SOAS University of London is happy to announce the Margaret Busby New Daughters of Africa Award for the September 2026 intake. This prestigious scholarship supports Black female students ordinarily resident in Africa who wish to pursue eligible full-time master’s programmes in African Studies, Comparative Literature, or Translation in African Languages. The award provides funding of at least £30,000 covering tuition fees, maintenance support, and accommodation assistance at International Students House.
SOAS University of London was founded in 1916 as the School of Oriental Studies in London. It was established to promote the study of Asia, Africa, and the Middle East, especially languages, cultures, politics, and economics. Over the years, the university expanded its academic focus and became known as SOAS University of London. Today, it is one of the world’s leading institutions for international studies and is recognised for its diverse student community and global research excellence.
Table of Briefs
| Scholarship Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Scholarship Name | Margaret Busby New Daughters of Africa Award |
| Institution | SOAS University of London |
| Study Level | Postgraduate Master’s Degree |
| Eligible Intake | September 2026 |
| Scholarship Value | At least £30,000 |
| Coverage | Tuition fees and maintenance |
| Accommodation | Provided at International Students House |
| Deadline | 29 May 2026 |
| Eligible Students | Black female students ordinarily resident in Africa |
| Study Mode | Full-time only |
| Eligible Courses | MA African Studies, MA Comparative Literature, MA Translation African Languages |
Background
The Margaret Busby New Daughters of Africa Award reflects a commitment to empowering African women in literature and academia. Named after Margaret Busby, the scholarship celebrates African storytelling, literary scholarship, and translation while helping talented students gain access to world-class education.
The scholarship particularly encourages women who want to contribute to African literary culture through writing, research, translation, and critical studies. By supporting scholars at SOAS University of London, the programme strengthens global appreciation of African literature and intellectual traditions.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the Margaret Busby New Daughters of Africa Award, applicants must meet all the following conditions:
Applicants must:
- Be a new student starting studies in September 2026
- Be a Black female student ordinarily resident in Africa
- Demonstrate a strong interest in African literature
- Aim to support and contribute to a new generation of African female writers
- Hold an offer of admission for one of the eligible programmes at SOAS University of London before the scholarship panel meeting
- Meet the English language requirements of their admission offer as soon as possible
Incomplete applications or applications submitted after the deadline will not be considered.
Benefits
The total value of the scholarship is at least £30,000, making it one of the highly valuable postgraduate awards available for African students.
The scholarship includes:
- Coverage of tuition fees
- Financial support for maintenance expenses
- Accommodation at International Students House
- Opportunity to study in London at a globally respected university
Tuition fees will first be deducted from the scholarship amount, while any remaining balance may be used for living expenses and personal maintenance.
However, applicants should note that:
- The scholarship does not fund pre-sessional programmes
- Part-time study programmes are not eligible
Application Process
Students must complete both the programme application and the scholarship application.
Step 1: Apply for Admission
Applicants should first apply for one of the eligible master’s programmes at SOAS University of London.
Important points:
- A complete admission application must be submitted before the scholarship deadline
- Applicants are advised to apply at least six weeks before the scholarship deadline
- Admission decisions can take up to 4 weeks, or up to 6 weeks during busy periods
Step 2: Apply for the Scholarship
After applying for admission, students must submit the scholarship application through the admissions portal before: 29 May 2026 at 12 noon UK local time
Applicants will need login credentials from their programme application to access the scholarship application portal.
Important Dates
Application Deadline:
Conclusion
The Margaret Busby New Daughters of Africa Award 2026 is an outstanding opportunity for Black African women passionate about literature, translation, and African storytelling. With generous financial support, accommodation assistance, and access to world-class education at SOAS University of London, this scholarship can help talented students build impactful academic and literary careers.