The University of Aberdeen Humanitarian Scholarship provides an exceptional opportunity for international students whose education or personal safety has been severely affected by armed conflict. The scholarship supports outstanding students pursuing a full-time taught master’s degree in Scotland by covering tuition fees, accommodation, living expenses, visa costs, and other essential expenses.
Unlike general financial aid, this scholarship is specifically designed for applicants who can demonstrate that conflict has disrupted their education or placed them at serious risk. Only a limited number of scholarships are awarded each year, making it a highly competitive opportunity.
Scholarship Overview
- Fully Funded
- University of Aberdeen
- Masters
- All Subjects
- International Students
- UK
Degree Level
The scholarship is available for:
- Master’s (Postgraduate Taught)
Undergraduate, PhD, research degrees, online programmes, and part-time courses are not eligible.
Available Subjects
The scholarship is open to eligible full-time taught master’s programmes offered at the University of Aberdeen. Students may apply across various academic disciplines, provided their chosen programme qualifies under the scholarship requirements.
Benefits
Successful applicants will receive a comprehensive funding package that includes:
- Full tuition fee waiver
- Free accommodation in University residence halls
- Living allowance of £10,539
- UK Student Visa application fee
- Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)
- Return travel support of up to £1,000
- Hardship funding of up to £500
This package allows students to focus on their studies without worrying about major educational expenses.
Eligible Nationalities
The scholarship is open to international students of all nationalities who meet the eligibility requirements.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must satisfy all of the following conditions:
- Reside outside the United Kingdom at the time of application.
- Be classified as an international fee-paying student.
- Hold an offer for an eligible full-time taught master’s programme at the University of Aberdeen.
Colleges & Universities
- Be eligible to apply for a UK Student Visa.
- Be able to provide valid travel documents.
- Demonstrate academic achievement equivalent to a UK First-Class Honours degree.
- Have experienced significant disruption due to armed conflict, including displacement, threats to personal safety, educational interruption, or severe deprivation.
- Not already possess a qualification equal to or higher than the degree being pursued.
Financial need alone does not qualify applicants for this scholarship.
English Language Requirements
Applicants must satisfy the English language requirements of their selected programme.
For most postgraduate programmes, the standard IELTS requirement is:
- Overall: 6.5
- Listening: 5.5
- Reading: 5.5
- Speaking: 5.5
- Writing: 6.0
The University also accepts several alternative English language tests, including TOEFL, PTE Academic, Duolingo English Test, Cambridge English qualifications, LanguageCert, and Oxford ELLT, depending on programme requirements.
Application Procedure
Applicants must first secure admission before applying for the scholarship.
Step 1: Apply for Admission
Submit an application for an eligible full-time taught master’s programme at the University of Aberdeen.
Prepare all required admission documents, including academic transcripts, personal statement, and English language evidence where applicable.
Step 2: Receive an Admission Offer
Wait until you receive an official offer of admission for an eligible programme.
Only applicants holding an admission offer can proceed to the scholarship application.
Step 3: Complete the Scholarship Application
Submit the Humanitarian Scholarship application through the University’s official scholarship portal.
Applicants should clearly explain:
- How armed conflict affected their education.
- Whether they have been displaced or face displacement.
- Current risks or hardships resulting from conflict.
- Why their chosen master’s programme is important for their future goals.
- How completing the degree will contribute to rebuilding their career or supporting their community.
Ensure that all information provided is accurate and supported by appropriate evidence.
Required Documents
Applicants should prepare the following documents when applying for admission:
- Official academic transcripts
- Personal statement
- English language proficiency certificate (if required)
- Passport or travel document
- Additional programme-specific documents
- Supporting evidence demonstrating the impact of armed conflict (as requested in the scholarship application)
Application Deadline
The last date to apply is 31 July.
Applicants must already hold an eligible admission offer before submitting the scholarship application.