The Beit Trust Postgraduate Scholarships 2026 offer fully funded opportunities for talented graduates from Zambia, Zimbabwe, and Malawi to pursue Master’s-level studies at selected universities in the UK and South Africa. The scholarships aim to develop future leaders by supporting students in fields that drive social and economic progress in their home countries.
Overview
In 2025, the Trust awarded 21 postgraduate scholarships through partnerships with leading British and South African universities. For 2026, the Beit Trust will fund Master’s programmes beginning in September 2026 at UK universities and in January 2026 at South African universities. Applications are open until 13 February 2026 (17:00 CAT).
The scholarships cover full tuition, academic fees, living allowance, visa and health costs, economy flights, and additional allowances for arrival, laptop purchase, and departure. Spouse and dependent support is not included.
Eligibility Criteria
By Act of Parliament, the Beit Trust considers applicants who:
- Are nationals and permanent residents of Zambia, Zimbabwe, or Malawi.
- Live in or plan to return to their country after completing studies.
- Have not yet started their intended course of study.
Preference is given to candidates with a First Class or Upper Second Class Honours degree (or equivalent). Relevant professional experience, leadership potential, and voluntary or community work strengthen applications. Applicants who already hold a postgraduate degree are generally not eligible, except in exceptional cases.
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Fields of Study
Applicants should propose courses aligned with the Trust’s developmental focus, including but not limited to:
- Medicine and Health
- Engineering
- Education
- Agriculture
- Conservation
- Economic Growth
MBA programmes are not funded.
Partner Universities
The Beit Trust funds:
- One-year taught MSc programmes in the UK.
- Two-year taught MSc programmes in South Africa.
- A limited number of four-year MMed programmes in South Africa.
Applicants must apply to one or more of the Trust’s Partner Universities. For UK universities, you must have an offer before submitting your Beit Trust application. For South African universities, you may apply to the Trust without a confirmed offer, but must list your intended institutions and courses.
How to Apply
- Submit one application online for up to four degree courses at UK and/or South African partner universities.
- Upload all required documents in one sitting, including degree certificates, transcripts, CV, personal statement (max 300 words), photo, passport, and three references (academic, character, and employer if applicable).
- Send referees the official link after submitting your application or provide them with downloadable forms to email directly to scholarships@beittrust.org.uk.
Interviews will take place the week of April 20, 2026, in Lusaka, Harare, and Blantyre. Not all interviewees will be awarded scholarships.
Application Deadline: February 13, 2026 (17:00 CAT).
