Apply for SOAS Masters Scholarships 2026 in the UK. Get up to £7,000 tuition fee funding, eligibility details, benefits, deadline, application process, and official link.
Overview of SOAS Masters Scholarships 2026
Imagine studying at one of the world’s leading institutions for Asian, African, and Middle Eastern studies while significantly reducing your tuition costs. The SOAS Masters Scholarships 2026 offer outstanding students the opportunity to receive £7,000 toward their master’s degree tuition fees at SOAS University of London. With up to 30 awards available, this highly competitive scholarship is designed to reward academic excellence and help talented students pursue world-class postgraduate education in the United Kingdom.

The scholarship is especially attractive for students seeking internationally recognized degrees in business, economics, law, development studies, politics, international relations, linguistics, finance, and numerous other high-demand fields that can lead to high-paying global careers.
SOAS Masters Scholarships 2026 Program Details
- Host Organization: SOAS University of London
- Study Destination: United Kingdom
- Funded By: SOAS University of London
- Application Portal Link: Official Link
- Degree Level: Master’s Degree
- Scholarship Type: Merit-Based Scholarship
- Number of Scholarships: Up to 30
- Maximum Funding: £7,000 Tuition Fee Award
- Study Level: Postgraduate (Taught Master’s)
- Duration: 1 Year (or split across 2 years for eligible two-year programs)
- Application Deadline: 30 June 2026 (12 Noon UK Time)
- Program Start: September 2026 / Academic Year 2026-27
Eligibility Criteria for SOAS Masters Scholarships 2026
Applicants must:
- Have Home fee status
- Be applying for a new admission starting in 2026/27
- Apply for a full-time taught master’s degree at SOAS
- Hold or expect to obtain a First-Class Honours degree or international equivalent
- Applicants with a 2:1 degree may apply but will not receive preference
- Meet all admission requirements for their chosen program
- Obtain an unconditional offer before the scholarship panel meets
- Meet English language requirements if applicable
- Submit a complete scholarship application before the deadline
Eligible Study Fields and Master’s Programs
Business, Finance and Management
- MSc Finance
- MSc International Business
- MSc Global Financial Management
- MSc Development Economics
Economics and Development Studies
- MSc Economics
- MSc Development Economics
- MSc International Development
Politics and International Relations
- MA International Relations
- MA Global Diplomacy
- MA Politics
Law and Human Rights
- LLM International Law
- LLM Human Rights Law
- LLM Environmental Law
Anthropology and Sociology
- MA Anthropology
- MA Social Anthropology
- MA Migration Studies
Languages and Linguistics
- MA Linguistics
- MA Applied Linguistics
- MA Translation Studies
Media, Culture and Communications
- MA Media Studies
- MA Cultural Studies
History and Area Studies
- MA History
- MA Asian Studies
- MA African Studies
- MA Middle Eastern Studies
Environment and Sustainable Development
- MSc Environment and Sustainable Development
Gender Studies
- MA Gender Studies
Religion and Philosophy
- MA Religious Studies
- MA Philosophy
Also Apply For: CSU HDR Scholarships
Application Requirements for SOAS Masters Scholarships
- Passport copy
- Academic transcripts
- Degree certificate
- Personal statement
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Academic references
- English language certificate
- Admission application documents
- Proof of academic achievements
- Supporting certificates
Language Requirements for SOAS Masters Scholarships
Applicants must satisfy SOAS English language requirements before enrollment. Accepted tests generally include:
- IELTS Academic
- TOEFL iBT
- PTE Academic
- Other accepted English qualifications
IELTS Requirements for SOAS Scholarships
Most master’s programs typically require:
- IELTS Overall Score: 6.5 to 7.0
- Minimum sub-score requirements may vary by program.
Students from certain English-speaking backgrounds may qualify for exemptions depending on university policies.
Several countries and universities offer opportunities to study abroad without IELTS through alternative English assessments or previous English-medium education. Popular destinations include Germany, Poland, Hungary, Malaysia, Australia, and selected universities in the UK.
