The SOAS University of London CAMHRA Scholarship is a prestigious postgraduate funding opportunity designed to support outstanding students who wish to pursue advanced study in the anthropology of mental health. This scholarship is offered through the Centre for Anthropology and Mental Health Research in Action (CAMHRA), a research centre within SOAS University of London in the United Kingdom.
The scholarship reflects SOAS’s strong commitment to advancing global conversations around mental health, culture, and society. It supports talented students from diverse academic and cultural backgrounds who are passionate about understanding mental health through anthropological research.
About SOAS University of London
SOAS University of London is internationally recognized for its specialist focus on Africa, Asia, and the Middle East. The institution is known for excellence in social sciences, humanities, law, and languages. Its Department of Anthropology and Sociology is highly regarded for cutting-edge research and interdisciplinary approaches.
The CAMHRA initiative focuses specifically on mental health research using anthropological and ethnographic methods. It aims to explore how mental health is understood, experienced, and treated across different cultural and social settings.
What Is the CAMHRA Scholarship?
The CAMHRA Scholarship is a fully funded tuition award available to both UK and international students enrolling in eligible master’s programmes related to medical anthropology and social anthropology with a mental health focus.
Eligible programmes typically include:
MA in Medical Anthropology and Mental Health
MRes in Social Anthropology (with a research focus on mental health)
The scholarship primarily covers full tuition fees for one academic year of study.
Scholarship Benefits
The CAMHRA Scholarship provides significant financial support to selected candidates. Benefits include:
1. Full Tuition Fee Coverage
Recipients receive a full waiver of tuition fees for the duration of the eligible master’s programme.
2. Exceptional Living Support (Selected Candidates)
In addition to tuition coverage, one exceptional award may include a living stipend. This additional funding is typically targeted at applicants from regions facing hardship or limited access to postgraduate funding opportunities. The stipend helps cover living expenses such as accommodation and daily costs in the UK.
3. Academic and Research Development
Beyond financial assistance, recipients benefit from:
Access to leading researchers in anthropology and mental health
Participation in academic seminars and research workshops
Opportunities to engage in impactful global mental health discussions
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the CAMHRA Scholarship, applicants must meet both academic and research-related requirements.
Academic Requirements
For the MA in Medical Anthropology and Mental Health:
A minimum of a 2:1 undergraduate degree (or international equivalent) in social sciences, humanities, or health-related disciplines such as medicine, psychology, nursing, or social work.
For the MRes in Social Anthropology:
At least a 2:1 undergraduate degree or a relevant master’s degree.
Applicants without an anthropology background may need a postgraduate qualification in a related discipline.
Research Proposal
Applicants must present a strong research proposal focused on mental health from an anthropological perspective. The proposal should:
Demonstrate clear research questions
Incorporate ethnographic or qualitative methods
Show awareness of cultural, social, or political dimensions of mental health
Strong proposals often explore themes such as community wellbeing, therapeutic practices, lived experiences of mental illness, social stigma, healing traditions, or global mental health systems.
Programme Application Requirement
Candidates must apply for admission to their chosen degree programme separately before or alongside the scholarship application. Proof of programme application is typically required for scholarship consideration.
Selection Criteria
Applications are assessed based on:
Academic merit
Strength and originality of the research proposal
Personal statement quality
Alignment with CAMHRA’s research priorities
Contribution to diversity and inclusion within the field
Shortlisted applicants may be invited for an interview as part of the final selection process.
Application Timeline
For the 2026/27 academic year, the scholarship deadline is typically set for late April. Final decisions are usually communicated in mid to late summer before the academic year begins.
Applicants are strongly encouraged to begin preparing their research proposal and academic documents early to ensure a competitive submission.
Who Should Apply?
The CAMHRA Scholarship is ideal for:
Graduates with strong academic records in social sciences or health-related fields
Individuals passionate about mental health research
Students interested in qualitative and ethnographic research methods
Applicants from underrepresented backgrounds
Professionals seeking to integrate anthropology into mental health practice
This opportunity is particularly suitable for those aiming to build careers in academia, global health organizations, NGOs, policy development, or mental health advocacy.
Why Choose This Scholarship?
The CAMHRA Scholarship stands out because it combines:
Full financial support
Specialized training in medical anthropology
A globally respected academic institution
Strong mentorship and research community
It offers students a unique platform to examine mental health beyond biomedical frameworks, exploring how culture, society, and lived experience shape mental wellbeing.
Final Thoughts
The SOAS University of London CAMHRA Scholarship is an exceptional opportunity for students seeking advanced academic training in the anthropology of mental health. With full tuition funding and potential living support, it enables scholars from around the world to pursue meaningful research that can contribute to global mental health understanding.
If you are passionate about research, cultural analysis, and improving mental health systems through social insight, this scholarship could be your gateway to impactful academic and professional growth.