Ailie Donald Scholarship

Ailie Donald Scholarship

You get your UK-level tuition fees paid in full for one year of a master's degree in linguistics or English language at the University of Edinburgh. Only one scholarship is awarded, and the money comes straight off your tuition bill. If you normally pay the higher international fee rate, the award covers only the UK rate. You pay the difference yourself. The scholarship comes from the University's School of Philosophy, Psychology & Language Sciences. As an award holder, you take an active part in the postgraduate community and present your work to other students and staff during the year.

Who can apply

• Degree: You have, or expect to get, a First Class Honours bachelor's degree, or the international equivalent. This is the top grade in the UK system.
• Programme: You are accepted onto one of four Edinburgh master's programmes: MSc English Language, MSc by Research English Language, MSc Linguistics, or MSc by Research Linguistics.
• Study mode: Full-time and part-time students on these programmes can both apply.
• Nationality: Any nationality can apply. International students are welcome, but pay the gap between UK and international fees themselves.
• Selection: The award goes to the strongest applicant on academic merit alone.
• Preference: Applicants for the two MSc by Research programmes and graduates of the University of Edinburgh are favoured.

How to apply

You apply through Edinburgh's MyEd online portal, either as a new applicant or as a current student. A personal statement is part of the application. You are told the outcome by the end of July 2026.

How realistic are your chances?

Only one scholarship is given, so competition is real. But the field is narrow: you must be accepted onto a specific set of linguistics or English language master's programmes and hold or expect a First Class degree. Your prospects are stronger if you clearly meet those conditions, apply for a by-research programme, or are an Edinburgh graduate, since those groups are preferred.