has two clear steps. Follow them in order to stay on track.
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Apply for an MPhil/PhD program first. Go to the SOAS Doctoral School page for details. More guidance on research applications is available there. You need this to get login details for the next step.
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Submit your scholarship application through the admissions portal by 12 noon UK time on March 21, 2026. Check the full info on the SOAS Teaching Scholarships page. If your program offer is conditional on English, book your test soon.
Key Deadlines and Additional Notes
Deadline: March 21, 2026, at 12 noon UK time.
Meet English requirements by May 10, 2026, if needed. The maintenance amount will be set closer to September 2026.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Who can apply for the SOAS Teaching Scholarships 2026/2027?
Black British students with Home fee status and people normally living in Africa, Asia, or the Middle East qualify, plus one spot for Palestinian nationals meeting general rules.
What benefits do the scholarships provide?
They cover 100% of tuition fees, offer a stipend of at least £20,622 per year, and include doctoral skills training.
What is the application deadline?
Submit your scholarship application by 12 noon UK time on March 21, 2026, after securing a program offer.
What should the widening participation statement include?
It needs to cover personal challenges like low-income background or being first-generation, your reasons for choosing SOAS, and how the scholarship aids your career or community.