Mathematical Institute, University of Oxford - Hugh Pilkington Scholarship

What you get

You will receive a full master's scholarship in the UK for one year. This covers all tuition fees, a monthly living allowance of approximately 210 EUR, and a return flight between your home country and your university. You will also receive leadership training, invitations to conferences and workshops, and personalised support to help you settle into life and study abroad. The programme is run by Windle Trust International and the Hugh Pilkington Charitable Trust. Funding is provided by the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission, to which the Windle Trust nominates candidates.

Who can apply

• Where you study: A British university participating in the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission programme. You choose the university and the course yourself.
• Level: A Master’s degree programme. You already hold a good first degree.
• Field of study: Any topic is acceptable, although preference will be given to development-related fields such as education, public health, agriculture, law, engineering and gender studies.
• Where you come from: They come from East Africa, Central Africa or the Horn of Africa and live in Kenya, Uganda, Sudan or South Sudan.
• Your situation: You are a refugee, an internally displaced person or otherwise affected by a conflict. In Kenya and Uganda, you must have a long-term connection to specific regions affected by conflict. Asylum seekers are not eligible for support.
• Grades: Your first university degree must be equivalent to at least a British ‘Upper Second’ (2:1) or an equivalent local qualification, such as ‘First Class’, ‘Distinction’ or ‘Very Good’.
• Experience: You have at least two years’ relevant professional experience or voluntary work since graduating.
• English: IELTS 6.5 or higher, with a minimum of 6.0 in each section.
• Financial need: You can prove that you are unable to cover the costs of your studies yourself.
• After the course: You agree to return to your home country within one month of completing the programme.
• Women preferred: At least half of all vacancies are aimed at female applicants.

How to apply

You are applying to Windle Trust International, not directly to the university. The application deadline is 12 June. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to an interview, which will take place either in person in your home country or online. The final decision will be made by the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission.

How realistic are your chances?

This funding scheme is very narrowly defined. Applicants must come from a specific group of countries and regions affected by conflict, hold an excellent university degree, have relevant professional experience and demonstrate financial need. As a result, the pool of eligible applicants remains small. Meeting the minimum criteria is no guarantee of success, as funds are limited and the Commission makes the final decision. If you clearly fit the profile of a person affected by conflict, meet the requirements 2:1 and the English language proficiency criteria, and are applying as a woman, your chances are good.