SOAS University of London has opened applications for the prestigious Shapoorji Pallonji Scholarship, a fully funded master’s scholarship available to both Home and Overseas students for the 2026/27 academic year. The scholarship is offered through the SOAS Shapoorji Pallonji Institute of Zoroastrian Studies and supports students pursuing postgraduate research and academic study related to Zoroastrianism from a range of disciplinary perspectives. Applications for the scholarship close on 29 May 2026. About the Scholarship The Shapoorji Pallonji Scholarship is funded through the generosity of the Shapoorji Pallonji endowment for scholarships in Zoroastrian Studies at SOAS. The award covers: Full tuition fees A maintenance stipend for one academic year The scholarship is intended to support outstanding students with strong academic backgrounds who wish to explore Zoroastrianism through fields such as history, linguistics, anthropology, religious studies, and related disciplines. Eligible Master’s Programmes The scholarship is available for students applying to eligible one-year full-time taught master’s programmes beginning in the 2026/27 academic session. Eligible programmes include: MA Iranian Studies MA Religion, Politics and Society MA South Asian Area Studies MA Middle Eastern Studies The scholarship does not provide funding for pre-sessional courses. Focus on Zoroastrian Studies Students awarded the scholarship will be expected to engage directly with Zoroastrian Studies during their degree programme. Successful applicants must complete: A compulsory 60-credit dissertation in Zoroastrianism The 30-credit module titled Zoroastrianism, Historical and Contemporary Perspectives Students may also choose additional language modules such as Avestan language studies to deepen their academic engagement with the subject area. The scholarship programme encourages applications from students approaching Zoroastrianism through different academic lenses, helping foster interdisciplinary scholarship and global understanding of the tradition. Eligibility Requirements The scholarship is open to both UK-based and international students who meet the academic and admissions requirements. Applicants must: Hold or expect to receive a first-class honours degree from a UK institution or international equivalent Demonstrate outstanding academic achievement through transcripts and references Have applied for admission to SOAS before submitting the scholarship application Meet all English language requirements if applicable Applicants holding a 2:1 degree classification may still apply, although preference will generally be given to candidates with first-class academic performance. Candidates must also receive an unconditional offer for their chosen programme before the scholarship panel reviews applications. Application Process Step One: Apply for a Master’s Programme Applicants must first apply for one of the eligible master’s programmes at SOAS. Programme information and admissions details are available here: SOAS Taught Master’s Applications Step Two: Submit the Scholarship Application After submitting a programme application, candidates can apply for the scholarship through the SOAS admissions portal using their login credentials. The scholarship application deadline is: 29 May 2026 at 12 noon (UK local time) Applicants are advised to complete their programme applications as early as possible because admissions reviews may take several weeks, especially during busy periods. Selection Criteria Applications will be reviewed by a scholarship selection panel based on: Academic merit Personal statement quality Proposed area of study Relevance to Zoroastrian Studies The assessment process will consider information provided in both the scholarship application and the programme admission application. Candidates should ensure all documents and supporting materials are complete and submitted before the deadline, as late or incomplete applications will not be considered. Notification of Results SOAS expects the scholarship shortlisting and award process to be completed by the end of May 2026 at the earliest. Successful applicants will be contacted first, while unsuccessful candidates will be notified once all awards have been allocated. Why This Scholarship Matters The Shapoorji Pallonji Scholarship represents an important opportunity for students interested in religious studies, Middle Eastern studies, South Asian studies, and Iranian studies to pursue advanced academic research at one of the world’s leading institutions for the study of Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. By supporting interdisciplinary engagement with Zoroastrianism, the scholarship contributes to preserving and expanding scholarship around one of the world’s oldest religious traditions. Contact Information For programme-related enquiries, applicants can contact: For scholarship-related questions, contact: Apply Now The fully funded Shapoorji Pallonji Scholarship offers an exceptional opportunity for academically strong students seeking postgraduate study in Zoroastrian Studies and related disciplines at SOAS University of London. With tuition coverage, living support, and access to specialised academic resources, the scholarship provides meaningful support for students committed to advancing research and understanding of Zoroastrian traditions and cultures. CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION For more opportunities such as these please follow us on Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, Twitter, LinkedIn and WPChannel Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the organization offering this opportunity. For any inquiries, please contact the official organization directly. Please do not send your applications & CVs to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails, we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.