Don’t miss the March 21 deadline for one of the UK’s most generous doctoral awards. The SOAS Teaching Scholarships are now entering the final application phase, offering full tuition and a £20,622 annual stipend. If you haven’t submitted your PhD admission yet, you must act now to secure your funding for 2026.
Quick Facts
- Host Country: United Kingdom
- Study Level: MPhil/PhD (Full-Time)
- Funding Type: Fully Funded (Tuition + Maintenance Stipend)
- Eligible Countries: UK (Black British students), Africa, Asia, Middle East
- Deadline: 21 March 2026 (12 noon UK time)
About the Opportunity
The SOAS Teaching Scholarships are offered by SOAS University of London to support talented doctoral researchers from underrepresented backgrounds. The scholarship reflects the institution’s commitment to widening participation in doctoral education and addressing structural inequalities in higher education.
Successful candidates will pursue a full-time MPhil/PhD programme starting in the 2026/27 academic year. Alongside full financial support, recipients will gain structured teaching experience, allowing them to build academic skills while progressing through their doctoral research.
Each award covers full tuition fees and provides a maintenance allowance of at least £20,622 for 2026/27 (final figure to be confirmed). Funding is awarded for a three-year full-time programme. If you are looking for more doctoral research opportunities with monthly stipends, check out the UNU-WIDER Visiting PhD Fellowship in Finland.
This opportunity is officially offered by SOAS University of London, and applicants should apply through the official application portal.
Eligibility Criteria
To be considered for the SOAS Teaching Scholarships, applicants must:
- Apply for and receive an offer to study a full-time MPhil/PhD at SOAS for 2026/27
- Meet English language requirements (if applicable) by 10 May 2026
- Submit a widening participation statement (maximum 800 words)
Additionally, applicants must fall into one of the following categories:
- Black British students with Home fee status (African, Caribbean, Mixed Black backgrounds)
- Students ordinarily resident in Africa, Asia, or the Middle East
- Members of the SOAS Ebony Initiative (must indicate participation in application)
There is also one scholarship reserved for a Palestinian national who is ordinarily resident in historic Palestine (Gaza Strip, West Bank, East Jerusalem, or Palestinian citizens in Israel).
The scholarship cannot be held alongside another major studentship.
Benefits
Recipients of the SOAS Teaching Scholarships will receive:
- Full tuition fee coverage
- Maintenance stipend (minimum £20,622 for 2026/27)
- Funding for three years (full-time)
- Structured teaching experience
- Doctoral skills development
- Academic mentoring and research training
In addition to financial security, scholars gain classroom experience that strengthens academic CVs and long-term career prospects in higher education and policy sectors.
Who Should Apply
This scholarship is ideal for:
- High-achieving doctoral applicants from underrepresented communities
- Researchers whose work aligns with SOAS’ regional and thematic strengths
- Candidates committed to social impact and widening participation
- Scholars seeking both funding and teaching experience
Applicants with strong academic records, clear research proposals, and thoughtful widening participation statements will be competitive. Looking for a Master’s funding in the UK instead? You might be interested in the International Excellence Scholarships at Greater Manchester.
Application Process
Step 1: Apply for Your Programme
- Submit a complete MPhil/PhD application through the SOAS Doctoral School.
- Ensure all required documents are included:
- Research proposal
- Academic transcripts and certificates
- CV
- Personal statement
- One academic reference
- Wait for your offer of admission.
Step 2: Apply for the Scholarship
- Log in to the admissions portal using your course application credentials.
- Submit the scholarship application before 12 noon (UK time) on 21 March 2026.
- Include your widening participation statement (maximum 800 words).
Incomplete or late applications will not be considered.
How to Apply
Because admissions decisions can take several weeks, early preparation is strongly advised. Submit your PhD application well in advance and begin drafting your widening participation statement carefully.
If you meet the eligibility criteria and have a clear research direction, this funding could remove the financial barriers to your doctoral journey.
For more details, visit SOAS Teaching Scholarships.
