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Applications are now open for the Allan and Nesta Ferguson Charitable Trust Scholarships 2025 for international students
Are you an international student from a developing country, passionate about international development and seeking to study in the UK? The Allan and Nesta Ferguson Charitable Trust Scholarships 2025 offer an exceptional opportunity to pursue a fully-funded Master’s degree at the University of Sheffield.
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Backed by the Ferguson Charitable Trust, these scholarships reflect the university’s dedication to international engagement and global progress, helping students become change agents in their communities.
Scholarship Benefits
Three students will be selected in 2025 to receive:
- A full tuition fee waiver for one of the selected Master’s programs
- A £12,500 maintenance stipend to cover living expenses throughout the study year
Eligible Postgraduate Courses
To be eligible, you must receive an offer to study full-time on one of the following courses at the University of Sheffield starting in September 2025:
- International Development MA
- Environmental Change and International Development MSc
- International Development (Masters in Public Health) MPH
- International Law and Global Justice LLM (selected pathway only)
- International Political Economy MA
- Global Journalism MA
- International Public and Political Communication MA
Eligibility Criteria
To apply for the Allan and Nesta Ferguson Scholarships 2025, you must:
- Be classified as an overseas student for tuition fee purposes
- Be permanently domiciled in a low or lower-middle income country as defined by the World Bank in 2025
- Hold an offer for an eligible full-time Master’s program at the University of Sheffield
- Be self-funded, with no external or internal sponsorship
- Not hold a qualification equivalent to or higher than the postgraduate course you’re applying for
- Not have previously studied outside your country of residence
- Be able to meet all conditions of your course offer by the deadline
- Be eligible for and successfully obtain a UK student visa
Countries Eligible for the Scholarship
Applicants must be domiciled in a country classified as low or lower-middle income by the World Bank. This includes, but is not limited to countries across Sub-Saharan Africa, South Asia, Southeast Asia, Latin America, and parts of the Middle East. A full list of eligible countries is provided on the University of Sheffield’s scholarship webpage.
Selection Process
This is a highly competitive award, assessed by a panel of senior university staff. Applications will be evaluated based on:
- A compelling rationale for choosing a postgraduate program at the University of Sheffield
- Relevant work experience in international development or related sectors
- Clearly defined career ambitions and a plan for how your studies will benefit your home country and global communities
- Only three awards are available, so applicants are encouraged to be thoughtful, thorough, and strategic in their application.
Application Process
How to Apply:
- Apply for admission to one of the eligible Master’s programs.
- Once you receive an offer, wait up to 48 hours for access to the scholarship application portal.
- Complete the Allan and Nesta Ferguson Scholarship application form.
- Submit your application before the deadline.
Why Study at the University of Sheffield?
- A Russell Group university with a global reputation
- Award-winning Student Experience
- Strong focus on sustainability, development, and global justice
- World-class research centers and access to cutting-edge facilities
- A welcoming city with affordable living costs compared to other UK cities
Tips for a Successful Application
- Be specific about your goals and how the course aligns with them
- Describe how your work or volunteering experience connects to development
- Explain the impact you hope to have in your country or globally
- Focus on how your UCL education will advance your leadership or advocacy goals
Important Notes
- You must not defer your admission—this award is valid only for the 2025–2026 academic session.
- The award cannot be held in combination with any other financial support or scholarship.
- If you do not meet the visa or academic requirements, the scholarship offer will be rescinded.
Application Deadline: 2 June, 2025.