Is Supervisor Required for SOAS Masters Scholarships?
- No.
A supervisor is generally not required for taught master’s programs covered under the SOAS Masters Scholarships.
However:
- Research-focused degrees may require faculty guidance.
- Strong communication with the academic department can improve admission outcomes.
- Applicants should carefully align their academic goals with their chosen program.
Benefits of SOAS Masters Scholarships 2026
Financial Benefits of SOAS Masters Scholarships
- £7,000 tuition fee award.
- Significant reduction in study expenses.
- Scholarship applied directly to tuition fees.
- Funding available for eligible full-time master’s programs.
- For two-year programs, £3,500 is applied in each academic year.
How can international students adapt to studying in London?
Participating in orientation programs, student societies, networking events, and cultural activities can help students adapt quickly.
Additional Benefits Beyond Funding
- Study at a globally recognized university.
- Access to world-class faculty.
- International networking opportunities.
- Global career development.
- Multicultural campus environment.
- Enhanced employability.
- Research and professional development opportunities.
- Access to London’s global job market.
Program Duration, Timeline & Selection Process for SOAS Masters Scholarships
The scholarship supports eligible master’s programs beginning in 2026/27.
Candidate Assessment Process
Applicants are assessed based on:
- Academic excellence
- Personal statement quality
- Work experience
- Academic references
- Overall application strength
Step-by-Step Application Process for SOAS Masters Scholarships
- Choose an eligible SOAS master’s program
- Submit admission application
- Wait for admission processing
- Access the admissions portal
- Complete scholarship application
- Upload all required documents
- Submit before 12 noon UK time on 30 June 2026
- Monitor email for updates
- Receive scholarship decision
Application Deadline & Important Dates for SOAS Masters Scholarships
- Scholarship Deadline: 30 June 2026 (12 Noon UK Time)
- Expected Selection Completion: End of June 2026 onwards
- Possible Reopening (if applicable): July 2026
- Program Intake: 2026/27 Academic Year
Participating University
- SOAS University of London
Why Apply for This Program?
- Receive £7,000 tuition support
- Study in one of the world’s leading academic hubs
- Gain access to international career opportunities
- Build a global professional network
- Learn from renowned academics
- Increase employability in competitive sectors
- Enhance future salary potential
- Experience life in London
Must Apply For: Spencer Postdoctoral Fellowship
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Applying
- Missing the scholarship deadline
- Submitting incomplete documents
- Weak personal statement
- Failing to meet English requirements
- Waiting too long to apply for admission
- Not obtaining an unconditional offer
- Ignoring scholarship instructions
- Uploading incorrect documents
Salary After Graduating from SOAS
Graduates from SOAS master’s programs often enter high-paying global sectors.
Average salary ranges:
- International Relations: £35,000-£70,000+
- Finance: £45,000-£120,000+
- Development Consulting: £40,000-£90,000+
- Law and Human Rights: £40,000-£100,000+
- Public Policy: £35,000-£85,000+
- Business Management: £45,000-£110,000+
Acceptance Rate of SOAS Masters Scholarships
SOAS does not officially publish the scholarship acceptance rate.
However:
- Up to 30 scholarships are available.
- Selection is highly competitive.
- First-Class academic performance significantly improves chances.
- Strong personal statements and work experience strengthen applications.
Apply Now to Secure Your Future in the United Kingdom
The SOAS Masters Scholarships 2026 represent an outstanding opportunity for academically talented students seeking a world-class postgraduate education in the United Kingdom. With up to £7,000 in tuition fee support, access to internationally recognized faculty, a diverse student community, and the advantages of studying in London, this scholarship can accelerate your academic and professional journey. Whether your goal is a career in international relations, finance, development studies, law, business, public policy, or global research, SOAS provides the platform, network, and expertise needed to succeed. As competition for funding remains high, applicants should prepare early, submit a compelling application, and secure admission as soon as possible to maximize their chances of receiving this prestigious award.