Securing funding for international study can open doors to global opportunities and reduce student debt. The following scholarships target outstanding students and researchers worldwide, often providing full funding for tuition, living and travel. Each listing below summarizes who can apply, what is covered, and how to apply.
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2026 Joel Joffe LLB Scholarships (South Africa)
The Joel Joffe LLB Scholarship (Canon Collins Trust) funds final-year law students at the University of the Western Cape or University of Fort Hare. It offers ZAR 40,000 towards your final year and a paid internship at a public interest law center
Eligibility requires you to be a South African national resident in South Africa, currently in your 3rd year of LLB studies (entering 4th year in 2026), with a strong academic record
Benefits: R40,000 funding plus a post-graduation paid internship at Equal Education Law Centre or Legal Resources Centre
Networking: Canon Collins hosts an annual conference and workshops for Joel Joffe scholars to develop leadership skills
Who can apply: South African LLB students at UWC or Fort Hare moving into their final year. Strong grades and leadership/community involvement are required.
Application: Opens August 4, 2025; deadline September 2, 2025 (5 PM SAST)
Prepare your transcripts, CV, proof of residence and a personal statement per the Canon Collins guidelines.
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2026 Canon Collins RMTF Postgraduate Scholarships (South Africa)
In memory of educationalists Ros Moger and Terry Furlong, this Canon Collins RMTF Scholarship supports outstanding individuals committed to social justice in Southern Africa
It funds postgraduate study at South African universities in areas related to justice, education and humanities
It covers up to 2 years of Master’s or 3 years of PhD funding, with awards ranging R20,000 to R100,000
Eligibility: Citizens or refugees of Angola, Botswana, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Eswatini or Zambia (resident there) with a strong first degree (at least upper second class)
Your program must be at a South African university and fall within the qualifying subject areas. Namibian, South African or Zimbabwean applicants should apply to the Sol Plaatje Scholarship instead
Coverage: Tuition and living support for Master’s/PhD studies. Scholars also join a network with conferences and events
Application: Opens August 4, 2025; deadline September 2, 2025 (17:00 SAST)
Apply online via the Canon Collins portal (read the official guidelines first).
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2026–27 AfOx Graduate MBA Scholarships (University of Oxford, UK)
The AfOx Mastercard Foundation Graduate Scholarship at Oxford’s Saïd Business School offers full MBA funding to five exceptional African students
This scholarship covers tuition and provides a generous living stipend (at least £20,780)
Who can apply: African nationals ordinarily resident in Africa. Candidates must demonstrate leadership potential and commitment to contributing to the continent’s development
Coverage: 100% of MBA tuition plus £20,780+ for living expenses
Additional support: Scholars receive tailored training and mentoring programs through the Mastercard Foundation and AfOx network
Application: No separate scholarship form is required. Submit your Oxford MBA application by January 7, 2026
Shortlisted applicants meeting the criteria will be automatically considered for the AfOx Scholarship.
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2026–27 Chevening LSE Fellowship (UK)
The Chevening LSE Fellowship is a fully funded research fellowship at the London School of Economics for Chinese mid-career professionals
Three fellows are chosen annually to conduct a self-designed research project in the social sciences.
Who can apply: Chinese citizens (resident in China) with a postgraduate degree or equivalent experience, plus at least five years of work experience
Duration: 3, 6, or 9 months (starting October) at LSE
Benefits: Full program fees, a living allowance, return airfare, and a research budget allowance
Application: Opens mid-2025; deadline likely October 2025. Applicants must submit a research proposal during the Chevening fellowship application.
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2026–27 Chevening Energy Market Reform Fellowship (UK)
Funded by the UK government, the Chevening Energy Market Reform Fellowship is a 3-month (Sept–Dec 2026) programme bringing Chinese energy sector leaders to the University of Dundee’s CEPMLP to study sustainable energy policy
Who can apply: Chinese citizens with a postgraduate qualification (or equivalent) and at least five years’ relevant experience. (Current PhD candidates outside the UK/US are also eligible.)
