The Beit Trust Postgraduate Scholarships give students from Zambia, Zimbabwe, and Malawi a chance to study for advanced degrees in the UK or South Africa. These scholarships are competitive and are given to those who show good academic performance, leadership potential, and a desire to help their home countries.
The Trust works with top universities to provide support. This includes paying for tuition, living costs, and travel, making it easier for students to focus on their education. Applicants are encouraged to have some work experience and a clear idea of how their studies will help their communities.
In this article, we’ll go over who can apply, how to apply, and what the Beit Trust Postgraduate Scholarships covers, and more. Whether you’re planning to apply or just want to learn more, you’ll get the basic information here.
About The Beit Trust Postgraduate Scholarships
The Beit Trust offers scholarships only for postgraduate studies, with a particular focus on Master’s degrees. It does not support undergraduate studies, and Ph.D. funding is offered only in exceptional cases for outstanding candidates who are already Beit scholars.
Important Dates
- The next scholarship round is for the academic year starting in September 2025 for UK universities and January 2026 for South African universities.
- Applications are currently open.
Eligibility Requirements The Beit Trust Postgraduate Scholarships
To be eligible, applicants must:
- Be nationals of Zambia, Zimbabwe, or Malawi.
- Be permanent residents of one of these countries and plan to return after completing their studies.
Criteria for Selection for The Beit Trust Postgraduate Scholarships
- Academic Performance: Preference is given to applicants with an Upper Second Class degree or better. Those with lower grades may apply but will face tougher competition.
- Postgraduate Degree: Applicants who already hold a postgraduate degree will only be considered in exceptional cases.
- Work Experience: At least three years of relevant professional experience is encouraged. This shows leadership potential and a commitment to the field.
- Voluntary Work: While not essential, involvement in community service can boost your application.
- Leadership Skills: Demonstrating leadership potential is critical.
- References: Strong, evidence-based references are essential. Referees should highlight your leadership and professional potential.
- Course Relevance: The chosen field of study must contribute to the development of Zambia, Zimbabwe, or Malawi. Preferred areas include health, medicine, engineering, education, agriculture, and conservation.
Beit Trust University Partnerships
Applicants must secure admission from one of the Beit Trust partner universities before applying for the scholarship. These partnerships enable the Trust to provide more scholarships.
- Partner Universities in the UK: Cambridge, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Leeds, Oxford, St Andrews (only for Computer Science), and Strathclyde (only for Engineering).
- Partner Universities in South Africa: Rhodes, Stellenbosch, and Cape Town. There is also a new partnership with the University of Pretoria starting in January 2025.
What The Beit Trust Postgraduate Scholarships Covers
The Beit Trust Scholarship covers:
- Tuition fees and related academic expenses.
- A personal allowance for living expenses.
- Allowances for arrival, a laptop, and departure.
- Economy-class tickets for travel to and from the place of study.
Please note, no funding is provided for spouses or dependents.
Application Process for UK Universities
- Apply directly to one or more Beit Trust partner universities.
- Notify the university that you will be applying for the Beit Trust scholarship.
- Once you have an offer from the university, apply for the scholarship via the Beit Trust website.
- Submit three references: academic, character, and employer, using the provided forms.
- Ensure all supporting documents are ready for upload, as the application must be completed in one sitting.
Application Process for South African Universities
For South African universities, applications for the academic year 2026/2027 can be submitted without a confirmed university offer. Follow the same steps as for UK universities, but instead of an offer letter, submit details of the courses and universities you plan to apply to.
Required Documents
Ensure you have the following documents ready for upload:
- Medical certificate form signed by your doctor.
- University offer letter or course details in PDF format.
- Degree results and full transcripts.
- CV.
- Personal statement explaining how your degree will benefit your country (no more than 250 words).
- Recent photo of yourself.
- Valid passport.
Application Deadline
The deadline for the 2025 Beit Trust Scholarship applications for both UK and South African universities is 7 February 2025.
Conclusion on The Beit Trust Postgraduate Scholarships
The Beit Trust Postgraduate Scholarships provide a great chance for students from Zambia, Zimbabwe, and Malawi to pursue higher education and bring positive change to their home countries. With support for tuition, living expenses, and travel, the scholarship helps make studying abroad more affordable for those who qualify.
Applying for this scholarship takes careful planning, but for those who meet the requirements and have a passion for helping their communities, it’s a rewarding opportunity. By focusing on leadership, academic success, and development goals, the Beit Trust continues to invest in the future of these three nations. If you’re eligible and ready to take the next step in your academic journey, this scholarship could be the key to opening doors to new opportunities.
Also, Check Out:
- Scholarships for International Students at the University of Waterloo
- VSBfonds Grant: Study Abroad Scholarship for Radboud University Graduates
- OCI Foundation Undergraduate Scholarships Application 2024