Fully Funded University College London (UCL) African Graduate Scholarship 2025

Essential Scholarship Details

Scholarship Name: UCL African Graduate Scholarship 2025
Institution: University College London (UCL)
Programme Supported: MSc in Global Health and Development (Full-Time)
Location: United Kingdom (UK)
Duration: 1 year (September 2025 – September 2026)
Type: Fully Funded Master’s Scholarship
Eligible Regions: All African Countries
Language Requirement: No IELTS Required
Application Deadline: Friday, 30 May 2025 at 17:00 BST

Introduction

Are you a passionate African student seeking an opportunity to pursue a world-class master’s degree in the United Kingdom, but financial constraints stand in your way? The University College London (UCL) African Graduate Scholarship 2025 presents a life-changing opportunity for eligible African nationals to pursue a fully funded postgraduate degree in one of the world’s leading universities.

Offered through UCL’s Institute for Global Health, this scholarship supports high-achieving African students who have demonstrated academic excellence, leadership potential, and a deep commitment to improving health systems and outcomes across Africa.

This is not just a scholarship — it is an invitation to immerse yourself in advanced global health education, develop international networks, and become a transformative agent of change within your community and beyond.

About the University College London (UCL)

Founded in 1826, University College London (UCL) is a top-tier global research university based in the heart of London. As one of the top 10 universities worldwide (QS World University Rankings), UCL is committed to pushing the boundaries of knowledge, academic excellence, and societal impact.

The UCL Institute for Global Health (IGH) is the hub for UCL’s collaborative work in global health, bringing together experts from a wide range of disciplines including public health, policy, economics, epidemiology, and medicine to tackle health challenges globally — especially in underserved communities.

Scholarship Description

The UCL African Graduate Scholarship was established to provide life-changing educational opportunities to African students with a proven record of academic excellence and leadership. The award is designed to eliminate financial barriers that prevent brilliant minds from accessing high-quality education.

The 2025 edition of this scholarship is co-funded by:

University College London
CP Charitable Trust
International Student House (ISH)

This is a non-renewable, one-year award exclusively offered to incoming students enrolled in the MSc in Global Health and Development at UCL.

Programme Overview – MSc in Global Health and Development

The MSc in Global Health and Development is a full-time, 12-month programme delivered at UCL’s Bloomsbury campus in London. The curriculum is designed to:

Equip students with advanced understanding of the global burden of disease
Explore health systems in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs)
Analyze socio-economic and political determinants of health
Foster leadership and innovation in policy and health program delivery

Programme Highlights:

Core modules in epidemiology, health economics, global health systems, monitoring and evaluation, and research methods
A wide range of elective modules on topics such as maternal health, infectious disease, and humanitarian response
Final dissertation based on original research or policy evaluation
Faculty with real-world global health experience from WHO, UN, MSF, and ministries of health worldwide

Scholarship Benefits

Successful applicants to the UCL African Graduate Scholarship 2025 will receive:

Full Tuition Fee Coverage: Covers the entire cost of the MSc programme at UCL
Accommodation Support: Provided by International Student House (ISH) or equivalent housing assistance
Living Allowance: Modest monthly stipend to cover daily expenses such as meals, transport, and study materials
Academic Mentorship: Opportunity to engage with UCL’s global faculty and visiting researchers
Networking Access: Join a cohort of international students and access alumni networks working with NGOs, UN bodies, health ministries, and more

Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for the UCL African Graduate Scholarship 2025, applicants must meet all of the following:

Nationality:

Must be a citizen and permanent resident of an African country at the time of application

Admission:

Must have applied to and received an unconditional offer of admission to study the MSc in Global Health and Development (Full-Time) at UCL by May 30, 2025

Academic Qualifications:

Must have a Bachelor’s degree (minimum upper second-class or equivalent) in public health, social sciences, health policy, or a related field
Applicants with professional experience in health policy, NGOs, or governmental agencies will be highly considered

Financial Need:

Must demonstrate clear financial need — that is, the inability to fund the degree without external support

Commitment:

Must show evidence of leadership, civic responsibility, and a long-term vision for applying global health knowledge within Africa

Required Documents

The following documents must be submitted along with the application:

Completed UCL admission application for MSc in Global Health and Development
Unconditional offer letter from UCL
Completed scholarship application form (downloadable)
Personal statement outlining academic journey, career goals, and how the scholarship will support your aspirations
Updated CV/Resume (not more than 3 pages)
Academic transcripts and degree certificates
Two reference letters (academic or professional)
Proof of nationality and residence (e.g., national ID or passport)

Application Process – Step-by-Step

Step 1: Apply to UCL

Submit your application for the MSc in Global Health and Development (full-time) via the official UCL application portal before the course deadline

Step 2: Await Unconditional Offer

If successful, you will receive an unconditional offer of admission. You need this to apply for the scholarship

Step 3: Complete the Scholarship Application Form

Download the UCL African Graduate Scholarship application form
Fill in all required fields truthfully and thoroughly

Step 4: Submit Your Scholarship Application

Email the completed application form and accompanying documents to:
📧 igh.scholarships@ucl.ac.uk
Use the subject line: “Application – UCL African Graduate Scholarship 2025”
Deadline: Friday, 30 May 2025 at 17:00 BST

Late applications will not be reviewed.

Evaluation Criteria

Applications will be assessed on the following basis:

Academic merit and previous university performance
Professional background and experience in health-related fields
Demonstrated commitment to improving healthcare systems in Africa
Clear financial need supported by credible evidence
A strong personal statement outlining motivation and future impact

Shortlisted candidates may be invited for an interview or further document verification.

What Past Scholars Say

“Receiving the UCL African Graduate Scholarship changed my life. I now lead a maternal health policy unit in Ethiopia. I am forever grateful to UCL and this initiative for investing in young Africans.”
— Diana B., Class of 2023 Scholar

“Studying at UCL was not only about academics; it was about belonging to a global network of passionate changemakers.”
— Joseph M., Class of 2022 Scholar

Contact and Support

For further inquiries:

UCL Institute for Global Health
University College London
📧 Email: igh.scholarships@ucl.ac.uk

Important Notes

There is no application fee for this scholarship
No IELTS required if you completed prior education in English-speaking country (subject to UCL language waiver policy)
Only one scholarship will be awarded per academic year
This is a highly competitive scholarship — applicants are encouraged to apply early and thoughtfully