UCL Institute for Global Health Scholarships and Funding Opportunities (2025–2027)
Studying global health at one of the world’s leading universities is a life-changing opportunity, but for many students, financing postgraduate education remains a major challenge.
UCL Institute for Global Health Scholarships and Funding Opportunities (2025–2027)
The UCL Institute for Global Health (IGH) recognises this reality and offers a wide range of scholarships, bursaries, and external funding opportunities designed to support talented students from diverse backgrounds.
Whether you are a UK student, an international applicant, or an African or Commonwealth national, UCL provides several funding routes to help make postgraduate study in global health accessible. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the scholarships and funding opportunities available at UCL’s Institute for Global Health, including eligibility criteria, application deadlines, and inspirational student success stories.
Why Study Global Health at UCL?
University College London (UCL) consistently ranks among the top universities globally and is renowned for its leadership in health sciences. The Institute for Global Health focuses on addressing complex health challenges through interdisciplinary teaching, research, and real-world impact.
UCL’s global health programmes are designed for students who want to influence policy, improve healthcare systems, and tackle health inequalities worldwide. Recognising that financial barriers can limit access to these opportunities, UCL has developed a robust funding ecosystem tailored to postgraduate global health students.
Institute for Global Health Postgraduate Bursaries
(Open to All IGH MSc Applicants)
The Institute for Global Health Postgraduate Bursaries are among the most accessible funding options available.
Key Features
- Value: £2,000 per award
- Application Type: Tuition fee reduction
- Number of Awards: Multiple
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Eligibility
These bursaries are open to UK and overseas applicants who hold either a conditional or unconditional offer to study one of the following MSc programmes:
- MSc Global Health and Development
- MSc Health Economics and Decision Science
- MSc Applied Infectious Diseases Epidemiology
- MSc Global Mental Health
Applicants may be studying full-time, part-time, or through a modular/flexible route, with entry in September 2026.
Selection Criteria
Awards are granted based on demonstrated financial need.
Deadline
Applications must be submitted by 9:00am on 26 June 2026, with successful candidates notified in August 2026.
Dr Keith Travel Bursary
(For Current MSc Global Health and Development Students)
Fieldwork is a crucial component of global health research, and the Dr Keith Travel Bursary helps students gain hands-on international research experience.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must:
- Be enrolled in the MSc Global Health and Development
- Plan to travel abroad for primary data collection for their dissertation
- Maintain an academic average of 60% or above
Selection Criteria
The bursary is awarded based on:
- Academic excellence
- Relevance and impact of the proposed research
Application Process
Students submit a 500-word project proposal explaining how the bursary will be used. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, offering flexibility to students at different research stages.
Commonwealth Shared Scholarship Scheme
(For MSc Global Health and Development Applicants)
The Commonwealth Shared Scholarship Scheme is a prestigious initiative aimed at students from developing Commonwealth countries who would otherwise be unable to study in the UK.
Purpose of the Scholarship
This programme supports academically outstanding students who demonstrate strong potential to contribute to the development of their home countries after completing their studies.
Eligible Programme
- MSc Global Health and Development
Application Deadline
- 9 December 2025 for the 2026/2027 academic year
Student Success Story: Abdul Karim Bah
Abdul Karim Bah’s journey highlights the transformative impact of the Commonwealth Shared Scholarship. Through financial support and academic mentorship, he successfully gained admission to UCL and pursued his passion for global health, illustrating how the scheme empowers future leaders.
African Graduate Scholarship
(For African Nationals – 2025/26 Intake)
The African Graduate Scholarship is specifically designed to support African students with strong academic and professional backgrounds.
Funding Partners
- CP Charitable Trust
- International Student House
Scholarship Coverage
This one-off award contributes toward:
- Tuition fees
- Accommodation
- Selected living costs
Students must independently fund their travel to and from the UK.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must:
- Be an African national and resident in Africa at the time of application
- Hold an unconditional offer for the MSc Global Health and Development (full-time)
Deadline
- Friday, 29 May 2026 at 17:00 BST
Student Spotlight: Martins Ihedilionye
Martins’ experience showcases how the African Graduate Scholarship opens doors for talented students who might otherwise be excluded due to financial constraints. His journey reflects UCL’s commitment to equity and global inclusion.
GREAT Scholarship
(For Nigerian and Pakistani Students)
The UCL-GREAT Scholarships 2026, funded jointly by UCL and the British Council, offer targeted support to students from Nigeria and Pakistan.
Key Details
- Value: £10,000 (one academic year)
- Eligible Nationalities: Nigeria and Pakistan
- Deadline: 7 May 2026
This scholarship is ideal for students seeking substantial tuition support while studying at a globally respected institution.
Research Degree Scholarships at UCL
Beyond taught master’s programmes, UCL also offers funding for research degrees. Students interested in pursuing PhD-level study in global health are encouraged to explore the IGH Research Degrees funding options, which include institutional and external awards.
External Funding Sources You Can Combine with UCL Support
UCL strongly encourages students to explore external scholarships alongside internal funding. Notable options include:
- Chevening Scholarships
- Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships
- Aga Khan Foundation Scholarship
- World Bank Scholarships
- Wellcome Trust Awards & Fellowships
- Swedish International Development Agency (SIDA) Scholarships
- Florence Nightingale Foundation
- Open Society Foundations
- WHO-linked funding opportunities
These external sources can significantly reduce the financial burden of postgraduate study and, in some cases, cover full tuition and living expenses.
Final Thoughts: Investing in Your Global Health Future
UCL’s Institute for Global Health offers more than academic excellence—it provides a comprehensive financial support system designed to nurture future global health leaders. From bursaries based on financial need to prestigious international scholarships, these funding opportunities ensure that talent, not financial background, determines who gets access to world-class education.
If you are passionate about improving health outcomes globally and meet the eligibility criteria, now is the time to prepare your application, secure an offer, and explore the funding options available to you.
Official Application Link
To view full details, eligibility requirements, and application instructions for all UCL Institute for Global Health scholarships and funding opportunities, visit the official page below:
👉 Official Application Link:
https://www.ucl.ac.uk/population-health-sciences/global-health/study/scholarships-and-funding
