Are you an African student looking for a fully funded opportunity to study in the UK? The Hyundai Motor Group Scholarship 2026/27 at SOAS University of London is now open — offering generous funding for Master’s and PhD students committed to sustainable development in Africa.
This prestigious scholarship is funded by Hyundai Motor Group and is designed to nurture the next generation of African changemakers.
Key Details
- Deadline: 25 April 2026 (12 noon UK time)
- Location: London, United Kingdom
- Institution: SOAS University of London
- Number of Awards: 7 scholarships
- 6 Master’s scholarships
- 1 PhD scholarship
Scholarship Value
Master’s Award
- Total value: £27,730
- Full tuition fees covered
- If tuition fees are lower than the award amount, the remaining balance will be paid as a stipend.
PhD Award
- Full tuition fees for:
- 3 years of full-time study
- 4th year writing-up fee
- Annual stipend of £22,780 (2026/27 rate), paid in termly instalments.
Purpose of the Scholarship
The Hyundai Motor Group Scholarship aims to:
- Cultivate African experts in sustainable development
- Support long-term collaboration between scholars and Hyundai
- Empower students to create solutions to global and African challenges
- Build a strong alumni network of African leaders
Recipients will participate in networking events, seminars, and alumni activities organized by Hyundai Motor Group — both during and after their studies.
Additionally, a Junior Internship Program for African Master’s students will be launched at SOAS, and scholars are encouraged to apply.
Eligible Programmes
The scholarship is open to:
- Any full-time (1 year) Master’s degree programme
- Any full-time research degree (MPhil/PhD)
- Programmes beginning in the 2026/27 academic year
Applicants to programmes within:
- College of Development Studies
- Economics and Finance
- College of Law
- Anthropology and Politics
are particularly encouraged to apply.
❌ Not eligible:
- Part-time courses
- 2-year Master’s programmes
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify, applicants must:
- Be African nationals
- Be ordinarily resident in Africa
- Be classified as International fee-paying students
- Be applying for a new programme starting in 2026/27
Academic Requirements
For Master’s Applicants:
- Must hold or expect to receive the equivalent of a first-class honours degree
- Non-UK degree holders must rank at the top of their class (based on transcripts and references)
- Applicants with a 2:1 may apply but are not given preference
For PhD Applicants:
- Must hold or expect to receive a Master’s degree with distinction
- Non-UK Master’s degree holders must rank at the top of their class
- Applicants with a merit may apply but are not given preference
Additional Requirements:
- You must apply to SOAS before applying for the scholarship.
- You do not need to have received an offer by the scholarship deadline.
- However, you must have an unconditional offer before the selection panel meets.
- You must meet English language requirements (if applicable).
- The scholarship does not fund pre-sessional English courses.
Selection Process
Candidates will be assessed based on:
- Academic excellence
- Degree results and transcripts
- Personal statement
- Alignment of study programme with sustainable African transformation
Incomplete or late applications will not be considered.
📢 Results are expected from June 2026 onwards. Successful applicants will be notified first.
How to Apply
Step 1: Apply for Your Programme
- For Master’s: Apply through the SOAS taught Master’s application portal.
- For MPhil/PhD: Apply through the SOAS Doctoral School.
- For Research Program: Visit how to apply to research programmes
Complete applications can take up to 4 weeks (or up to 6 weeks during busy periods) to process.
Step 2: Apply for the Scholarship
- Apply via the SOAS admissions portal.
- Deadline: 12 noon (UK time), 25 April 2026
- You must have already applied for a course to receive login credentials.
If the scholarship does not appear in your portal, ensure you meet all eligibility requirements.
Enquiries
For questions regarding:
- Master’s admissions: mastersadmissions@soas.ac.uk
- Doctoral admissions: dsadmissions@soas.ac.uk
- Scholarship applications: scholarships@soas.ac.uk
Why This Scholarship Matters for African Students
This is more than a fully funded UK scholarship — it is an opportunity to gain world-class education and return with skills that contribute to Africa’s sustainable growth and transformation.
If you are academically strong and passionate about development, law, economics, politics, or social change — this could be your pathway to studying in the UK without financial burden.
APPLY EARLY AND PREPARE A STRONG ACADEMIC AND PERSONAL STATEMENT.
Check other opportunities:
Skoltech Scholarship 2026 — Fully Funded Master’s and PhD Programs in Russia
International Human Rights Law Summer School 2026 at Oxford — Fully Funded Scholarships Available
UK Just Peace Summit 2026: Free Trip to London for Young Changemakers
Manaaki New Zealand Scholarship 2026 (Fully Funded Study in New Zealand)
