UCL Humanitarian Masters Scholarship 2026 supports international students who have been displaced or face serious risks due to armed conflict, offering a rare opportunity to pursue postgraduate study at University College London in the UK. This prestigious humanitarian initiative is designed for applicants from outside the UK who demonstrate both academic merit and urgent financial need.
The fully funded scholarship covers full tuition fees and provides a generous maintenance grant of around £20,000 to support living and accommodation costs throughout a full-time master’s program. Selection is based on financial circumstances and recommendations from the UCL Humanitarian Scholarship panel. For eligible students, this program opens the door to world-class education while aligning with UCL’s strong commitment to humanitarian values and global academic excellence.
Benefits of UCL Humanitarian Masters Scholarship 2026
- Full tuition reimbursement, a living allowance of £20,000, lodging, and travel expenses.
- There are a maximum of four scholarships available year 2026–2027.
- Coverage includes full education as well as a maintenance payment (about £20,000) for living expenses and housing.
- Extra perks include one return trip, the immigration health surcharge, and visa fees.
- Duration: The scholarship is valid for one year, or for the whole two-year full-time program.
Eligibility Criteria for the UCL Humanitarian Masters Scholarship 2026
- International students (those from outside the UK) are required.
- be in grave danger as a result of armed conflict and/or
- Have you sought international protection outside of the UK after being displaced or compelled to flee your native country due to armed conflict during the previous three years?
- Qualified to pay the overseas charge rate
- originate from a lower-class background
- A qualification at the same or higher level than the course being applied for must not already be held.
- Make a full-time Master’s program offer at UCL by the June 2026 scholarship panel meeting.
- Distance education and part-time courses are ineligible.
How to Apply for UCL Humanitarian Masters Scholarship 2026?
- Visit the UCL Humanitarian Scholarship official page
- Review the eligibility criteria and scholarship details carefully
- Apply for an eligible Master’s programme at UCL and secure an offer
- Go to the International Master’s Awards page as instructed by UCL
- Complete and submit the International Master’s Awards application form
- Note that you will be considered for all awards listed under this form
- Be aware you may receive an alternative award if not selected for the Humanitarian Scholarship
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The UCL Humanitarian Masters Scholarship 2026 funds overseas students affected by conflict to study a full-time Masters at UCL. It covers tuition, living costs, visa and flight allowances. Applicants must meet eligibility, apply by 7 May 2026 and be selected based on financial need.
What is the UCL Humanitarian Masters Scholarship 2026?
The UCL Humanitarian Masters Scholarship 2026 is funding that allows students affected by armed conflict or displacement to pursue a full-time taught Masters at UCL. It supports study in the UK for eligible overseas applicants who meet financial vulnerability criteria.
Who can apply for this scholarship?
Prospective students from any country outside the UK who are at serious risk due to armed conflict or have been displaced in the last three years and meet financial need criteria can apply. You must also be eligible to pay overseas fees.
What costs does the scholarship cover?
This scholarship fully covers tuition fees and provides a maintenance grant of about £20,000 to cover living costs. It also includes allowances for visa fees, the Immigration Health Surcharge and one return flight.
Which Masters degrees are eligible?
All full-time postgraduate taught Masters programmes at UCL are eligible. Part-time and distance-learning courses do not qualify for this scholarship, so you must plan for full-time residential study.
How many scholarships are available in 2026/27?
For the 2026/27 intake there are up to three UCL Humanitarian Scholarships available. Each award is tenable for the normal duration of the programme, usually one year unless the course is two years long.
What is the application deadline?
The application deadline for the UCL Humanitarian Masters Scholarship 2026 is 5pm BST on Thursday, 7 May 2026. You must also have applied for your UCL course before applying for this scholarship.
Do applicants need to have a UCL offer?
Yes. To be considered you must hold an offer to study a full-time Masters at UCL by the start of the scholarship selection panel in early June 2026 and have valid travel documents for visa application.
How is selection decided?
Selection is based strictly on financial need. A scholarship panel reviews applications and makes recommendations based on evidence of hardship alongside eligibility criteria.
Can I hold other scholarships at the same time?
No. The UCL Humanitarian Scholarship cannot be held alongside other scholarships, studentships, awards or bursaries, so it must be your sole finance award for the Masters.
What happens after applying?
Shortlisted applicants are contacted in mid-May to provide supporting evidence. Once verified, successful candidates are typically informed by late June, giving time to prepare for enrolment.
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