University of Edinburgh Catto MSc & PhD Scholarships for African Students


Catto MSc & PhD Scholarships 2022/2023: 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.

 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. 

The University of Edinburgh Information

The University of Edinburgh Grants

University of Edinburgh Catto MSc & PhD Scholarships for African Students Established in 1583, The University of Edinburgh is a non-profit public higher education institution located in the urban setting of the small city of Edinburgh (population range of 250,000-499,999 inhabitants), Scotland. Officially accredited and/or recognized by the Privy Council, The University of Edinburgh is a very large (uniRank enrollment range: 40,000-44,999 students) coeducational higher education institution. The University of Edinburgh offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees in several areas of study. See the uniRank degree levels and areas of study matrix below for further details. This 436 years old higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on students' past academic record and grades. International applicants are eligible to apply for enrollment.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible, applicants must:

  • Be a female who is normally domiciled in an African country listed  here.
  • 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).
  • Not have previously received a degree from a university outside Africa (with the exception of current or former students of The University of Edinburgh).
  • Demonstrate commitment to studying for a PhD in African Studies.
  • Demonstrate leadership potential (broadly defined), and intention to maximize the impact of their research.
  • 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.

Offered Benefits

Value of Award: 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 Process

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 

Required Documents:

  • A summary of your research proposal (maximum 2 pages) 
  • A cover letter indicating your motivations, leadership experience and future plans (maximum 1 page)
  • An academic CV, clearly showing class of degree and previous educational achievements (maximum 2 pages)
  • 1 letter of reference 
Apply Here
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