The Ruth First Educational Trust aims to enable southern African students from historically disadvantaged backgrounds to undertake postgraduate study at Durham University. Southern Africa is defined for this purpose as comprising the following countries: Angola, Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Republic of South Africa, Zambia and Zimbabwe.
Scholarships make an important contribution towards social, educational and economic development in the region. In addition to their value to individuals they have a wide developmental impact, within and beyond southern Africa.
Ruth First Scholars have played positive leadership roles in their communities and are chosen for their active commitment to good causes and their academic ability.
Many former Ruth First Scholars now hold important positions in the public and private sectors in southern Africa and have become inspirational role models for young people.
| Amount | Full payment of tuition feesStipend for living expenses – 12 monthly paymentsOne return air ticket from the home country to the UK and the cost of return travel between the UK airport and Durham CityFully funded accommodation and meals at St Chad’s College’Settling in allowance’ on arrivalPayment of the cost of a UK visa and the UK Health surcharge |
| Year of Entry | Applicants for programmes commencing in September/October 2025 |
| Number of awards available | One |
| Level of study | Taught Masters degree programmes |
| Mode of study | Full-time |
| Programmes | All programmes except MBA |
| Duration | One year |
Eligibility
Geographical Criteria
Applicants must be a national of one of the following countries:
- Angola
- Botswana
- Eswatini
- Lesotho
- Malawi
- Mozambique
- Namibia
- Republic of South Africa
- Zambia
- Zimbabwe
Not sure if you’re eligible? Contact us for advice.
How to apply
- Apply for a courseSubmit an academic application to Durham University for one of the eligible programmes by 31 March 2025. Provide evidence of your Ruth First Scholarship application to colleagues in our admissions service.Durham University Applicant Portal
- Complete a scholarship applicationSubmit an online scholarship application form by 31 March 2025. Application Deadline31 March 2025 When candidates will hear the outcome of their applicationEnd June 2025
- Ask usFor further information or advice:
- Email: [email protected]
Guidance
- Apply only if you meet the essential eligibility criteria
- Identify key dates and application deadlines
- Complete the application in full
- Spell-check, proofread and ask a friend, teacher for parent
- Thoroughly read guidance documents and establish what the scholarship panel are looking for
- Ensure the application is submitted correctly
- Ask for help if you need it via the enquiry form or contact information
More about this scholarship
Applicants should:
- hold a relevant honours degree of sufficient standard to be admitted to your chosen Master’s course; and
- not hold a Master’s degree, nor have previously studied at a university outside southern Africa, and
- show evidence of active involvement in and commitment to voluntary work for the benefit of causes such as rural or urban community development; young people or educational projects; charitable organisations; health or AIDS awareness projects; student welfare or guidance; the defence of human rights; the promotion of equal opportunities or social justice; environmental sustainability. If you have a paid job that involves working in such areas, you should show evidence of leadership and commitment beyond the requirements of the job
The Trust and Durham University aim to award the Scholarship to individuals who not only have the academic and personal qualities to enable them to complete and benefit from a postgraduate course but who will also act as positive ambassadors for their home countries in Durham and put their enhanced knowledge and skills to good use for the benefit of the societies to which they return in Africa.
Durham University makes every effort to ensure that the information published or contained on its website is accurate. However, the University cannot guarantee the information may not subsequently be altered owing to circumstances beyond the University’s reasonable control. Such circumstances include (but are not limited to) changes in Government policy or change of law. Whilst any changes will be incorporated into the University’s website any person wishing to clarify the details of a particular scholarship/s should contact the University at [email protected].