Felix Non-Indian Scholarship

Thanks to the generosity of the Felix Scholarship Trust, one Felix (Non-Indian) Scholarship will be available to a national from a developing country for entry in September 2026.

The award will be available to either a candidate with a first class undergraduate degree to pursue a taught masters programme or a candidate with a first class masters degree to pursue a PhD programme.

This scholarship is aimed primarily at candidates who are nationals of Afghanistan, Syria, Iran, Iraq, Palestine territories (West Bank and Gaza) living in their country of origin.

The Felix (Non-Indian) Scholarship covers the full cost of tuition fees, living costs and a return air fare.

Eligible programmes

Any full time PhD programme or taught masters programmes. Part time programmes are not eligible.

Candidate criteria

• Candidates must be nationals of a developing country and not currently be living or studying outside of their country. This scholarship is aimed primarily at candidates who are nationals of Afghanistan, Syria, Iran, Iraq, Palestine territories (West Bank and Gaza) who are living in their country of origin.
• Candidates must not have previously studied for one year or more outside of their country.
• Candidates must have a first class Bachelor's degree from a university or comparable institution.
• Candidates who already hold a Master's degree cannot apply for a Master's degree scholarship.
• Candidates must demonstrate financial need.
• Graduates are expected to return to work in their home country.
• Candidates must have submitted a complete application for admission by the scholarship closing date of 12 noon on 2 March 2026.
• Candidates must have an offer of admission by the time shortlisting takes place. We may give priority to applicants with an unconditional offer of admission.
  • If your offer is conditional on English, please arrange your English test and ensure you meet the English requirements as soon as possible.

Please note that this scholarships does not cover funding for Pre-sessionals.

Candidate assessment

Candidates will be assessed on academic merit. Financial need will also be taken into consideration.

The assessment of your application will be based on the information provided in your scholarship application and in your online admission application for admission. Selectors will be looking at the degree results and also at academic references (if any), statement and other relevant information.

Only those who have been accepted for admission will be considered for short listing by the SOAS Selection Panel. 

Scholarship application deadline

Applications must be submitted no later than 12 noon UK local time on 2 March 2026. Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.

You must submit a complete online application to your programme as soon as possible and then submit an electronic application for the scholarship. Please note that complete application 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.

Notification of results

The Scholarships Office will notify only those who have been shortlisted by the SOAS Panel by March 2026. Shortlisted candidates will be invited for an online interview with members of Felix Trust between April and May 2026. Please note that these interviews are not conducted by SOAS.

Successful candidates will be notified of the outcome by June 2026. 

About the donor

The donor for the Felix Scholarship wishes to remain anonymous. The administration of the Scholarship is conducted by the three partner universities (SOAS University of London, University of Oxford and University of Reading), with the support of the Felix Trustees and their agents in London.

The Felix Scholarships Trust's own website provides information on the Scholarships and allows Felix alumni to stay in touch.