Call for Applications:  MPhil/PhD Studentship 2026 at SOAS University of London

Application Deadline: Varies by scholarship (programme application deadline: 15 June 2026)

About the Studentships

The MPhil/PhD Studentship 2026 at SOAS University of London offers fully funded and partially funded doctoral opportunities for outstanding students worldwide, particularly those from Africa, Asia, and the Middle East. SOAS provides a range of studentships across disciplines such as development studies, law, economics, politics, and anthropology. These studentships support full-time research starting in the 2026/27 academic year. SOAS is renowned for its expertise in Africa, Asia, and the Middle East, and its doctoral programmes attract students from around the world who are committed to advancing knowledge in these regions. The university’s research community is vibrant and interdisciplinary, offering rich opportunities for academic collaboration and professional development.

Why This Studentship Matters

SOAS University of London is a unique institution with a focus on Africa, Asia, and the Middle East. Its doctoral programmes attract students who are committed to understanding and addressing the complex challenges facing these regions. The university’s location in London provides access to world-class libraries, archives, and research networks, including the British Library, the School of Advanced Study, and numerous specialist research centres.

For students from Africa, Asia, and the Middle East, these studentships offer a rare opportunity to pursue doctoral research at a globally respected institution while receiving comprehensive financial support. The combination of full tuition coverage, a living stipend, and research training support enables students to focus entirely on their research without the burden of financial constraints. Graduates of SOAS doctoral programmes go on to successful careers in academia, international development, government, policy-making, and the private sector, equipped with the research skills and regional expertise that are increasingly in demand.

Funding Benefits

Most SOAS MPhil/PhD studentships include:

• Full tuition fee coverage (for eligible awards)
• Annual living stipend (minimum around £20,622, depending on the award)
• Research and academic training support
• Opportunity to gain teaching experience (for some awards)

Types of Scholarships:

Full Scholarships: These provide funding that covers tuition fees in full and provide a maintenance stipend to support students’ studies.

Tuition Fee Scholarships: These cover tuition fees in full for at least one academic year. Some awards may cover tuition fees in additional years of study.

Partial Scholarships: These provide funding that contributes partially towards tuition fees or is paid directly to students to support their studies.

Available Studentships

Open Scholarships (Currently Accepting Applications):

• Hyundai Motor Group Scholarship – Open to African nationals
• SOAS Research Academic Excellence Scholarship – Open to UK/Home students only

Scholarships Opening Soon:

• Bloomsbury Colleges PhD Studentships – Open to Home or Overseas students (tuition up to Home level is covered)
• SOAS Grant – Open to applicants of any nationality
• Tim Liang and School of Arts PhD Scholarships in Chinese Art – Open to UK/Home students only

The following scholarships are no longer accepting applications for the 2026/27 academic year: AHRC Landscape Awards, CAMHRA Doctoral Scholarships, Economics and Social Research Council (ESRC) UBEL Studentships, Felix Scholarships (Indian nationals), Felix Scholarship Non-Indian (priority to nationals of Afghanistan, Syria, Iran, Iraq, Palestinian territories living in their country of origin), SOAS Teaching Scholarships, Edgar Graham Prize, and The Leverhulme Trust.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must meet the following requirements:

General Requirements:

• Apply for a full-time MPhil/PhD programme at SOAS
• Hold (or expect to hold) a strong Master’s degree (or equivalent)
• Demonstrate strong research potential
• Meet English language requirements (if applicable)

Targeted Scholarships:
Some scholarships specifically target:

• Applicants from Africa, Asia, or the Middle East
• Underrepresented or disadvantaged backgrounds
• Specific nationalities (such as African nationals for the Hyundai Motor Group Scholarship)
• UK/Home students (for certain awards)

Application Process

To be considered for scholarships, applicants must follow this process:

Step 1: Apply for an MPhil/PhD programme via the SOAS Doctoral School

Step 2: Submit required documents for the programme application:

• Research proposal (outlining your intended research project)
• Academic CV
• Academic transcripts from previous degrees
• Two academic references
• English language proficiency evidence (if applicable)

Step 3: Apply separately for scholarships via the admissions portal

Important Notes:

• You must submit a complete programme application before applying for most scholarships
• Scholarship deadlines vary and may be earlier than the programme application deadline
• Some scholarships require a separate application form in addition to the programme application
• Check individual scholarship pages for specific application requirements

Key Deadlines (2026 Entry)

• PhD programme application deadline: 15 June 2026 (for international applicants; earlier deadlines may apply for UK applicants)
• Scholarship deadlines vary – typically between January and May 2026. Applicants should check individual scholarship pages for exact deadlines.

Applications for scholarships currently marked as “Open” should be submitted as soon as possible, as deadlines may approach before the programme application deadline.

How to Apply

Apply through the official SOAS portal

For More Information: Visit the Official Webpage of SOAS Postgraduate Research Scholarships