Ruth First Educational Trust Scholarship: What you need to know and how to apply for 2026

The Ruth First Educational Trust Scholarship is a fully funded postgraduate award at Durham University for students from Southern Africa, supporting one year of Master’s study in the UK.The Ruth First Educational Trust Scholarship is a prestigious opportunity for Southern African students to pursue postgraduate study at Durham University with full financial support. It emphasizes academic excellence, leadership, and community service, continuing Ruth First’s legacy of courage and activism.https://www.up.ac.za/funding/attachment/3362641/ruth-first-education-trust-bursary-information

🎓 Scholarship Overview

• Funding coverage: Full tuition fees, living allowance, and travel costs
• Degree supported: One‑year taught Master’s programs at Durham University (St Chad’s College)
• Eligibility:
  • Citizens or residents of Angola, Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Zambia, Zimbabwe
  • Must hold a relevant Honours degree (sufficient for admission to a Master’s program)
  • Cannot already hold a Master’s degree or have studied outside Southern Africa before
  • Must show evidence of leadership and voluntary work in areas such as community development, youth projects, education, health, or AIDS awareness
• Application deadline: 31 March 2026 for the 2026 academic year

🌍 Key Benefits

• Fully funded support: Covers tuition, living costs, and travel.
• Prestigious recognition: Linked to Ruth First, a South African anti‑apartheid activist and journalist.
• Leadership focus: Seeks candidates with courage, determination, and commitment to community service.
• Global exposure: Study at Durham University, one of the UK’s leading institutions.

📅 Application Timeline

📌 How to Apply

1. Apply for admission to a Durham University Master’s program.
2. Complete the Ruth First Educational Trust Scholarship application via Durham’s portal.
3. Prepare required documents:
   • Academic transcripts and Honours degree certificate
   • CV
   • Motivation letter highlighting leadership and voluntary work
   • Proof of citizenship/residency in eligible countries
4. Submit before the closing date.

📑 Required Documents

• Certified copy of passport or national ID
• Academic transcripts and degree certificates
• Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Motivation letter
• Evidence of voluntary/community work

https://www.mycareers.co.za/category/learnerships