Allan and Nesta Ferguson Trust Scholarship

The Allan and Nesta Ferguson Charitable Trust aims to promote education, peace and reducing poverty in developing countries. The Trust is providing the life-changing opportunity to two African students to study at the University of Birmingham in the International Development Department one a one-year taught Masters course.

The scholarship will provide:

• Full tuition fees;
• A stipend at UKRI rates to cover accommodation and living costs (for 2026-2027 this is £21,805 per annum, approximately £1,817.08 per month);
• Flights to the UK at the start of the course and home upon completion of the course;
• Visa costs (e.g. Immigration Health Surcharge, TB test if required, etc).

Who can apply?

In order to be eligible for the Allan and Nesta Ferguson Trust scholarship students must meet the following criteria:

• Have received an offer from the University of Birmingham for 2026-2027 entry on one of the following courses:
  • MSc AI and Sustainable Development
  • MSc International Development
  • MSc Conflict, Security and Development
  • MSc Environment, Development and Politics
  • MSc Development Policy and Politics
  • MSc Poverty, Inequality and Development
• Be a national of or domiciled in Africa*
• Hold a first-class honours degree (or equivalent) in a relevant field, or hold a second-class honours degree (or equivalent) alongside excellent work experience in a relevant field
• Have a suitable level of English proficiency, usually through the form of an IELTS or equivalent qualification

In addition to the above criteria, the selection panel will prioritise applicants who:

• Demonstrate financial need
• Are passionate about applying the knowledge and skills gained through the MSc to make a significant impact in their home country
• Demonstrate a commitment to returning to their home country upon completion of the MSc to apply the skills learned

*Please be aware that the UK Government is not currently issuing student visas to students from Cameroon or Sudan. We are therefore unable to offer this scholarship to a student from one of those countries.

Eligible Nationalities/Domiciles

Students who are nationals of an African nation, or who are currently domiciled in an African nation are eligible to apply.

Please be aware that the UK Government is currently not issuing student visas to students from Cameroon or Sudan. We are therefore unable to offer this scholarship to a student from one of those countries.

How to Apply

Students can apply using the Allan and Nesta Ferguson Trust Scholarship Application Form or by clicking the Apply Now link below.

Students will be required to upload a copy of their undergraduate degree transcript (if you have not yet completed your degree a copy of your unofficial transcript can be uploaded).

Additionally students will be required to upload two References. At least one of these references must be an academic reference.

Please make sure you have these documents ready to upload when you start the application form.

The deadline for applying is 23:59 on Sunday 7 June 2026.

Once applications have closed a selection panel will meet to shortlist candidates for interview. Shortlisted candidates should receive a invitation to interview by mid June 2026. Interviews will take place by telephone. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted regarding the outcome of their application.