The Allan and Nesta Ferguson Scholarship, established by the Allan & Nesta Ferguson Charitable Trust, provides a prestigious opportunity for international students from developing countries to access world-class education in the UK.

About the Allan and Nesta Ferguson Scholarship

The Allan and Nesta Ferguson Charitable Trust was created to advance education, promote international understanding, and support sustainable development. The scholarship provides financial aid to students from developing countries pursuing postgraduate degrees at UK partner universities, focusing on fields that encourage global development and cross-cultural exchange.

Offered at universities like the University of Sheffield and SOAS, the scholarship supports postgraduate programs in international relations, development studies, human rights, and public policy, fostering international development and cooperation.

Features of the Scholarship

The Allan and Nesta Ferguson Scholarship provides a comprehensive package. This includes most of the primary expenses associated with studying abroad. Here’s what the scholarship covers:

• Full tuition coverage: The scholarship pays 100% of tuition expenses for qualified postgraduate programs, allowing participants to concentrate on their studies without being concerned about the financial burden of tuition.
• Living Allowance: In addition to tuition, the scholarship includes a monthly stipend to cover living expenses such as housing, food, and transportation throughout the recipient’s stay in the UK.
• Travel Costs: Recipients also receive round-trip airfare between their home country and the UK, making the scholarship even more appealing to overseas students.
• Health Insurance: Scholarship recipients are supplied with health insurance, ensuring that they are covered for any medical needs throughout their time in the UK.

Eligibility Criteria

The Allan and Nesta Ferguson Scholarship is extremely competitive and offered to international students from underdeveloped countries who meet the following eligibility requirements:

• Citizenship: Applicants must be nationals of a developing country as defined by the OECD Development Assistance Committee (DAC) list.
• Academic background: Candidates must have a first-class or upper-second-class degree (or its international equivalent) in a relevant discipline from a reputable school.
• English Language Proficiency: Because the fellowship is provided at UK universities, applicants must demonstrate English language competency by examinations such as IELTS or TOEFL. Unless exempt due to prior studies in an English-speaking country.
• Unconditional Offer: To be eligible, students must have earned an unconditional offer for a full-time master’s program at a partner university in one of the approved fields.
• Commitment to Development: The scholarship prioritizes candidates who demonstrate a desire to use their degree to contribute to development and positive change in their native countries.

How to Apply

Applying for the Allan and Nesta Ferguson Scholarship requires careful preparation and attention to detail. To apply, applicants must choose an eligible program in the partner university and apply. You will need to submit a separate application for the scholarship when you receive an unconditional offer from the applied partner university. This application will require you to upload additional documents like proof of citizenship and financial status. Shortlisted candidates may be invited for an interview, which assesses their academic background, commitment to development, and motivation for studying in the UK. Successful applicants will receive full financial support from the scholarship, allowing them to begin their studies in the UK.

Frequently Asked Questions and Answers About Allan and Nesta Ferguson Scholarship

1. What is the Allan and Nesta Ferguson Scholarship?

The Allan and Nesta Ferguson Scholarship fully funds international students from developing countries to pursue a master’s degree in the UK. Select UK universities, including the University of Sheffield and SOAS University of London, offer the scholarship in partnership with the trust.

2. What does the Allan and Nesta Ferguson Scholarship cover?

The scholarship offers comprehensive financial coverage, which includes:

• Full tuition fees for the chosen master’s program.
• A monthly living allowance to cover accommodation, food, and other living expenses.
• Round-trip airfare between the recipient’s home country and the UK.
• Health insurance for the duration of the study.

3. Who is eligible to apply for the Allan and Nesta Ferguson Scholarship?

Eligible applicants must be developing country citizens, hold an unconditional offer for a master’s program, have a first-class or upper second-class undergraduate degree, demonstrate English proficiency, and commit to returning home.

4. Which universities offer the Allan and Nesta Ferguson Scholarship?

The University of Sheffield and SOAS University of London are major partner universities. They offer master’s programs in international development, human rights, education, public policy, and sustainable development.

5. How can I apply for the Allan and Nesta Ferguson Scholarship?

To apply for the scholarship:

1. Apply for a master’s program at a partner university and receive an unconditional offer.
2. Once accepted into the program, you will be invited to apply for the scholarship through the university’s scholarship portal.
3. Submit all required documents, including academic transcripts, letters of recommendation, a personal statement, and proof of citizenship.
4. Shortlisted candidates may be invited for an interview before final selection.

6. What documents are required for the Allan and Nesta Ferguson Scholarship application?

Applicants must provide a valid passport, academic transcripts, personal statement, and recommendation letters. You will also need proof of English language proficiency and proof of an unconditional offer from the partner university.

7. Is there an age limit for applying to the Allan and Nesta Ferguson Scholarship?

There is generally no strict age limit for the scholarship. However, applicants should have completed their undergraduate education and meet the admission requirements for the chosen postgraduate program.

8. Can I apply for the Allan and Nesta Ferguson Scholarship if I have already started my master’s degree?

No, the Allan and Nesta Ferguson Scholarship is only available to students who have not yet started their master’s degree. Applicants must have an unconditional offer for a new master’s program before applying.

Conclusion

The Allan & Nesta Ferguson Scholarship offers financial aid to international students from developing countries to study in the UK. It covers tuition, living, and travel expenses, removing financial barriers and equipping students with skills to contribute to global development. Apply now to become a global leader and make a positive impact.