Fully Funded UK Scholarships for African Students 2025/26

Looking for a way to study in the UK without breaking the bank? The Hyundai Motor Group Scholarship at SOAS University of London offers fully funded master’s and PhD scholarships for African nationals. You’ll receive full tuition coverage plus a generous stipend—up to £27,730 for a one‑year master’s and up to £22,780 per year for doctoral study—so you can focus 100% on your research and professional growth citeturn3search0turn0search1.

Why Choose a Fully Funded UK Scholarship?

• Zero Tuition Fees: Say goodbye to crippling student debts. Every penny of your tuition is covered.
• Substantial Stipend: Enjoy a comfortable living allowance so you can explore London or focus on research without financial stress.
• Global Network: Join a cohort of high‑achieving African scholars and tap into Hyundai Motor Group’s and SOAS’s alumni networks.
• Experience UK Culture & Education: Study at a world‑leading institution and gain credentials that employers around the globe respect.

Hyundai Motor Group Scholarship Overview

Hyundai Motor Group has partnered with SOAS to cultivate sustainable development experts from Africa. Backed by a £1.5 million donation, the programme supports five scholarships (four master’s, one PhD) for 2025/26, nurturing changemakers who can address Africa’s pressing challenges citeturn3search0turn3search1.

• Scholarship Objectives:
  • Empower future African leaders in economics, finance, law, anthropology and politics.
  • Foster long‑term collaboration between Hyundai Motor Group and SOAS.
  • Provide networking events, seminars and a Junior Internship Program in Seoul.
• Funding Details:
  • Master’s Award: Up to £27,730 (full tuition + balance as stipend)
  • PhD Award: Tuition fees for 4 years + annual stipend of £22,780 in timely installments citeturn3search0.
• Departments Covered:
  • College of Development, Economics & Finance
  • College of Law, Anthropology & Politics

Master’s vs PhD Awards: Side‑by‑Side Comparison

Eligible Programmes at SOAS

You must enroll in a full‑time programme starting in the 2025/26 academic year:

• Master’s (1 year taught) in any course within the two colleges above.
• Research Degrees (MPhil/PhD) offered by the Doctoral School.
• Excluded: Part‑time or 2‑year master’s programmes. citeturn3search0.

Eligibility Criteria for Fully Funded UK Scholarships

To qualify, you must meet all of the following:

• Nationality & Residency:
  • African national ordinarily resident in Africa.
  • International fee‑paying status.
• Academic Requirements:
  • Master’s Applicants: International equivalent of a UK First‑Class Honours degree (top-ranked non‑UK degrees accepted with strong references). 2:1 may apply but won’t be prioritized.
  • PhD Applicants: International equivalent of a UK master’s degree with distinction. Merit‑holders may apply but won’t be prioritized.
• Admission Status:
  • You must have applied to your chosen SOAS programme by scholarship deadline.
  • No need for an unconditional offer at time of scholarship application, but you must secure one before the selection panel meets.
• English Language:
  • Meet SOAS’s English requirements (IELTS, TOEFL or equivalent) by panel meeting date.
• Other Conditions:
  • New admissions only (programmes starting September 2025).
  • Complete scholarship application fully—late or incomplete submissions won’t be considered. citeturn3search0.

Step‑by‑Step Application Guide for Hyundai Motor Group Scholarship

1. Apply to SOAS
   • Taught Master’s: Taught Masters applications
   • Research Degree: Doctoral School guidance
   • Get Your Application ID: You’ll receive an 8‑digit ID upon submission—keep this for your scholarship form.
2. Prepare Scholarship Documents
   • Academic transcripts & certificates
   • Personal statement (alignment with sustainable development in Africa)
   • 2 references
   • Proof of English proficiency
   • CV & application ID
3. Complete the Online Scholarship Form
   • Available via SOAS student finance portal.
   • Enter your 8‑digit SOAS Application ID.
   • Upload all documents before 12:00 p.m. (UK time) on 25 April 2025. citeturn3search0.
4. Submit & Await Outcome
   • Shortlisting: May–June 2025.
   • Notification:
     • Successful candidates contacted first.
     • Unsuccessful candidates notified once all awards are allocated.

Key Deadlines & Timeline

Top Tips to Strengthen Your Application

• Craft a Compelling Personal Statement: Show how your proposed research links to sustainable development in Africa.
• Highlight Academic Excellence: Emphasize top grades, awards or publications.
• Secure Strong References: Ask referees who know your academic or professional impact well.
• Address Panel Criteria Directly: Clearly map your skills to Hyundai’s vision of “Together for a Better Future.”
• Check Entry Requirements by Country: Use SOAS’s country‑specific entry requirements page—for Nigeria, a lower second class (2:2) degree often suffices, but aim higher citeturn0search2.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Do I need an offer of admission before applying for the scholarship?
No—you only need to have submitted your SOAS programme application and have your application ID.

Q2: Can I apply if I live outside Africa?
No. You must be ordinarily resident in Africa to qualify.

Q3: What if my tuition is less than £27,730?
The remaining balance is paid to you as a stipend.

Q4: Are part‑time master’s programmes eligible?
No—only full‑time, one‑year taught programmes.

Q5: Can I apply to multiple scholarships at SOAS?
Yes—just ensure each application is complete and tailored to each opportunity.

Conclusion & Next Steps

Seize this fully funded opportunity to study at a world‑renowned institution and join a network of African changemakers.

1. Apply to your SOAS programme today to get your application ID.
2. Gather your documents and craft your personal statement.
3. Submit your scholarship form by 12:00 p.m. (UK) on 25 April 2025.

For full details and to apply, visit the official SOAS Hyundai Motor Group Scholarship page citeturn3search0 and read the Hyundai press release citeturn0search1.

Good luck with your application—here’s to your journey as the next generation of African leaders!