Are you from Zambia, Zimbabwe or Malawi and dreaming of a fully funded master’s degree at a top university? The Beit Trust is preparing to open its Beit Trust Scholarships 2027/2028. They cover full tuition, a living allowance, flights, visa costs and more for a master’s at partner universities in the United Kingdom, including Oxford, Cambridge and Edinburgh, or in South Africa, including Cape Town and Stellenbosch. Applications open on 1 December 2026 and close on 12 February 2027. UK applicants need a university offer first, so start applying to universities now.
Scholarship at a Glance
- Funder: The Beit Trust, a charity founded in 1906
- For: Nationals of Zambia, Zimbabwe and Malawi
- Level: Master’s degrees (taught courses with a research element)
- Where: Partner universities in the UK (start September 2027) and South Africa (start January 2028)
- Covers: Tuition, living allowance, flights, UK visa and health surcharge, and arrival, laptop and departure allowances
- Applications open: 1 December 2026
- Deadline: 12 February 2027
- Interviews: In person in Lusaka, Harare and Blantyre
About the Beit Trust
The Beit Trust was founded in 1906 by Alfred Beit and has supported education, health and development in Zambia, Zimbabwe and Malawi for more than a century. Its scholarships have trained generations of doctors, engineers, scientists, lawyers and leaders, who return to serve their countries.
Partner Universities
United Kingdom:
- University of Oxford
- University of Cambridge (apply before Cambridge’s own funding deadlines)
- University of Edinburgh
- University of Glasgow
- University of St Andrews (Computer Science only)
- University of Strathclyde (Engineering only)
South Africa:
- University of Cape Town
- Stellenbosch University
- Rhodes University
Check the Beit Trust website for the current full list of partner universities and any subject restrictions.
Benefits
- Full tuition and academic fees, paid directly to the university
- A living allowance
- Economy return flights to your study destination
- For UK study: visa, Immigration Health Surcharge, TB test and biometrics costs
- Arrival, laptop and departure allowances
- Membership of the Beit Scholars community
The scholarship doesn’t support spouses or dependants. MBA programmes aren’t funded.
Eligibility
- You’re a national of Zambia, Zimbabwe or Malawi, and live there or intend to return after your studies.
- You have an undergraduate honours degree, usually a First or Upper Second (Distinction or Merit preferred). Lower grades aren’t automatically excluded.
- You generally don’t already hold a postgraduate degree.
- You have around three years of relevant work experience (a guideline), supported by an employer reference.
- You show leadership potential.
- Your course hasn’t already started.
- Medical and veterinary graduates: 18 months of internship and at least one year of in-country posting.
Tips for a Strong Application
- Apply to UK universities now. You need an offer (conditional is fine) before applying for a UK Beit scholarship, and some universities take months to reply.
- Apply to more than one partner university. You can list up to four courses.
- Tell universities you’re applying for Beit funding. The Trust asks you to do this.
- Show how you’ll serve your country. Link your course to a real need in Zambia, Zimbabwe or Malawi.
- Brief your referees, including your employer, early.
- Prepare for an in-person interview in Lusaka, Harare or Blantyre.
How to Apply
- UK route: apply directly to your chosen UK partner universities and get an offer.
- South Africa route: because South African applications open later, you can list your intended courses on the Beit form without an offer, and must secure admission if awarded.
- Between 1 December 2026 and 12 February 2027, submit one Beit Trust scholarship application through the Trust’s online form, with all required documents.
- Shortlisted applicants are invited to an in-person interview.
For questions, email [email protected].
Read the official Beit Trust Scholarships page
