The Edinburgh Global Online Learning Scholarships 2025/2026 offer refugees and displaced students from developing countries fully funded master’s degrees at the University of Edinburgh. Learn about eligibility, application steps, and benefits. Apply by June 23, 2025.
The Edinburgh Global Online Learning Scholarships for Refugees and Displaced Students 2025/2026 provide a transformative opportunity for refugees and displaced individuals to pursue postgraduate education at the University of Edinburgh, one of the world’s most prestigious institutions. This initiative reflects the university’s commitment to equity and access, offering 20 fully funded scholarships for part-time, online master’s programs.
Designed for those displaced by conflict, persecution, or natural disasters, the scholarships empower talented individuals from underserved countries to gain world-class credentials without financial barriers, all from their current location.
This guide details the scholarship’s eligibility criteria, application process, benefits, and tips for a successful application, helping refugees and displaced students seize this life-changing opportunity.
| Field | Summary of Edinburgh Global Online Learning Scholarships |
|---|---|
| Eligibility Criteria | Refugees or displaced individuals from Least Developed, Low-Income, or Lower Middle-Income Countries, with an offer for an eligible online master’s program. |
| Scholarship Benefits | Full tuition coverage for part-time online master’s programs (SCQF Level 11), tenable for the program’s duration. |
| Application Process | Apply for admission to an eligible master’s program, then submit a scholarship application via MyEd by June 23, 2025. |
| Key Dates | Application deadline: June 23, 2025 (23:59 UK time); outcomes notified by end of July 2025. |
| Program Delivery | Fully online, part-time master’s programs, accessible from any location. |
| Selection Criteria | Academic merit and a strong personal statement addressing program choice, career goals, and community impact. |
Table of Contents
Key Takeaways
- The Edinburgh Global Online Learning Scholarships 2025/2026 offer 20 fully funded scholarships for refugees and displaced students.
- Covers full tuition for part-time, online master’s programs at the University of Edinburgh.
- Open to residents of OECD DAC-listed Least Developed, Low-Income, or Lower Middle-Income Countries.
- Applications require a program admission offer and a personal statement, due by June 23, 2025.
What Are the Edinburgh Global Online Learning Scholarships?
A Gateway to World-Class Education
The Edinburgh Global Online Learning Scholarships are part of the University of Edinburgh’s mission to make higher education accessible to underserved populations. For the 2025–2026 academic year, 20 scholarships will fully cover tuition fees for part-time, online master’s programs at Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF) Level 11.
These programs, delivered entirely online, allow refugees and displaced individuals to study from their current location without relocating, making education accessible despite challenging circumstances.
Scholarship Benefits
- Full Tuition Coverage: Covers the entire duration of the chosen part-time master’s program.
- Flexible Learning: Fully online delivery enables students to balance studies with personal or professional commitments.
- Global Academic Community: Join a prestigious institution with a vibrant international network.
- Career and Community Impact: Gain skills to enhance professional prospects and contribute to your community or country.
Note: Programs like the Master of Surgery (ChM) at SCQF Level 12 are not eligible. Check the Eligible Programme List for details.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the Edinburgh Global Online Learning Scholarships 2025/2026, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Refugee or Displaced Status: Must have official refugee status or be displaced due to conflict, persecution, or natural disasters.
- Residency and Nationality: Must be nationals and residents of countries classified as Least Developed Countries, Other Low-Income Countries, or Lower Middle-Income Countries per the OECD Development Assistance Committee (DAC). Examples include Afghanistan, Ethiopia, Nigeria, Pakistan, South Sudan, Syria, Uganda, Ukraine, Yemen, and Zimbabwe. See the full DAC List of ODA Recipients.
- Program Admission: Must have applied to an eligible part-time, online master’s program at the University of Edinburgh and either accepted an offer or intend to do so.
- Academic Merit: Must demonstrate strong academic performance suitable for postgraduate study.
- No Prior Master’s Degree: Priority is given to applicants who have not previously studied at the master’s level.
Pro Tip: Verify your country’s eligibility on the DAC List and confirm your program’s SCQF Level 11 status before applying.
How to Apply for Edinburgh Global Online Learning Scholarships for Refugees and Displaced Students
Step-by-Step Guide
- Apply for Program Admission:
- Submit an application for an eligible part-time, online master’s program via the University of Edinburgh’s website.
- It’s not necessary to receive an admission offer before applying for the scholarship, but you must apply for admission first to access the scholarship portal.
- Allow up to five working days for your University User Name (UUN) and password to be issued after submitting your program application.
- Prepare Your Personal Statement:
- Address three key points:
- Why you chose your specific program at the University of Edinburgh.
