The University of Glasgow African Excellence Award is a prestigious scholarship designed to support outstanding students from across Africa who are ready to take the next step in their academic and professional journeys. Aimed at nurturing future world changers, this award enables talented African students to pursue a one-year postgraduate taught Master’s degree at one of the United Kingdom’s leading universities.
For the 2026/27 academic session, the University of Glasgow is offering up to 16 full tuition fee scholarships to high-achieving African students admitted to eligible Master’s programmes across all academic disciplines. This initiative reflects the university’s strong commitment to widening global access to higher education and empowering future leaders who will make meaningful contributions to their communities and countries.
About the University of Glasgow
Founded in 1451, the University of Glasgow is one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in the English-speaking world. It consistently ranks among the top universities globally and is renowned for its excellence in teaching, research, and innovation. The institution has a vibrant international community and a long history of welcoming students from Africa.
Through scholarships such as the African Excellence Award, the University of Glasgow aims to attract exceptional students who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership potential, and a strong vision for positive social and economic impact.
Overview of the African Excellence Award
The African Excellence Award is specifically targeted at students who wish to undertake a postgraduate taught Master’s degree. Please note that postgraduate diplomas and certificate programmes are not eligible for this scholarship.
Key Highlights:
- Scholarship type: Full tuition fee waiver
- Level of study: Postgraduate taught Master’s (1 year)
- Academic session: 2026/27
- Number of awards: Up to 16
- Eligible disciplines: All academic fields offered at Master’s level
- Target group: High-achieving students from Africa
This scholarship is ideal for students who are academically strong and have a clear plan to use their education to contribute to development, innovation, and positive change in Africa.
What the Scholarship Covers
The University of Glasgow African Excellence Award provides:
- ✅ 100% tuition fee waiver for the full duration of the one-year Master’s programme
While the scholarship covers tuition fees in full, recipients should note that it does not cover living expenses. Successful applicants must still meet the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) living cost and financial requirements for international students. These requirements are mandatory for securing a UK student visa.
Eligibility Criteria
To be considered for the African Excellence Award, applicants must meet all of the following criteria:
- Academic Excellence
- Demonstrate a strong academic record equivalent to a UK First Class Honours degree.
- Offer of Admission
- Hold (or be in the process of obtaining) an offer for a one-year postgraduate taught Master’s programme at the University of Glasgow for the September 2026 intake.
- While an offer is not required at the time of applying for the scholarship, applicants must have an offer to be considered for interview. Applicants are therefore encouraged to apply for their chosen programme early.
- Fee Status
- Be classified as an international fee-paying student.
- Nationality and Residency
- Be domiciled in Africa and hold a passport from an eligible African country.
- Career and Development Vision
- Clearly demonstrate a career and/or development plan showing how a Master’s degree at the University of Glasgow will help you contribute positively to your community, country, or region. This is assessed through the scholarship application form.
- Visa and Financial Requirements
- Be able to meet the UKVI living cost requirements as an international student.
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Number of Scholarships Available
- Up to 16 scholarships will be awarded for the 2026/27 academic year.
Due to the competitive nature of this award, meeting the minimum eligibility criteria does not guarantee selection.
Eligible Programmes and Fields of Study
- The scholarship is open to all postgraduate taught Master’s programmes offered by the University of Glasgow.
- Postgraduate diplomas and certificate programmes are not eligible.
Applicants are advised to carefully review programme-specific requirements and deadlines on the university’s official website before applying.
How to Apply
Applications for the University of Glasgow African Excellence Award must be submitted online through the official scholarship portal.
Step-by-Step Application Process:
- Apply for a Master’s Programme
- Submit an application for an eligible one-year postgraduate taught Master’s programme at the University of Glasgow.
- Receive Your Student ID
- Once you apply for admission, you will receive a student ID and application number, which are required for the scholarship application.
- Submit the Scholarship Application
- Complete the African Excellence Award application form using the official link below.
👉 Official Application Page:
https://www.gla.ac.uk/scholarships/universityofglasgowafricanexcellenceaward/#
Application Deadline
- Deadline: 31 March 2026 at 23:59 (UK time)
Late applications will not be considered.
Selection Process and Interviews
- Shortlisted candidates will be contacted by 8 May 2026.
- Interviews may form part of the selection process and will focus on:
- Academic merit
- Career ambitions
- Leadership potential
- Commitment to contributing to Africa’s development
Important Scholarship Conditions
- The University of Glasgow aims to support as many self-funded students as possible.
- University of Glasgow scholarships and discounts cannot be combined with other internal or external funding (except the Alumni Discount).
- If a student is awarded more than one scholarship, only the highest-value award will be retained, and lower-value awards will be removed.
Need Help or More Information?
If you are unsure about your eligibility or need clarification, you can contact the scholarships team directly:
- 📧 Email: scholarships@glasgow.ac.uk
- 💬 Online Enquiries: Available via the University of Glasgow website
The University of Glasgow African Excellence Award 2026/27 is an outstanding opportunity for ambitious African students to access a world-class education without the burden of tuition fees. If you are academically strong, globally minded, and committed to making a difference, this scholarship could be the gateway to transforming your future—and the future of your community.
Start your application early, prepare a compelling career vision, and take the next step toward becoming a future world changer.