The aim of the Ruth First Educational Trust is to enable southern African students from historically disadvantaged backgrounds to undertake postgraduate study at the University of Durham. Southern Africa is defined for this purpose as comprising the following countries: Angola, Botswana, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Republic of South Africa, Swaziland, Zambia as well as Zimbabwe.

Moreover, Scholarships make an important contribution towards social, educational and economic development in the region. In addition to their value to individuals they have wide developmental impact, within and beyond southern Africa.

Furthermore, Ruth First Scholars have played positive leadership roles in their communities and are chosen for their active commitment to good causes, as well as for their academic ability.

Ruth First Scholarship Benefits

• Full payment of tuition fees
• Also, Stipend for living expenses – 12 monthly payments
• One return air ticket from the home country to the UK and the cost of return travel between the UK airport and Durham City
• Also, Fully funded accommodation and meals at St Chad’s College
• ‘Settling in allowance’ on arrival
• Also, A contribution towards the cost of a UK visa and the UK Health surcharge

Eligibility

Applicants should:

• hold a relevant honours degree of sufficient standard to be admitted to their chosen Master’s course; and
• not hold a Master’s degree, nor have previously studied at a university outside southern Africa, and
• show evidence of active involvement in and commitment to voluntary work for the benefit of causes such as rural or urban community development; young people or educational projects; charitable organizations; health or AIDS awareness projects; student welfare or guidance; the defence of human rights; the promotion of equal opportunities or social justice; environmental sustainability. If applicants have a paid job that involves working in such areas, they should show evidence of leadership and commitment beyond the requirements of the job.

The Trust aims to award the Scholarship to individuals who not only have the academic and personal qualities to enable them to complete and benefit from a postgraduate course, but who will also act as positive ambassadors for their home countries in Durham and put their enhanced knowledge and skills to good use for the benefit of the societies to which they return in Africa.