Beit Trust Postgraduate Scholarship – Zambia, Zimbabwe & Malawi Only (UK & South Africa)
The Beit Trust Postgraduate Scholarship is a long-running fully funded award set up by Act of Parliament, restricted specifically and exclusively to nationals of Zambia, Zimbabwe, and Malawi. It is one of the narrowest-targeted scholarships in our directory by country — and correspondingly one of the least crowded applicant pools if you qualify.
Where you can study: UK universities (one-year taught Master’s) and, through a newer partnership, South African universities including Rhodes, Stellenbosch, and the University of Cape Town (two-year taught Master’s).
What it covers: Full tuition and university fees (paid directly to the university), a living allowance, visa, health surcharge, TB test, and biometric costs, arrival and laptop allowances, and economy-class return flights to and from your study destination.
Deadline: The next application window opens 1 December 2026 and closes 12 February 2027 at 17:00 CAT — no applications are processed after this date, so build in time rather than approaching it at the last minute.
Detailed Eligibility Checklist
- National of Zambia, Zimbabwe, or Malawi, and a permanent resident of one of these countries
- Living in, and/or intending to return to, your home country after completing your studies
- Not already enrolled in the course you’re applying for — the Trust cannot fund a programme already underway
- Undergraduate degree at Upper Second Class (2:1)/Merit or above — Distinction/First Class is preferred though not always strictly required
- Master’s-level applicants only at first application — the Trust does not fund undergraduate study, and PhD funding is only considered as a rare extension for existing outstanding Beit Scholars
How the Two-Step Process Works
Unlike scholarships where you apply to the funder first, Beit Trust requires you to secure a university offer before (for UK universities) or alongside (for South African universities) your Beit application. For UK universities, apply directly to your chosen partner institutions first; once you hold an offer, submit it to the Beit Trust as part of your scholarship application. You may apply to multiple partner universities simultaneously to broaden your chances — the Trust specifically recommends this.
Step-by-Step Application Process
- Apply for admission directly to one or more Beit Trust partner universities (UK or South Africa) in your chosen field.
- For UK universities, secure your offer of admission before applying to the Trust; for South African universities, you may apply to the Trust while your university application is still pending, but must list your intended programme and institution.
- Submit your Beit Trust scholarship application within the December–February window, including your university offer (or pending application details) and academic transcripts.
- Shortlisted candidates are interviewed by a national Beit Trust selection board in their home country — typically sitting in April.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can students from other African countries apply? No — by Act of Parliament, Beit Trust funding is restricted specifically to Zambian, Zimbabwean, and Malawian nationals only.
What if I don’t have a Distinction in my undergraduate degree? Every application is read in full regardless of grade tier — a strong Upper Second (2:1) with clear leadership potential and relevant experience remains competitive, though the process is genuinely rigorous given the demanding pace of a funded Master’s.