Study in UK | University of Sheffield Allan and Nesta Ferguson Scholarships 2026
International students from developing countries aiming to study in the United Kingdom now have a fully funded opportunity to pursue a master’s education at the University of Sheffield in 2026. The Allan and Nesta Ferguson Scholarships 2026 are officially open for eligible overseas applicants seeking postgraduate degrees in development-focused fields. Offered in collaboration with the Allan and Nesta Ferguson Charitable Trust and the Sheffield Institute for International Development, this scholarship program supports academically strong students committed to improving lives through international development, policy, communication, and law. With only three awards available, the scholarship is highly competitive and targets students with strong academic and leadership potential.
Comprehensive Scholarship Package
This fully funded UK master’s scholarship provides complete academic and financial support for selected scholars. The comprehensive package includes:
- Full tuition fee waiver for the entire master’s programme
- Annual maintenance stipend of £12,500 to cover living expenses during the study period
- Opportunity to study at the University of Sheffield, a globally respected Russell Group institution
- Access to development-focused academic programs affiliated with the Sheffield Institute for International Development
- Global academic exposure and career-enhancing postgraduate qualification
- Networking opportunities within international development and policy sectors
Eligible Master’s Programmes
To qualify for scholarship consideration, applicants must hold an offer for one of the following eligible courses at the University of Sheffield for the 2026-27 academic year:
- International Development MSc
- International Law and Global Justice LLM (a selected pathway of the Sheffield LLM course)
- International Political Economy MA
- Global Journalism MA
- International Public and Political Communication MA
These programs are specifically affiliated with the Sheffield Institute for International Development, reflecting the university’s strong commitment to fostering global progress through education.
Eligibility Criteria for Applicants
Applicants must carefully review all conditions, as this is a highly selective scholarship opportunity. To qualify, candidates must satisfy the following requirements:
- Be classified as an overseas fee-paying student for tuition purposes
- Be permanently domiciled in an eligible low or lower-middle-income country as classified by the World Bank in 2025
- Not already hold a qualification that is equivalent to or higher than the intended master’s course
- Have not previously studied outside their country of residence
- Be self-funded, meaning not sponsored by any government, organization, research council, charity, or similar body
- Not holding any other University of Sheffield or external funding award
- Enroll full-time and commence studies in September 2026
- Meet all academic and visa requirements before enrollment
- Accept the course offer and submit visa evidence by the specified deadlines if selected
Note that the scholarship cannot be deferred to a later academic year
Eligible Countries
The scholarship welcomes applicants permanently domiciled in countries classified as low or lower-middle-income by the World Bank. The complete eligible country list includes Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Egypt, Ghana, India, Jordan, Kenya, Lebanon, Morocco, Nigeria, Pakistan, the Philippines, Sri Lanka, Syria, Tunisia, Vietnam, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and numerous others across Africa, Asia, and the Middle East.
Application Process
The application process follows a structured two-stage pathway designed to identify the strongest candidates :
Stage One: Secure an Eligible Course Offer
Applicants must first apply for admission to one of the eligible master’s programmes at the University of Sheffield. The deadline to hold an eligible course offer is Friday, 8th May 2026.
Stage Two: Scholarship Application
Shortlisted applicants will receive an invitation to apply for the scholarship. If you have not been contacted by the end of the day on Friday, 15th May 2026, you have not been selected for the next stage. Invited candidates must submit their completed scholarship application form by 1 pm (UK time) on Monday, 1st June 2026. Late submissions will not be accepted under any circumstances.
Selection Process
A panel of senior academic staff evaluates all shortlisted applications based on specific criteria:
- Strong academic profile and prior achievement
- Clear rationale for choosing a postgraduate course at the University of Sheffield
- Evidence of work experience in the field of international development
- Well-articulated future ambitions that connect the postgraduate degree to benefiting others
Where applications demonstrate equal merit, the panel will give priority to candidates from underrepresented groups. All applicants will receive notification of the outcome by the end of the day on Friday, 5th July 2026.
Critical Application Timeline Summary
- 8 May 2026: Final deadline to hold an eligible course offer
- 15 May 2026: Shortlisted candidates notified (if not contacted by this date, not selected)
- 1 June 2026: Scholarship application form deadline for invited candidates
- 5 July 2026: Outcome notification date
Conclusion
In summary, the Allan and Nesta Ferguson Scholarships offer a life-changing opportunity for students from developing countries to pursue fully funded master’s studies at a world-class UK institution. By securing an eligible course offer well before the May deadline and preparing a compelling application, you position yourself for consideration among the three exceptional scholars selected each year. Begin your course application today to take the first step toward this transformative academic experience in international development and related fields.
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