Benefits: Full program fees, a living stipend, return airfare, and supervision at CEPMLP
Application: Opens mid-2025 and closes October 7, 2025 (12:00 UTC). Applicants should outline a project that supports China’s energy transition.
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2025–26 Walters Kundert Fellowship (UK/International)
The Walters Kundert Fellowship provides £10,000 for post-PhD field research in Arctic or high-mountain environments
Eligibility: Open to postdoctoral researchers affiliated with a UK university or research institute, OR Fellows/members of the Royal Geographical Society employed outside the UK
Award: One-time £10,000 grant for research expenses.
Application: Deadline November 23, 2025. Prepare a research proposal and CV; email your application to grants@rgs.org after reviewing the RGS grant guidelines
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2026 University of Pretoria Commonwealth PhD Scholarship (South Africa)
The University of Pretoria Commonwealth Scholarship (2026 intake) funds doctoral studies for international students from Commonwealth countries
It is an internal bursary (full tuition and stipend) for UP PhD programs.
Who can apply: Citizens of Commonwealth countries (excluding South Africa)
Requirements: Master’s degree completed ≥2 years before 2026, under age 38, and not already enrolled at UP
Coverage: Tuition fees and a living stipend (details in the bursary conditions).
Application: Open July 29, 2025 to September 20, 2025
Secure admission to a UP PhD program and apply via UP’s funding portal; see the official call for details.
These opportunities are highly competitive, so start preparing your applications early. Remember to tailor each proposal or essay to the program’s goals and verify you meet the nationality/residency requirements. Applicants should gather transcripts, test scores and references well in advance.
A fully funded scholarship can significantly accelerate your academic and career ambitions. For full details, always consult the official scholarship webpages. For the most current information and updates, visit the official scholarship websites.
Good luck!
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Who can apply for the 2026 Joel Joffe LLB Scholarship?
The Joel Joffe LLB Scholarship is open to South African nationals or permanent residents studying law at the University of Fort Hare or the University of the Western Cape. Applicants must be in their third year of LLB studies in 2025, entering the final year in 2026, and demonstrate strong academic achievement and commitment to social justice.
2. What does the Canon Collins RMTF Scholarship cover?
The Canon Collins RMTF Scholarship provides financial support for Master’s (up to two years) or PhD studies (up to three years) at South African universities. Awards range from R20,000 to R100,000, depending on need, and may cover tuition fees, research costs, and living expenses. Scholars also gain access to the Canon Collins network and leadership events.
3. How competitive is the AfOx Graduate MBA Scholarship at Oxford?
The AfOx Graduate MBA Scholarship is highly competitive, as it covers 100% of tuition and provides a £20,780+ stipend. Only five African students are awarded each year. Applicants must show exceptional academic performance, leadership skills, and a commitment to contributing to Africa’s development after graduation.
4. Can international students outside China apply for Chevening LSE or Energy Market Reform Fellowships?
No. Both the Chevening LSE Fellowship and the Chevening Energy Market Reform Fellowship are designed specifically for Chinese citizens living in China. Applicants must hold a postgraduate degree or equivalent experience and have at least five years of professional experience in their respective fields.
5. What does the Walters Kundert Fellowship support?
The Walters Kundert Fellowship provides up to £10,000 for postdoctoral field research in the Arctic or high-mountain environments. It is open to post-PhD researchers affiliated with a UK university or Royal Geographical Society (RGS) Fellows based abroad. The funding supports travel, research expenses, and data collection in challenging environments.
6. Who is eligible for the University of Pretoria Commonwealth PhD Scholarship 2026?
This scholarship is open to students from Commonwealth countries (excluding South Africa) who wish to pursue a PhD at the University of Pretoria. Applicants must be under 38 years old, hold a Master’s degree obtained at least two years before 2026, and must not already be enrolled at the university.
7. What documents are usually required when applying for these scholarships?
While requirements vary, most scholarships require:
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Academic transcripts and degree certificates
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A CV or resume
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Proof of nationality or residency
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Letters of recommendation
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A personal statement or research proposal
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Proof of English proficiency (where applicable)
Applicants should carefully review each program’s official guidelines and deadlines before applying.
