If you’re considering studying a master’s degree in the UK (more specifically, London), the cost of tuition and living in the city might be a little daunting. London is a city which offers exceptionally high standards of education, fantastic career opportunities, an intriguing history, and a larger than life culture, but it’s also famously pricey.
If you want to study in the best student city in the world, according to the QS Best Student Cities 2018 ranking, you might want to find out more about the scholarships available for those looking to further their academic careers and pursue a master’s degree in the buzzing, English capital.
One university in the heart of London offers 30 international postgraduate scholarships to help lighten the financial load. We spoke to SOAS University of London to learn more about some of the international scholarships they offer, and what you’ll need to remember when it comes to applying for one.
What, where, how?
Competition for scholarships is fierce, so it’ll pay to do some research into the type of scholarship that’s right for you.
Despite the common myths and misconceptions that surround scholarships, they aren’t always awarded on academic merit. So, don’t be put off your scholarship search if you think they’re only awarded to the gifted and talented. In fact, more often than not, scholarships are awarded for things other than perfect grades. Some are awarded for personal achievements, some are subject specific, while others can be country-specific.
All you need to do is make sure you meet the stated requirements, get your personal statement in tip-top condition and submit your application as far in advance as possible (the sooner the better). Take a look at these scholarship applications FAQ for help and advice.
Postgraduate SOAS Global Impact Award
For the Postgraduate SOAS Global Impact Award, you’ll need to demonstrate a time when you were involved with a project where you made a positive impact, whether it was on a local scale, or global scale. This scholarship awards the successful candidate with academic, financial and personal support, where you’ll have the opportunity to mentor undergraduate students, as well as get involved with networking events, and benefit from personal careers advice.
International Postgraduate Merit Scholarships
The International Postgraduate Merit Scholarships for the Department of Economics, School of Finance and Management, and the School of Law award students with a £2,500 tuition reduction fee.
To be considered for this scholarship, you’ll need to be an international self-funding student with an undergraduate UK upper second-class honors degree (2:1) at least, or an international equivalent. You’ll also need to make sure you meet the entry requirements for the program, which may include having already studied a subject specific to the course.
Here comes the easy part… the International Postgraduate Merit Scholarships require no additional application. You’ll be automatically considered for the scholarship when you submit your initial master’s program application.
An investment in your future
Kristen Cherry, a master’s student studying Middle East Politics at SOAS was awarded the Al-Kawai Scholarship. She recalls how the scholarship from SOAS was a real deal-breaker in her decision to study her master’s there, saying: “I researched every relevant SOAS scholarship and applied to them all. I knew I could not pursue my master’s degree without securing enough funding that I wouldn’t need to take out any further loans.
“When I received an offer for the Al-Kawari Scholarship, I immediately accepted. With SOAS being my number one choice and the university where I could best envision myself thriving, it was an easy decision.”
