UCL Humanitarian Scholarship 2026: Fully Funded Masters Opportunity in the United Kingdom
The University College London (UCL), one of the UK’s top-ranked universities, is offering the UCL Humanitarian Scholarship 2026 to support international students facing serious risks or displacement due to armed conflict.
This prestigious, fully funded scholarship allows eligible candidates from any country outside the UK to pursue a full-time Master’s degree at UCL with comprehensive financial support.
No IELTS is required, making it accessible for many qualified applicants.
Key Scholarship Summary – 2026 UCL Humanitarian Scholarship
- Host Country: United Kingdom (UK)
- Study Level: Postgraduate | Masters Scholarships
- Eligible Countries: All countries outside the UK (international students)
- Scholarship Benefits: Full tuition fees + approx. £20,000 maintenance stipend + accommodation support + Immigration Health Surcharge + visa fees + one return flight
- Number of Awards: Up to 4 scholarships available for 2026/27
- Duration: One year (or normal course duration if the program is 2 years)
- IELTS Requirement: No IELTS required
- Application Deadline: 5pm BST, Thursday, May 7, 2026
What is the UCL Humanitarian Scholarship?
The UCL Humanitarian Scholarship supports students who are at serious risk or displaced due to armed conflict, enabling them to continue their education in a safe environment at UCL.
Awards are granted based on financial need and recommendations from the UCL Humanitarian Scholarship panel.
This initiative helps talented individuals rebuild their futures through world-class postgraduate education in the UK.
Eligibility Criteria for 2026 UCL Humanitarian Scholarship
To qualify, applicants must meet all of the following requirements:
- Be an international student (from any country outside the UK). Note: Applications from those already residing in the UK are not accepted.
- Be at serious risk as a direct result of armed conflict, and/or
- Be displaced inside your home country or forced to leave it within the last three years due to armed conflict, and have sought international protection outside the UK.
- Be eligible to pay the Overseas (international) fee rate at UCL.
- Come from a lower-income background.
- Not already hold a qualification at the same level (or higher) as the Master’s program you are applying for.
- Hold a valid offer of admission for a full-time Master’s program at UCL by the scholarship panel meeting (early June 2026). Important: Distance learning and part-time Master’s programs are not eligible.
Benefits of the 2026 UCL Humanitarian Scholarship
Successful recipients receive comprehensive support, including:
- Full coverage of tuition fees
- Maintenance payment of approximately £20,000 to cover accommodation and living costs (for the normal duration of the course)
- Allowance for the Immigration Health Surcharge
- Support for visa application fees
- One return economy flight to/from the UK
The scholarship is tenable for one year only (unless your UCL Master’s program is officially two years long).
Up to four awards are available for the 2026/27 academic year.
How to Apply for the UCL Humanitarian Scholarship 2026 – Step-by-Step Guide
- Apply for Admission First Submit a complete application for a full-time Master’s program at UCL (including references). You must receive an offer (or be on track to receive one) by early June 2026. Visit the official UCL admissions page to start.
- Apply for the Scholarship Once you have submitted your UCL admission application, apply via the International Master’s Awards form on the UCL scholarships portal. You will be considered for multiple awards, including the Humanitarian Scholarship.
- Submit Required Documents Provide evidence of your circumstances (displacement/risk due to armed conflict), financial need, and other supporting statements as requested in the form.
- Meet the Deadline Complete your scholarship application by 5pm BST on Thursday, May 7, 2026.
Why Apply for This Scholarship?
- Study at a world-leading university (UCL consistently ranks among the global top 10).
- Receive full financial support to focus on your studies without financial stress.
- Join a supportive community dedicated to humanitarian causes and academic excellence.
- No IELTS barrier for eligible candidates.