SOAS - Kamran Djam Scholarships

Kamran Djam Scholarships

You will receive your full tuition fees covered for a Master’s degree programme in Iranian Studies at SOAS University of London (School of Oriental and African Studies). The funding covers the standard duration of your degree programme: 1 year full-time (or 2 years part-time) for the MA in Iranian Studies and 2 years full-time (or 4 years part-time) for the MA in Iranian Studies with an intensive language course (Persian). The scholarship is funded by the Fereydoun Djam Charitable Trust. It covers tuition fees only; it does not cover living costs, accommodation, travel expenses or pre-sessional English courses.

Who can apply

• Programme: You are applying for the Master’s programme in ‘Iranian Studies’ or the Master’s programme in ‘Iranian Studies and Intensive Language Course (Persian)’ at SOAS, starting in 2026/27.
• Grades: You hold a first-class honours degree or are expected to obtain one, or you have achieved an equivalent qualification. A 2:1 will be accepted, but will not result in preferential treatment. If you hold a non-UK degree, you must provide evidence, in the form of references and academic transcripts, that you were amongst the top students in your year group.
• English: You meet the English language requirements set out in your SOAS offer of admission.
• Application to SOAS: You have applied for the Master’s programme. You do not need to have been admitted by the scholarship application deadline, but you must have received unconditional admission (i.e. a confirmed place on the programme with no further conditions) by the time of the selection committee meeting.
• Nationality: This vacancy is open to applicants from the UK, the EU and other countries alike.

How to apply

First, apply for the Master’s programme via the SOAS admissions portal. You should then submit your scholarship application via the same portal by 12 midday UK time on 19 June 2026 at the latest. A panel of at least three academics will assess applicants on the basis of their academic achievements, financial circumstances, professional experience and personal statement. Results are expected to be announced from July onwards.

How realistic are your chances?

This scholarship is very narrowly defined. It applies only to two Master’s programmes in Iranian Studies at a single university, so the pool of eligible applicants is small. The requirements are high: the selection committee strictly requires a degree with a ‘First Class Honours’ classification, and a 2:1 will not be favoured. If you clearly meet this standard and can demonstrate financial need, your prospects are good. It is important to submit your application by the deadline with all the necessary documents.