- How completing the program will benefit your career and personal development.
- How your studies will enable you to contribute to your community, region, or country.
- Include details of your current legal immigration status (e.g., refugee or displaced status).
- Ensure the statement reflects academic merit and your commitment to impact.
- Address three key points:
- Submit the Scholarship Application:
- Access the scholarship application form via the MyEd portal: MyEd.
- Log in using your University User Name and password.
- Submit all required documents, including your personal statement, by June 23, 2025, at 23:59 UK time.
- Seek Support if Needed:
- For technical assistance, consult the Student Systems Support Portal.
Key Dates
- Program Application: Apply early to allow time for admission processing.
- Scholarship Deadline: June 23, 2025, at 23:59 UK time.
- Notification of Outcome: By the end of July 2025.
Pro Tip: Start your program application early to ensure access to the scholarship portal well before the deadline.
Selection Criteria
Scholarships are awarded based on:
- Academic Merit: Strong academic records and qualifications suitable for the chosen master’s program.
- Personal Statement Quality: A compelling statement addressing the specified prompts, demonstrating your motivation, goals, and potential impact.
- Prior Educational Opportunity: Priority is given to applicants who have not previously studied at the master’s level.
Eligible Programs and Study Mode
- Study Mode: All programs are part-time and fully online, allowing flexibility for students in any location.
- Eligible Programs: Only master’s programs at SCQF Level 11 are eligible. Examples include programs in global health, data science, and education, but not the Master of Surgery (ChM). View the full list at Eligible Programme List.
- Duration: Typically 2–3 years for part-time study, with scholarships covering the full duration.
Why Apply for the Edinburgh Global Online Learning Scholarships?
Transformative Benefits
- Financial Relief: Full tuition coverage removes financial barriers, enabling focus on studies.
- Flexible Learning: Study from anywhere without relocating, ideal for displaced individuals.
- Prestigious Credential: Earn a master’s degree from a world-renowned university, enhancing career prospects.
- Community Impact: Gain skills to drive positive change in your community or country.
Joining a Global Academic Community
As a scholarship recipient, you’ll join the University of Edinburgh’s vibrant international community, connecting with peers, faculty, and alumni worldwide. This network fosters collaboration and opens doors to global opportunities.
Tips for a Successful Application
Craft a Compelling Personal Statement
- Be Specific: Highlight why the chosen program aligns with your goals and how Edinburgh’s unique offerings (e.g., faculty expertise, course structure) appeal to you.
- Show Impact: Clearly articulate how the degree will enhance your career and enable contributions to your community or country.
- Be Authentic: Share your personal journey as a refugee or displaced individual to demonstrate resilience and commitment.
- Proofread: Ensure clarity, coherence, and no grammatical errors.
Apply Early
- Submit your program application early to secure your UUN and access the scholarship portal.
- Allow time to refine your personal statement and gather required documents.
Verify Eligibility
- Confirm your country’s status on the DAC List.
- Ensure your chosen program is on the Eligible Programme List.
Conclusion
The Edinburgh Global Online Learning Scholarships for Refugees and Displaced Students 2025/2026 offer a life-changing opportunity for refugees and displaced individuals to earn a fully funded master’s degree from the University of Edinburgh. By covering full tuition for part-time, online programs, this scholarship empowers students from underserved countries to overcome barriers and achieve their academic and professional goals.
If you’re a refugee or displaced person with a passion for learning and impact, apply by June 23, 2025, and take the first step toward transforming your future and your community.
FAQs About the Edinburgh Global Online Learning Scholarships for Refugees and Displaced Students
Eligible applicants are refugees or displaced individuals residing in Least Developed, Low-Income, or Lower Middle-Income Countries per the OECD DAC List (e.g., Afghanistan, Nigeria, Syria). They must have applied to an eligible part-time, online master’s program (SCQF Level 11) at the University of Edinburgh.
The scholarship covers full tuition fees for the duration of the part-time, online master’s program, typically 2–3 years.
First, apply for admission to an eligible master’s program at the University of Edinburgh. Then, submit a scholarship application, including a personal statement, via the MyEd portal by June 23, 2025. Access MyEd at https://www.myed.ed.ac.uk/.
Only part-time, online master’s programs at SCQF Level 11 are eligible. Check the Eligible Programme List for details. Programs like the Master of Surgery (ChM) at SCQF Level 12 are not eligible.
The scholarship application deadline is June 23, 2025, at 23:59 UK time. Program applications should be submitted early to ensure access to the scholarship portal.
All applicants will be notified of the outcome by the end of July 2025.
Priority is given to those who have not studied at the master’s level before, but you may still apply if you meet other eligibility criteria.