University of Sheffield Allan and Nesta Ferguson Charitable Trust Masters Scholarships 2026 , UK
The Allan and Nesta Ferguson Charitable Trust Masters Scholarships are prestigious, fully funded awards offered by the University of Sheffield for academically outstanding students from developing countries. These scholarships support students who are committed to international development and want to pursue selected postgraduate programmes in the UK.
For the 2026-2027 academic intake, the University of Sheffield is offering three fully funded Master’s scholarships for eligible international students starting their studies in September 2026.
Degree Level
Postgraduate (Master’s Degree)
Available Subjects
Applicants must hold an offer for one of the following courses affiliated with the Sheffield Institute for International Development:
MSc International Development
LLM International Law and Global Justice
MA International Political Economy
MA Global Journalism
MA International Public and Political Communication
Only applicants to these programmes are eligible for the scholarship.
Benefits
Each Allan and Nesta Ferguson Trust Scholarship provides:
100% tuition fee waiver
£12,500 maintenance stipend to support living costs
This funding is intended to allow students to focus fully on their academic studies without financial pressure.
Eligible Nationalities
The scholarship is open to students who are permanently domiciled in low or lower-middle income countries, as classified by the World Bank.
Applicants must be classified as overseas fee-paying students.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the Allan and Nesta Ferguson Charitable Trust Masters Scholarship, applicants must:
Hold an offer for an eligible Master’s course at the University of Sheffield
Be classified as an overseas student for tuition fee purposes
Be a national of an eligible developing country
Not already hold a qualification at the same or higher level
Not have previously studied outside their country of residence
Be self-funded (not sponsored by a government, organisation, or other scholarship)
Not hold or be eligible for any other University of Sheffield or external funding
Study full-time
Begin studies in the specified academic year (deferrals are not permitted)
Meet all academic and admissions conditions by the required deadlines
Successfully obtain a UK student visa
Application Procedure
Step 1: Apply for an Eligible Course
Applicants must first apply for and receive an offer for one of the eligible Master’s programmes at the University of Sheffield.
Step 2: Shortlisting
Eligible candidates are automatically considered based on their course application.
Only shortlisted applicants will be invited to submit a scholarship application.
Step 3: Scholarship Application
Shortlisted applicants will receive an official application form and must submit it by the stated deadline.
Step 4: Final Selection
All applicants will be informed of the outcome after the selection process is completed.
Note: Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Late or unsolicited applications are not accepted.
Selection Criteria
The selection process is highly competitive. Applications are assessed by a panel of senior staff, who look for:
Strong academic performance
A clear motivation for studying at the University of Sheffield
Relevant work or professional experience
Well-defined career goals related to international development
Evidence of how the degree will benefit communities or wider society
Where applications are equally strong, priority may be given to under-represented groups.
Why Study at the University of Sheffield?
Globally recognised research university
Strong focus on international development and social impact
Excellent academic support and facilities
Inclusive and diverse international student community
Strong employability outcomes for graduates
