ELIGIBILITY:

Eligible programmes:

Full-time MA African Studies

Full-time MA Comparative Literature

Full-time MA Translation (in African Languages)

Part-time programmes are not eligible.

Applicants must:

Be a new admission, starting in September 2026.

Have a particular interest in African Literature with the aim to support a new generation of African female writers.

Be a Black, female student ordinarily resident in Africa.  

Hold an offer to pursue one of the eligible degree programs at SOAS by the time the scholarship panel meets.

Meet the English language condition of their offer of admission to study at SOAS as soon as possible.

Please note that this scholarship does not cover funding or even allow for pre-sessional programmes. 

Apply for your programme; find out more about how to apply for postgraduate study.

Applicants must have submitted a complete admission by the scholarship application deadline. The panel will be considering your scholarship application together with your online application for admission.

Scholarship applications must be received by 12 noon UK local time on 27 April 2026. Late or incomplete applications will not be considered. 

In order to be considered for the scholarship, you must submit a complete online application to your programme. They recommend you apply for the programme about six weeks before the scholarship deadline to ensure you have an offer at the time of shortlisting. 

Complete applications for admission can take up to 4 weeks to be considered by the department, although this duration can vary depending on the time of year. You should be prepared to wait up to 6 weeks in busy periods.

BENEFIT:

The total value of the Margaret Busby New Daughters of Africa scholarship will be at least £30,000.

Accommodation for the scholar will be generously provided at International Students House. Tuition fees will be deducted from this amount and any remainder may be used towards maintenance.