The University of Glasgow, with support from the Scottish Government, is proud to announce the World Changers Planning Award for the academic intake 2026. This prestigious scholarship offers a full tuition fee waiver to two outstanding students enrolling in eligible postgraduate planning programmes in September 2026.
The University of Glasgow was founded in 1451, making it one of the oldest universities in the English-speaking world. It was originally established in Glasgow’s city centre before moving to its current campus in the West End in the 19th century. Over the centuries, the university has built a strong reputation for academic excellence and research, producing notable figures such as economist Adam Smith. Today, it is recognised globally as a leading institution and a member of the prestigious Russell Group of UK universities.
Table of Briefs
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Scholarship Name | World Changers Planning Award |
| Provider | University of Glasgow Scottish Government supported |
| Study Level | Postgraduate Master’s |
| Eligible Programmes | MSc City Planning & Real Estate Development, MSc City Planning |
| Scholarship Value | Full Tuition Fee Waiver |
| Number of Awards | 2 |
| Intake | September 2026 |
| Eligibility | Home/RUK fee status holders |
| Application Deadline | 21st May 2026 |
| Interview Dates | 11th or 12th June 2026 |
Background
The World Changers Planning Award has been developed as part of a broader initiative by the Scottish Government to strengthen the planning sector across Scotland. In recent years, there has been a growing demand for skilled planners who can address complex challenges such as urbanisation, housing shortages, climate change, and sustainable development. Recognising this need, the government has invested in higher education to attract and train future professionals in this field.
Eligibility Criteria
To be considered for the World Changers Planning Award, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Hold an offer of admission for one of the following programmes:
- MSc City Planning
- MSc City Planning & Real Estate Development
- The programme must begin in September 2026/2027
- Must qualify for Home or Rest of UK (RUK) fee status
- Demonstrate alignment with widening participation criteria applications from underrepresented backgrounds are strongly encouraged
Important Note:
This scholarship cannot be combined with other funding such as the Future Planners Bursary or any other University of Glasgow scholarships.
Benefits
- Coverage: Full tuition fee waiver
- Number of Awards: Only 2 scholarships are available, making it highly competitive
- Focus Area: Planning-related disciplines with an emphasis on diversity and inclusion
- Objective: To increase the number of qualified planners and support students from varied academic and social backgrounds
This scholarship is particularly valuable because it removes the financial barrier entirely, allowing recipients to focus fully on academic and professional development.
Application Process
The application process is straightforward but competitive:
- Apply for Admission
Submit your application for one of the eligible Master’s programmes at the University of Glasgow. - Wait for Scholarship Application Opening
The scholarship application will open separately as stated, it will open shortly. - Submit Scholarship Application
Complete the application form once available, ensuring all required documents are included. - Shortlisting & Interview
- Shortlisted candidates will be notified by 29th May 2026
- Interviews will be conducted in June
- Final Selection
Successful candidates will be selected based on merit, potential, and alignment with the scholarship’s goals.
Important Dates
Application Deadline: 21st May 2026.
Conclusion
The World Changers Planning Award is a highly competitive and prestigious opportunity for students aiming to build a career in urban planning and real estate development. With only two full-fee scholarships available, applicants must present a strong academic profile, clear career vision, and a genuine commitment to making a difference in society.