Applications are open for the 2026 Hoogenboom Scholarship Programme, fully funded scholarships to study at Heriot-Watt University

Ednah Carrick 3 weeks ago

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Closing Date: 26 April 2026

Applications are open for the 2026 Hoogenboom Scholarship Programme, fully funded scholarships to study at Heriot-Watt University

The Hoogenboom Scholarship

Heriot-Watt University has announced a new international programme to support women from Sub-Saharan Africa through their postgraduate studies over the next five years. The Hoogenboom Scholarship Programme will provide fully funded scholarships for women whose education will deliver lasting impact in their communities and sectors.

The programme was made possible by The Orchard Foundation (Stichting De Boomgaard), co-founded and Chaired by Dr Annemiek Hoogenboom, a Dutch businesswoman and philanthropist who co‑founded Novamedia and launched the People’s Postcode Lottery in the UK. The programme aims to empower women to address pressing environmental challenges, build capacity in key sustainability sectors, and deliver lasting global impact through education.

The Master’s programme will run for five cohorts, beginning with the first intake in September 2026 and continuing to accept applications until early 2030 for the final cohort. The programme will provide 6 of the brightest female students from selected countries in Africa with a full scholarship to undertake a master’s degree in the Lyell Centre.

Award value: 100% of tuition fee plus a stipend towards living costs.

The scholarship will also crucially help students with living costs, including accommodation, visas and health insurance, as well as access to mentorship, industry placements and leadership development.

The Hoogenboom Scholarship directly supports Heriot-Watt University’s Shaping Futures campaign, which focuses on delivering positive global impact through education, research and innovation. By enabling talented women from Sub-Saharan Africa to access world-class postgraduate education in sustainability and environmental sciences, we’re helping to shape future leaders equipped to address some of the world’s most pressing challenges.

The scholarship reflects Shaping Futures’ commitment to widening participation, fostering inclusive global partnerships, and ensuring that education creates meaningful, long-term benefits for all.

Overview

The Scholarship programme will provide 30 (6 per year for 5 years) of the brightest female students from selected countries in Africa with a full scholarship to undertake a master’s degree focused on one of the key topics shaping our world today within the subject area of environmental sustainability and planetary health.

Hosted at the internationally renowned Lyell Centre at Heriot-Watt University, this scholarship offers access to cutting-edge research and teaching in geosciences, marine systems, and environmental policy.

The scholarship is open to female offer holders on the following Masters Programmes:

MSc Global Environmental Change and Policy
MSc Sustainable Geoenergy
MSc International Marine Science

Applicants will be judged on their previous academic record, financial need and commitment to becoming a leader in their field and impact upon their home country.

The Hoogenboom Scholarship programme will prioritise applications from outstanding female students who are nationals of Kenya, Zambia, South Africa, Botswana, and Malawi – countries selected for their strategic importance, regional diversity, and alignment with Scotland’s international development priorities.

To ensure academic excellence and institutional alignment, preference will be given to applicants who have completed their undergraduate studies at a university that is a member of the Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU). This criterion ensures that scholars come from institutions committed to high quality education, international collaboration, and sustainable development, and are well-prepared to thrive in the rigorous academic environment of Heriot-Watt University

Eligibility

The Hoogenboom Scholarship is open to women coming from Sub-Saharan Africa to study an MSc tied to the Lyell Centre Research Institute. Preference will be given to women coming from Kenya, Zambia, South Africa, Botswana and Malawi.

How to apply

Please fill out the application form by the closing date. After this closing date candidates will be shortlisted and invited to interview as part of the process.