The IOE Centenary Masters Scholarships are offered by the Institute of Education (IOE) at University College London, in partnership with International Students House (ISH). They support students who plan to use their degree to improve the lives of disadvantaged, excluded or underachieving citizens — whether in their home country or elsewhere.
For many African students, the cost of a UK Master’s is the single biggest barrier. This award removes that barrier almost entirely: it pays full tuition, provides accommodation in London for one academic year, and adds an annual stipend on top. You study a full-time taught Master’s at one of the world’s leading education-focused institutions, then carry that expertise back into the communities that need it.
The scholarship is aimed squarely at applicants from low and lower-middle income countries (as classified by the World Bank), a group that includes many African nations. If your goal is to drive social change through education, this is a strong fit.
Scholarship benefits
- Full tuition fees for one academic year.
- Accommodation at International Students House for the duration of the award.
- An annual stipend to help with living costs.
- Tenable for one academic year, subject to satisfactory academic progress.
Eligibility checklist
- ✔ You are domiciled in an eligible low or lower-middle income country according to the World Bank classification.
- ✔ You hold an official unconditional offer to study a full-time Master’s degree at the UCL Institute of Education (the offer letter must be issued by UCL Admissions).
- ✔ You have not previously studied or lived in the UK.
- ✔ Your chosen programme is a full-time taught Master’s at IOE — note that MA Educational Neuroscience and any online courses are excluded.
Application tips for African students
- Secure your unconditional offer first. The scholarship depends entirely on having that UCL Admissions letter in hand, so apply for your Master’s place early and clear any conditions (grades, documents) well before the 4 May deadline.
- Get your transcripts and certificates certified, and translated into English if needed, before you start the UCL application — chasing documents at the last minute is a common reason applicants miss offers.
- If your programme requires English proof, book IELTS or TOEFL months ahead. Test slots fill up and score reports take time to reach UCL.
- Make your motivation concrete. The award favours people who will work to help disadvantaged or excluded communities — describe the specific group you want to serve and how your IOE degree connects to that work.
- Line up strong referees early. Approach lecturers or employers who can speak to both your academic ability and your commitment to social impact, and give them plenty of notice.
- Read the official IOE funding page carefully for the exact online form and any supporting documents, and submit ahead of the deadline rather than on the final day.
How to apply
Applications are submitted through an online form once you have received your unconditional offer letter to study a full-time Master’s at the UCL Institute of Education in London. You cannot apply for the scholarship without that offer in place. The annual deadline is 4 May 2026, and courses start in September/October 2026. Confirm the full process and required documents on the official page: https://www.ucl.ac.uk/ioe/about-ioe/global-reach/scholarships-and-funding
Frequently asked questions
Who can apply for the IOE Centenary Masters Scholarships?
Students domiciled in a low or lower-middle income country (per World Bank classification) who hold an unconditional offer for a full-time taught Master’s at UCL’s Institute of Education and who have not studied or lived in the UK before.
What does the scholarship cover?
It covers full tuition fees, accommodation at International Students House, and an annual stipend for one academic year.
Are all IOE Master’s programmes eligible?
Most full-time taught Master’s programmes at IOE qualify, but the MA Educational Neuroscience and any online courses are excluded. PhD applicants should look at the separate IOE Centenary Doctoral Scholarships.
Do I need an offer before I apply?
Yes. You must already hold an official unconditional offer letter from UCL Admissions before you complete and submit the scholarship application form.
When is the deadline?
The annual deadline is 4 May 2026, with courses starting in September/October 2026.