The SOAS Teaching Scholarships 2026–2027 provide fully funded doctoral opportunities for students pursuing full-time MPhil/PhD programmes at SOAS University of London. The scholarship is designed to support Black British students and students based in Africa, Asia, and the Middle East, helping address inequalities in access to doctoral education. Through this initiative, SOAS University of London aims to expand participation in advanced academic research while supporting scholars who demonstrate strong academic potential and a commitment to contributing to their communities. The scholarship provides full tuition coverage and a maintenance stipend, while also offering recipients the opportunity to gain teaching experience during their doctoral studies. Scholarship Overview The SOAS Teaching Scholarship offers comprehensive financial support and professional development opportunities for doctoral candidates. Key features include: Full tuition fee coverage Maintenance stipend for living expenses Teaching opportunities during the PhD programme Access to academic training and doctoral development Support for a three-year full-time research programme The maintenance allowance for the 2026/2027 academic year will be confirmed closer to the start of the programme but will provide a minimum of £20,622. Recipients will also benefit from teaching experience, which helps build academic careers by developing instructional skills alongside doctoral research. Purpose of the Scholarship The scholarship initiative reflects the commitment of SOAS University of London to improving diversity and representation in doctoral education. By supporting scholars from historically underrepresented communities, the programme aims to: Reduce inequalities in doctoral education access Support scholars from marginalized or underrepresented backgrounds Strengthen research addressing global challenges in Africa, Asia, and the Middle East Develop future academics and researchers Applicants are required to submit a widening participation statement, explaining how their background aligns with the scholarship’s goals. Eligible Programmes The scholarship supports any full-time MPhil/PhD programme beginning in the 2026–2027 academic year at SOAS University of London. Eligible doctoral fields span a wide range of disciplines offered at the institution, including: Social sciences Humanities Development studies Politics and international relations Anthropology Law Economics Cultural and regional studies The university is globally recognized for its focus on research related to Africa, Asia, and the Middle East, making it a leading institution for region-focused scholarship. Eligibility Criteria The scholarship is open to both UK/Home students and international applicants who meet specific eligibility requirements. Applicants must belong to one of the following categories: Category 1 – Black British Students Applicants who are permanent residents in the United Kingdom and identify with one of the following ethnic backgrounds: Black African Black Caribbean Black British Mixed Black heritage Category 2 – Students Based in Africa, Asia, or the Middle East Applicants who are ordinarily resident in Africa, Asia, or the Middle East are also eligible to apply for the scholarship. This ensures the programme supports scholars from regions central to the academic focus of SOAS University of London. Special Scholarship Allocation One SOAS Teaching Scholarship is specifically reserved for a Palestinian national. To qualify for this award, applicants must: Meet the general scholarship eligibility criteria Be ordinarily resident in historic Palestine, including: Gaza Strip West Bank East Jerusalem Palestinian citizens living in Israel Additional Requirements Applicants must also meet the following requirements: Receive an offer of admission to a full-time MPhil/PhD programme at SOAS University of London Meet any English language requirements attached to their admission offer Complete the English language requirement no later than 10 May 2026 Not hold another major scholarship or studentship at the same time Students who are part of the SOAS Ebony Initiative may also be eligible for related studentship opportunities and should indicate their participation during the application process. Widening Participation Statement Applicants must submit a widening participation statement of up to 800 words as part of the scholarship application. The statement should outline how the applicant’s background aligns with the scholarship’s mission of expanding doctoral access. Topics that may be included: Personal or structural barriers faced during education Growing up in a low-income household Being the first generation in the family to attend university Living with disabilities or other challenges affecting educational access Applicants should also explain: Why they want to study at SOAS University of London How the scholarship will support their career goals The expected impact of their research on their community or region Selection and Assessment Process Applications are reviewed by an Advisory Panel composed of academic staff members. The panel: Includes at least three academics from Black and Minority Ethnic backgrounds Has completed diversity and inclusion training Applicants will be assessed based on: Academic performance and qualifications Research proposal quality Academic references Previous publications or research output Widening participation statement The selection process prioritizes academic merit as well as alignment with the scholarship’s diversity and inclusion objectives. Application Process Applicants must complete two separate steps to be considered for the scholarship. Step 1 – Apply for a Doctoral Programme Candidates must first submit an application for an MPhil/PhD programme through the doctoral admissions system at SOAS University of London. Applicants should ensure their programme application is complete, as incomplete applications will not be considered. Step 2 – Apply for the Scholarship Once the programme application is submitted, candidates can apply for the SOAS Teaching Scholarship through the admissions portal. Applicants will receive portal login details after submitting their programme application. Late or incomplete scholarship applications will not be accepted. Application Deadline Key application details include: Scholarship Deadline: 21 March 2026 Time: 12:00 PM (UK local time) Applicants are encouraged to submit their programme applications early, as doctoral admissions decisions can take up to four weeks, and longer during busy periods. Notification of Results The scholarship selection process is expected to conclude by the end of May 2026. Successful candidates will be contacted first. Once all awards are allocated, unsuccessful applicants will also be notified. If no suitable candidates are identified, the scholarship may reopen for applications in May 2026. Why This Scholarship Matters The SOAS Teaching Scholarship provides a unique opportunity for emerging scholars to pursue advanced research while gaining valuable teaching experience. Recipients benefit from: Fully funded doctoral education Academic teaching experience Professional research development Opportunities to contribute to global scholarship on Africa, Asia, and the Middle East For students interested in building careers in academia, research, and policy, this scholarship offers a powerful platform to develop expertise and create meaningful impact. VISIT OFFICIAL WEBSITE TO APPLY For more opportunities such as these please follow us on Facebook, Instagram , WhatsApp, Twitter, LinkedIn and Telegram Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the organization offering the scholarship. For any inquiries, please contact the official organization directly. Please do not send your applications to GSO, as we are unable to process them. 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