SOAS Teaching Scholarships 2026/2027: Full Guide to Eligibility, Benefits, and Application

The SOAS Teaching Scholarships 2026/2027 offer a rare chance for full funding in MPhil/PhD programs at SOAS University of London. These scholarships support Black British students and those from Africa, Asia, and the Middle East. SOAS works to fix gaps in doctoral studies by helping groups that face barriers. This guide covers the deadline, benefits, eligibility rules, the widening participation statement, and how to apply step by step. It gives all the key details for anyone who wants to know more or prepare for future chances.

Key Takeaways

• These scholarships fully fund three years of MPhil/PhD study for Black British students and residents of Africa, Asia, the Middle East, including Palestinians.
• Benefits cover full tuition fees, a maintenance allowance of at least £20,622, and doctoral skills training.
• Applicants need an admission offer to a full-time SOAS research program and a 800-word widening participation statement.
• The deadline was March 21, 2026, at 12 noon UK time, but check the official site for future opportunities.

Deadline for SOAS Teaching Scholarships 2026/2027

Deadline: 12 noon UK local time on March 21, 2026

The application closed on that date. Today’s date, March 26, 2026, comes after it. This guide still helps as a reference for next year’s cycle or records. Always check the official SOAS Teaching Scholarships page for the latest news.

Scholarship Benefits and Coverage

These scholarships provide strong support for three years of full-time MPhil/PhD study. They match what top sites highlight to draw in applicants fast. Here are the main benefits:

• Full tuition fees coverage for UK/EU/Home and International/Overseas students.
• Maintenance allowance of at least £20,622 (total for 2026/27 set closer to September 2026).
• Doctoral skill development to build key research abilities.

SOAS ties this aid to its goal of widening participation in higher education.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must fit certain groups and meet other rules. The table below breaks down the main categories for quick checks.

Category	Description	Examples
UK Home fee status (Black British)	Permanent UK residents from Black or Black British backgrounds	Black or Black British African, Black or Black British Caribbean, Black or Black British other, Mixed Black or Black British
Residents of Africa, Asia, Middle East	Ordinary residents in these regions	Citizens or long-term dwellers from countries in Africa, Asia, or the Middle East
Reserved for Palestinian national	Must meet general rules plus live in historic Palestine	Gaza Strip, West Bank, East Jerusalem, or Palestinian citizens in Israel

Other needs include:

• An offer of admission to a full-time research program at SOAS by the time the selection panel meets.
• Meeting any English language condition on the offer no later than May 10, 2026.

Widening Participation Statement

All applicants must submit a statement of up to 800 words. It shows how you fit the eligibility and why this aid matters. Cover personal hurdles, your fit with SOAS, and future goals. This sets your case apart.

Use this structure:

1. Personal obstacles: Share challenges like disabilities, a low-income family background, or being the first in your family to attend university.
2. Why SOAS: Explain what draws you to SOAS programs and this scholarship.
3. Future impact: Describe how the study will help your career or community.

Tips for a strong statement:

• Keep it honest and specific to your life.
• Link obstacles to your drive for doctoral work.
• Show research on SOAS to prove fit.
• Edit for clarity under 800 words.

How to Apply: Step-by-Step Guide

The process has two clear steps. Follow them in order to stay on track.

1. Apply for your MPhil/PhD program: Start at the SOAS Doctoral School page. See full guidance on how to apply for research degrees. You need this to get login details for the next step.
2. Apply for the scholarship: Use the admissions portal by 12 noon UK time on March 21, 2026. You must have an admission offer first.

Application Timeline and Key Dates

Key dates help you plan ahead. This table shows the main milestones.

Milestone	Date/Deadline	Action
Program application	Ongoing, before scholarship deadline	Submit via Doctoral School
Scholarship application	March 21, 2026 (12 noon UK time)	Apply via admissions portal
English condition met	No later than May 10, 2026	Arrange and pass required test
Maintenance confirmation	Closer to September 2026	Await updated total allowance
Program start	2026/27 academic year	Begin full-time MPhil/PhD

Stay ahead by hitting English requirements early.

Additional Resources and Notes

SOAS does not list the exact number of scholarships or all eligible programs. Check the SOAS research degrees page for full-time options. Selection panel details and timelines beyond the deadline are not public.

Quick tips:

• Confirm your fee status early (Home or Overseas).
• Draft your widening participation statement well before the deadline.
• Book English tests right away if needed.
• Visit all official SOAS links for updates.

The SOAS Teaching Scholarships 2026/2027 offer full funding for MPhil/PhD studies to help Black British students and those from Africa, Asia, and the Middle East overcome barriers in higher education. Although the March 21, 2026 deadline has passed, use this guide to prepare for next year’s cycle by drafting your widening participation statement and checking eligibility. Visit the official SOAS website for updates and start planning your application today.

Frequently Asked Questions