SOAS Teaching Scholarships 2026 offer an outstanding opportunity for full-time MPhil and PhD students to advance their academic journey with both financial and professional support. Open to UK/EU/Home and International/Overseas fee-paying students, these scholarships cover full tuition fees and provide a generous maintenance allowance for up to three years.
Beyond financial assistance, the SOAS Teaching Scholarships 2026 give recipients valuable teaching experience, helping to build essential academic skills alongside research expertise. This combination of support and professional development makes it an ideal starting point for aspiring academics seeking to strengthen their careers. Applying for this scholarship ensures you gain both the resources and experience to succeed in your MPhil or PhD studies.
Benefits of SOAS Teaching Scholarships 2026
- Full coverage of tuition fees for three years.
- Annual maintenance stipend (minimum £20,622 for 2026-27).
- Opportunity to gain teaching experience during the PhD programme.
- Doctoral skill development and academic career support.
- Support for students from underrepresented backgrounds.
Eligibility Criteria for SOAS Teaching Scholarships 2026
- Applicants must be either permanent residents in the UK (Home fee status) from Black ethnic groups (Black or Black British African, Black or Black British Caribbean, Black or Black British other, or Mixed Black or Black British), or ordinarily resident in Africa, Asia, or the Middle East.
- Applicants must have an offer of admission to a full-time MPhil/PhD programme at SOAS for the 2026/27 academic year.
- Applicants must submit a widening participation statement (max 800 words) outlining eligibility and how the scholarship will benefit their career or community.
- Applicants must meet the English language requirements of their offer by 10 May 2026 if applicable.
- Students who are part of the SOAS Ebony Initiative may also apply for the Ebony Initiative studentships.
- One scholarship is reserved for a Palestinian national who meets the general criteria and is an ordinary resident of historic Palestine (Gaza Strip, West Bank, East Jerusalem, or Palestinian citizens in Israel).
- Applicants cannot hold another major scholarship or studentship at the same time.
Required Documents
- Completed application for a full-time MPhil/PhD programme at SOAS.
- Widening participation statement (maximum 800 words).
- Proof of English language proficiency (if required).
- Supporting academic documents (references, research proposal, prior results, publications).
How to Apply for SOAS Teaching Scholarships 2026?
- Make sure you apply for a full‑time MPhil or PhD programme at SOAS University of London first — you can’t apply for the scholarship without doing this.
- Gather all the documents and information needed for your programme application so it is complete and accurate.
- Submit your complete research programme application well before the scholarship deadline — it can take several weeks for SOAS to review it.
- Once you’ve applied for the programme, log in to the SOAS admissions portal using the credentials you received after your course application.
- Inside the portal, look for the section where you can apply for funding and find the “SOAS Teaching Scholarships” option.
- Complete the scholarship application form online before the deadline — by 12 noon (UK local time) on 21 March 2026.
- In your application, include a widening participation statement (up to 800 words) explaining how you meet the eligibility criteria and why this support matters for your academic and career goals.
- Double‑check all answers and submitted files to make sure everything is filled in correctly — late or incomplete applications will not be considered.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
SOAS Teaching Scholarships 2026 fully fund eligible MPhil/PhD students from Black British backgrounds or residents of Africa, Asia, or the Middle East. They include tuition, maintenance stipend, and teaching experience. Apply by 21 March 2026 with an offer and widening participation statement.
What are SOAS Teaching Scholarships 2026?
SOAS Teaching Scholarships 2026 are full funding awards for eligible students starting full‑time MPhil or PhD programmes that cover tuition and provide a maintenance stipend. These awards also include structured teaching experience alongside research training.
Who can apply for SOAS Teaching Scholarships 2026?
Applicants must be UK permanent residents from specified Black British groups, or ordinarily reside in Africa, Asia, or the Middle East. One award is reserved for eligible Palestinian nationals. Applicants must have an offer to study a full‑time research degree.
What does the teaching scholarship cover?
Successful recipients receive full tuition fee coverage and a maintenance allowance for a three‑year full‑time research programme. The minimum maintenance for 2026/27 will be at least £20,622, with teaching experience included as a core part of the award.
What must I include with my scholarship application?
Alongside your academic application, you must submit a short widening participation statement (up to 800 words) explaining how you meet eligibility criteria and outlining your motivations for study and future community impact.
Do I need an offer before applying?
Yes — you must hold or be in the process of completing a full admission application for an eligible MPhil/PhD programme. Your scholarship application will only be considered if your research programme application is complete by the selection panel date.
When is the application deadline?
The deadline to apply for SOAS Teaching Scholarships 2026 is by 12 noon UK local time on 21 March 2026. Applications must be submitted through the SOAS admissions portal.
Can I hold another major scholarship with it?
No. You cannot hold this scholarship concurrently with any other major scholarship or studentship. If awarded, you must choose this one and cannot combine it with other major funding.
How are applications assessed?
Applications are reviewed on academic merit by a trained Advisory Panel with at least three academic members from Black and minority ethnic backgrounds. They examine academic history, research proposal, references and your widening participation statement.
When will I hear the decision?
Shortlisting and awarding are expected to be completed by the end of May. Successful applicants are contacted first, followed by unsuccessful applicants once all awards are allocated.
What if no suitable candidates are found?
If the panel cannot nominate any suitable candidates, the award may reopen for applications in May 2026. Check the SOAS scholarships page for updates or contact the Scholarships Team for confirmation.
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