SOAS University of London is excited to announce the Teaching Scholarships for the academic year 2026/2027. These competitive scholarships are offered to support full-time MPhil/PhD students from underrepresented backgrounds, including Black British students and students ordinarily resident in Africa, Asia, and the Middle East.
SOAS University of London was founded in 1916 to promote the study of Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. Originally established to train administrators and scholars, it has grown into a leading global university known for its focus on languages, cultures, politics, and development studies. Today, SOAS is internationally respected for its specialist teaching and research and its strong commitment to global understanding and social justice.
Table of Briefs
| Key Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Provider | SOAS University of London |
| Scholarship Name | SOAS Teaching Scholarships |
| Level of Study | MPhil/PhD |
| Mode | Full-time |
| Duration | 3 years |
| Coverage | Full tuition fees + maintenance stipend |
| Minimum Stipend | £20,622 2026/2027, minimum |
| Eligible Students | Home & International |
| Application Deadline | 21 March 2026 |
Background
The SOAS Teaching Scholarship provides full tuition fee coverage and a maintenance allowance for a three-year full-time doctoral programme starting in the 2026/2027 academic year. In addition to financial support, scholars gain structured teaching experience at SOAS, allowing them to develop essential academic skills in research, teaching, and professional engagement.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the SOAS Teaching Scholarship, applicants must meet all of the following criteria:
Eligible Student Groups
Applicants must be either:
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Permanent UK residents Home fee status from the following ethnic backgrounds:
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Black or Black British African
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Black or Black British Caribbean
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Black or Black British Other
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Mixed Black or Black British
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OR
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Ordinarily resident in Africa, Asia, or the Middle East
Additional eligibility notes:
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Members of the SOAS Ebony Initiative are eligible participation must be declared in the application.
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One scholarship is reserved for a Palestinian national who is ordinarily resident in historic Palestine Gaza Strip, West Bank, East Jerusalem, or Palestinian citizens in Israel.
Academic & Admission Requirements
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Must have an offer of admission for a full-time MPhil/PhD programme at SOAS by the time the selection panel meets
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Must meet English language requirements if applicable no later than 10 May 2026
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Cannot hold this scholarship alongside another major scholarship or studentship
Benefits
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Tuition Fees: Covered in full for the duration of the programme
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Maintenance Allowance:
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Minimum of £20,622 for 2026/2027 final amount confirmed closer to September 2026
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Teaching Experience:
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Scholars will undertake a fixed number of teaching hours, gaining hands-on academic experience
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Professional Development:
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Focus on doctoral skill development, research training, and teaching practice
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Application Process
Step 1: Apply for Your PhD Programme
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Submit an application for an eligible MPhil/PhD programme via the SOAS Doctoral School
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Ensure your application is complete, as departmental review can take up to 4–6 weeks
Step 2: Apply for the Scholarship
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Apply through the online scholarship application form
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Deadline: 21 March 2026, 12 noon (UK time)
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You must submit both the programme application and the scholarship application to be considered.
Important Dates
Application Deadline: 21 March 2026.
Conclusion
The SOAS Teaching Scholarships offer an exceptional opportunity for aspiring scholars to pursue a fully funded PhD while gaining meaningful teaching experience at a world-renowned institution. If you meet the eligibility criteria and are committed to academic excellence and social impact, this scholarship can be a powerful step toward a successful academic career.