University of Leicester Africa Development Scholarship 2026/2027 in UK — Full Tuition Fee Waiver
The University of Leicester Africa Development Scholarship 2026/2027 is open to postgraduate students from Sub-Saharan Africa, and the application deadline is May 31, 2026.
If you are from Sub-Saharan Africa and have a strong academic record alongside a demonstrated commitment to community development, this scholarship offers a full tuition fee waiver for a one-year master’s degree programme at the University of Leicester in the United Kingdom. Two awards are available for students starting in September 2026.
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University of Leicester Africa Development Scholarship Summary
| Scholarship Name ⇒ | University of Leicester Africa Development |
| Host Country ⇒ | United Kingdom |
| Study Level ⇒ | Masters |
| Benefits ⇒ | Partial — Full Tuition Fee Waiver (accommodation, living costs, and visa fees are not covered) |
| Funded By ⇒ | University of Leicester |
| Eligible Countries ⇒ | Sub-Saharan African Countries |
| Application Deadline ⇒ | May 31, 2026 |
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About the University of Leicester Africa Development Scholarship
The University of Leicester is a public research university in Leicester, England. It is ranked among the top 25 universities in the UK by the Complete University Guide 2026 and is known for its strong programmes in law, medicine, and social sciences. The university attracts students from over 130 countries.
The Africa Development Scholarship reflects the university’s long-standing engagement with the African continent. It targets students who have already shown, through previous actions, that they are invested in the development of their communities — not just students with strong grades. The scholarship is awarded through a competitive essay review process, not through academic ranking alone.
Two awards are available for the 2026/2027 academic year. Each award covers the full tuition fee for one year of a taught master’s programme starting in September 2026.
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What the University of Leicester Africa Development Scholarship Covers
The scholarship covers the following:
- Full tuition fee waiver for one academic year of a taught master’s programme
That is the extent of the award. The scholarship does not cover accommodation, living expenses, visa costs, or any other personal expenses. You must arrange separate funding for these before you can take up the award.
The university requires that successful applicants submit proof of funds through an official University agent by June 30, 2026 — two weeks after the scholarship deadline. If you cannot demonstrate that you can cover your living costs, the award may be withdrawn.
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Eligibility Requirements
To be considered for this scholarship, you must meet all of the following conditions:
- You must be an international fee-paying student at the University of Leicester
- You must hold an offer to study a full-time, campus-based postgraduate taught master’s programme starting in September 2026
- You must be permanently domiciled in a Sub-Saharan African country
- You must hold a second-class upper degree (2:1) or first-class degree, or the equivalent from your home country
- You must meet all conditions stated in your admission offer letter before applying
The following programmes are not eligible for this scholarship, even if they are postgraduate level:
- PGCE (Postgraduate Certificate in Education)
- Postgraduate certificates
- Postgraduate diplomas
Only full-time, campus-based taught master’s degrees qualify. Online or distance programmes are not included.
Sponsored students — those already receiving funding from a government, employer, or external organisation — may still apply if they meet all the above requirements.
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Required Documents
Prepare the following documents before you begin your application:
- Admission offer letter from the University of Leicester for September 2026 entry
- Academic transcripts and degree certificates
- Proof of permanent domicile in a Sub-Saharan African country
- 500-word essay (see requirements below)
- Proof of funds documents
- Valid passport and identification documents
About the essay: The 500-word essay is the centrepiece of your scholarship application. The university uses it to assess your genuine commitment to community development — not just your academic ability. Your essay must address all four of the following points:
- The specific challenges your community currently faces
- Your commitment to contributing to the development of your community or society
- Previous contributions you have already made to your community or society
- How the master’s programme you are applying for will help you achieve your long-term development goals
Write the essay before you begin the online application form. You will need to paste or upload it as part of the Microsoft Form application process. Applicants who submit vague or general essays without specific examples from their own experience are unlikely to be shortlisted. The word limit is 500 — do not exceed it.
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How to Apply
Follow these steps in order:
- Apply for an eligible full-time, campus-based taught master’s programme at the University of Leicester through the official university admissions portal.
- Receive an unconditional or conditional offer for September 2026 entry. You cannot apply for the scholarship without an offer in hand.
- Complete the scholarship application through the official Microsoft Form portal — the link is available on the University of Leicester scholarship webpage.
- Write and submit your 500-word essay as part of the Microsoft Form application.
- Upload all required supporting documents before May 31, 2026.
- Submit proof of funds through an official University of Leicester agent by June 30, 2026.
Note: If you defer your admission to a later academic year, you will need to reapply for the scholarship. Your current application does not carry forward automatically.
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Application Deadline
The University of Leicester Africa Development Scholarship 2026/2027 closes on May 31, 2026.
Proof of funds must reach the university by June 30, 2026.
Successful applicants will be notified by July 14, 2026.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is the University of Leicester Africa Development Scholarship fully funded?
No. The scholarship covers tuition fees only. It does not include accommodation, living expenses, visa costs, or flight allowances. You must show proof of funds for your living costs through an official University agent by June 30, 2026, before the award is confirmed.
Can Nigerian students apply for the University of Leicester Africa Development Scholarship?
Yes. Nigerian students are eligible, as Nigeria is a Sub-Saharan African country. You must be permanently domiciled in Nigeria, hold an offer for a qualifying full-time master’s programme at the University of Leicester, and meet the academic entry requirement of a second-class upper (2:1) or first-class degree.
How many scholarships are available?
The University of Leicester offers two Africa Development Scholarships for the 2026/2027 academic year. Competition is strong, and the essay component carries significant weight in the selection process.
Can I apply if I already receive sponsorship from another organisation?
Yes. Sponsored students may apply for the Africa Development Scholarship as long as they meet all eligibility requirements. However, the scholarship cannot be combined with other University of Leicester scholarships or discounts unless explicitly stated in your offer documentation.
What happens if I defer my admission to 2027?
You will need to reapply for the scholarship in the next cycle. The 2026/2027 award does not transfer to deferred applicants.
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Disclaimer: All scholarship details, deadlines, award values, and eligibility criteria were verified from the official University of Leicester website as of June 2026. Information is subject to change without notice. Always confirm the latest details directly on the official source before submitting your application.
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