University of Edinburgh Catto MSc & PhD Scholarships 2022/2023 for Female African Students

Applications are open for the Catto combined MSc & PhD Scholarships for female African students to study at the Centre of African Studied of the University of Edinburgh for the 2022/2023 academic year.

The Centre of African Studies, University of Edinburgh is pleased to announce the availability of one full scholarship for suitable female applicants from Africa to study for an MSc in Africa and International Development and subsequent PhD in African Studies or, where more suitable, go directly into a PhD.

University of Edinburgh Catto MSc & PhD Scholarships

Successful applicants will start their studies in September 2022. These Scholarships were made possible through generous funding from the Stephen Gordon Catto Charitable Trust and will cover full fees as well as a monthly maintenance stipend throughout the one-year MSc and subsequent three years of PhD study. These scholarships have been designed as a combined package in order to enable those who may not feel they have sufficient research experience to embark on a PhD to get that grounding with an MSc. The MSc year helps build a bridge between undergraduate studies and the PhD. We hope the combined package of support encourages some who may not have thought a PhD was in reach to re-consider. A key goal of the scholarships is to diversify the scholars from the African continent who contribute original and important research to African Studies.

Catto MSc & PhD Scholarships Eligibility

To be eligible, applicants must:

1. Be a female who is normally domiciled in an African country listed here.
2. have received an excellent undergraduate degree (minimum of a high 2.1) in the social sciences from an accredited university in Africa (a Masters degree achieved with distinction will be an advantage for those wishing to go directly into a PhD).
3. not have previously received a degree from a university outside Africa (with the exception of current or former students of The University of Edinburgh).
4. demonstrate commitment to studying for a PhD in African Studies.
5. demonstrate leadership potential (broadly defined), and intention to maximize the impact of their research.
6. have submitted an application to study for the MSc in Africa and International Development and/or the PhD in African Studies at the University of Edinburgh by 15 April 2022.

As a key goal of the scholarship is to diversify the scholars from the African continent who contribute original and important research to African Studies, this scholarship is only open to scholars normally domiciled in African countries.

Worth of Scholarship

Successful applicants will start their studies in September 2021. These Scholarships were made possible through generous funding from the Stephen Gordon Catto Charitable Trust and will cover full fees as well as a monthly maintenance stipend throughout the one-year MSc and subsequent three years of PhD study.

Application Information Session

An application open session will be organized by the Centre of African Studies, on 1 April 2022, at 14.00-15.00 GMT. Please keep an eye on our website and twitter handle @africanstudies for details of the meeting. All intending to apply for the scholarship are strongly encouraged to attend. At this session, we will provide information on the Centre, what we are looking for in applications, and details of the dedicated support and mentorship that would be available for the awardee. This could include family support where appropriate.

Selection process

All applications will be assessed after the closing date and shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an online interview.

How to Apply for University of Edinburgh Catto MSc & PhD Scholarships

Applicants are responsible for ensuring that they can meet the English Language requirements of the University of Edinburgh: English Language Requirements.

If you are interested and meet all of the above, please submit:

1. A summary of your research proposal (maximum 2 pages).
2. A cover letter indicating your motivations and future plans (maximum 1 page).
3. An academic CV, clearly showing class of degree and previous educational achievements (maximum 2 pages).
4. A letter of reference from an academic familiar with your work.

The PDF document must be named as follows: First Name Surname_CATTO APPLICATION_2022

Example:  Idia Asante_CATTO APPLICATION_2022

All applications must use the email subject line: CATTO SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION 2022

Applications must be submitted in a single pdf document on or before 12:00 Noon GMT on 30 April 2022 to [email protected]

For more information, visit the Catto MSc & PhD Scholarships.

Application Deadline: 30th April 2022