University of Sheffield Ferguson Masters Scholarship 2027

University of Sheffield Ferguson Masters Scholarship 2027 Apply

Facts checked: against the official notice at sheffield.ac.uk on 12 November 2026.

Quick Summary

The University of Sheffield will close applications for its Allan and Nesta Ferguson Charitable Trust Masters Scholarships 2027 at 1pm UK time on 1 June 2027. The award is for overseas, self-funded students domiciled in eligible low and lower-middle income countries, including India, who will start one of five listed one-year Masters in autumn 2027, and it covers a full tuition waiver plus a maintenance stipend.

University of Sheffield Allan and Nesta Ferguson Charitable Trust Masters Scholarships 2027: Overview

This is a three-award Masters scholarship for full-time, in-person postgraduate study at the University of Sheffield in 2027-28.

As per the official notification, it is tied only to five development-related courses across international development, law, political economy and communication, all commencing in autumn 2027. The overview table summarises the organiser, intake and study mode. Check the course titles and fee-status condition on the University website before you prepare a course application, since only those five routes can lead to this award.

University of Sheffield Allan and Nesta Ferguson Charitable Trust Masters Scholarships 2027 Benefits and Funding

The scholarship pays course fees in full and adds a fixed amount toward living costs in Sheffield.

As per the official notification, the package is a full tuition fee waiver and GBP 12,500 maintenance stipend. The benefits table below separates the two components. It applies to the one-year, full-time programme starting in autumn 2027 described in the overview.

University of Sheffield Allan and Nesta Ferguson Charitable Trust Masters Scholarships 2027 Eligibility Criteria

You can apply only if you meet the domicile, offer, study-history and fee-status conditions together.

• Hold an offer to study a listed course (International Development MSc, International Law and Global Justice LLM, International Political Economy MA, Global Journalism MA, International Public and Political Communication MA) in 2027-28 by Friday 7 May 2027
• Do not already hold a qualification equivalent or higher than the course applied for, including online study
• Have not previously studied outside country of residence
• Be permanently domiciled in an eligible low or lower-middle income country per World Bank 2026 classification (list includes India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Nepal, Nigeria, Kenya, Ghana, Ethiopia)
• Be an overseas fee-paying, self-funded student for a full-time, in-person programme commencing Autumn 2027

Indian students can apply if they are permanently domiciled in India, since India is in the eligible group under the World Bank 2026 classification for low and lower-middle income countries named in the official notification. Domicile means long-term residence, so check the exact wording in the list below.

What is easy to get wrong

• Offer timing: You must already hold an offer for a listed 2027-28 course by Friday 7 May 2027. That cut-off comes before the scholarship form even opens.
• Study history: Two bars apply together — no previous study outside your country of residence, and no qualification equivalent to or higher than the course applied for, including online study.
• Fee and mode: You must be assessed as overseas for fees, be self-funded, and be joining a full-time, in-person programme. The full course titles and conditions appear in the eligibility list below.

University of Sheffield Allan and Nesta Ferguson Charitable Trust Masters Scholarships 2027 Important Dates and Deadline

The timeline is short, with an early-May offer cut-off, a May-June scholarship window, and a July decision.

As per the official notification, the scholarship form opens on 14 May 2027 and closes at 1pm UK time on the June date shown in the table below, with results on 2 July 2027. The critical point is sequencing: secure the course offer first, then use the brief window to file the separate scholarship application. Full timing and time-zone notes are given in the Ferguson scholarship guidance.

How to Apply for University of Sheffield Allan and Nesta Ferguson Charitable Trust Masters Scholarships 2027

Applications are made online through the University of Sheffield site after you have secured an eligible course offer.

What the application form on sheffield.ac.uk asks for

Steps the portal lists:

1. a strong academic profile;
2. provided a clear rationale for applying for a postgraduate course at the University of Sheffield;
3. outlined examples of work experience in the field of International Development;
4. clearly articulated future ambitions; these goals relate to the postgraduate degree you have applied for, and how your learning may benefit others;
5. where applications are of equal standing priority will be given to under represented groups.
6. Go to the University of Sheffield website and read the 2027 Ferguson guidance.
7. Apply separately for admission to one of the five listed Masters for 2027-28 and obtain the offer by 7 May 2027.
8. Return after the scholarship window opens on 14 May 2027 and open the form to apply online.
9. Complete the statement sections addressing academic profile, rationale for Sheffield, work experience in International Development, and future ambitions linked to the degree.
10. Explain in that statement how your learning may benefit others, as the panel looks for this specifically.
11. Submit the scholarship form before the 1pm UK-time cut-off and save the confirmation.

The checklist inserted below reflects the real prompts on the form — use it to prepare each answer rather than writing a general personal statement.

University of Sheffield Allan and Nesta Ferguson Charitable Trust Masters Scholarships 2027 Selection Process

Selection is competitive and rests on the course application plus the separate scholarship statement.

1. Competitive process; shortlisted applicants chosen based on course application
2. Panel selects strongest applications looking for strong academic profile, clear rationale, work experience in International Development, and clearly articulated future ambitions

As per the official notification, shortlisted applicants are first identified from the course application, then a panel picks the strongest scholarship cases. The panel looks for a strong academic profile, a clear rationale for postgraduate study at Sheffield, examples of work experience in International Development, and clearly articulated future ambitions connected to the degree and benefit to others. Where applications are of equal standing, priority is given to under-represented groups.

University of Sheffield Allan and Nesta Ferguson Charitable Trust Masters Scholarships 2027 Important Links

All forms, guidance and result information are published only on the University site.

The important links table below gives the official source for the 2027 round. Use the official website to verify dates, the eligible country list and the course list before applying, as per the official notification.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the University of Sheffield Allan and Nesta Ferguson Scholarship cover?

It covers the full tuition fee for the Masters programme and provides GBP 12,500 towards maintenance. Three awards are available for students starting in Autumn 2027.

Who is eligible for the Allan and Nesta Ferguson Charitable Trust Masters Scholarships 2027?

Applicants need an offer by 7 May 2027 for a listed 2027-28 Masters, and must be overseas fee-paying, self-funded students joining full time in person in Autumn 2027. They must be domiciled in an eligible low or lower-middle income country, with no equivalent or higher qualification and no prior study abroad.

What is the last date to apply for the Allan and Nesta Ferguson Scholarship?

Scholarship applications open on 14 May 2027 and close at 1pm UK time on 1 June 2027.

Can Indian students apply for the Allan and Nesta Ferguson Scholarship at the University of Sheffield?

Yes, India is included in the eligible low and lower-middle income countries, so applicants permanently domiciled in India can apply if they satisfy the course offer and other study conditions for Autumn 2027.

How are recipients selected for the Ferguson Masters Scholarships?

Selection is competitive and shortlisting is done on the basis of the course application. A panel picks the strongest candidates with a good academic record, clear motivation for the course, relevant work experience in international development and well-defined future goals.

When will the results for the 2027 Ferguson Masters Scholarships be announced?

The outcome for the 2027 cycle will be announced on 2 July 2027.