SOAS London Ortigia Scholarship 2026 (Fully Funded)

The Ortigia scholarship is open to those who were the first in their family to go to university or who are resident in a country where there is conflict, extreme challenge or adversity. SOAS strongly encourages applicants who would not have considered the programme without the opportunity afforded by this scholarship.

About SOAS University of London

SOAS University of London is the leading Higher Education institution in Europe specialising in the study of Asia, Africa and the Near and Middle East. SOAS is a remarkable institution. With our vast repository of knowledge and expertise on our specialist regions, we are uniquely placed to inform and shape current thinking about the economic, political, cultural, security and religious challenges of our world. Our programmes are taught by respected academics engaged in fieldwork and research which influences government policy and the lives of individuals across the globe. SOAS scholars grap... continue reading

SOAS London Ortigia Scholarship

Aim and Benefits of SOAS London Ortigia Scholarship

Full tuition fees for the in-person pathway of the SOAS-Alphawood Postgraduate Diploma in Asian Art and an allowance to cover living costs during term time

Requirements for SOAS London Ortigia Scholarship Qualification

Applicants must:

• Already hold an offer of a place on the SOAS-Alphawood Postgraduate Diploma in Asian Art.
• Possess or expect to be awarded a 2:1 or above, an equivalent non-UK qualification, or equivalent professional experience. Students with a non-UK degree are to be adjudged by their referees and transcript.
• Be either the first in their family to go to university or resident in a country where there is conflict, extreme challenge or adversity.
• Provide a supporting statement (two pages maximum) stating why they wish to take this programme and how this scholarship will make a difference to them. This statement must also speak to how they meet the eligibility criteria as either the first in their family to go to university or resident in a country where there is conflict, extreme challenge or adversity

International students must demonstrate that they meet SOAS's English language requirements by the 17 July 2026.

Interview date, Process and Venue for SOAS London Ortigia Scholarship

• Candidates will be assessed by an Advisory Panel consisting of three members of SOAS staff.
• The panel will be looking at the applicants’ degree results, references, professional experience, supporting statement, writing sample, and other relevant information.
• The scholarship will be awarded on the basis of a combination of academic potential, financial need, and impact of the scholarship on the applicant’s academic and professional development.

Check also:Makerere University Mastercard Foundation Scholarship 2026

Application Deadline

How to Apply

Please apply for the Ortigia Scholarship by completing and submitting the online application form. As part of this form you must also submit:

• A recently submitted piece of academic work at least 1,000 words in length, or equivalent piece of writing from a professional context (i.e., auction or museum catalogue essay). If you have not recently submitted a piece of academic work please produce a new piece of writing on an art historical topic of your choosing at approximately 1,000 words in length (please note that the panel may only review the first 1,000 words).
• Two references providing an opinion on your suitability for this programme of study as a scholarship student. Academic references are preferred, but one professional reference is acceptable. Two professional references can be provided if you have been out of academia for more than 5 years.

Referees can email references directly to Programme Manager Patrick Monger at [email protected] but these must be received by the application deadline.

For more detailsl, visit SOAS Scholarship webpage