Ruth First Scholarships for Southern Africans at Durham University
Opportunity Overview Durham University offers the Ruth First Scholarship to students from Southern Africa pursuing a Master's degree. The scholarship honors Ruth First, a South African anti-apartheid activist and journalist who was assassinated in 1982. It is designed to support academically strong students from the region who want to study at one of the UK's leading research universities. The scholarship covers full tuition fees for a one-year taught Master's program at Durham. It also provides a monthly stipend to help with living costs while you study in the UK. The exact stipend amount varies by year, but it is intended to cover accommodation, food, and everyday expenses in Durham. You will be responsible for your own travel to the UK, visa costs, and any additional personal spending. Durham University is a collegiate institution in northeast England, founded in 1832. It consistently ranks among the top universities in the UK and globally, with strong departments in the humanities, social sciences, and sciences. The university is known for its research output and its historic castle and cathedral, which are UNESCO World Heritage sites. Around 20,000 students study there, including a significant international community. Living in Durham means a compact city with a low cost of living compared to London. Renting a room in shared accommodation typically costs between £400 and £600 per month. The city is safe, walkable, and well connected by train to Edinburgh and London. Winters are cold and damp, with temperatures often near freezing from December to February. International students on a UK Student visa can work up to 20 hours per week during term time, which helps with day-to-day costs. This scholarship is competitive and aimed at students who show both academic excellence and a commitment to social justice, reflecting Ruth First's legacy. If you are from South Africa, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Botswana, Namibia, Mozambique, Angola, Malawi, or Lesotho and have a strong undergraduate record, this is a realistic path to a funded Master's in the UK. Use Oppora's CV Builder Studio to polish your academic CV before you apply, and run your personal statement through Oppora's AI Cover Letter Generator to make sure it clearly connects your background to Ruth First's values. Benefits - Full tuition fees covered for a one-year taught Master's program - Monthly stipend provided for living costs in Durham - Access to Durham University's collegiate system and student support services - Opportunity to study at a globally ranked research university in the UK Eligibility - Open to citizens of Southern African countries, including South Africa, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Botswana, Namibia, Mozambique, Angola, Malawi, and Lesotho - Must hold an offer of admission to a full-time taught Master's program at Durham University - Must demonstrate strong academic achievement in previous studies - Must show a commitment to social justice, human rights, or community development, reflecting Ruth First's work - Must be able to fund your own travel to the UK, visa application, and any additional personal expenses Required Documents - Completed scholarship application form - Academic transcripts and degree certificates - Personal statement explaining your academic interests and commitment to social justice - Two academic references - Copy of your passport or national ID - Proof of admission offer from Durham University How to Apply 1. Apply for admission to a taught Master's program at Durham University and receive an offer. 2. Submit the Ruth First Scholarship application with your transcripts, personal statement, references, and proof of admission. 3. Click the Apply button below to submit your application.
