The University of Birmingham’s Shakespeare Institute has opened applications for the Diane Meyer Lowman Scholarship 2026, an exclusive funding opportunity for international students passionate about Shakespearean studies. This prestigious £3,000 stipend supports one outstanding student enrolling in the full-time, in-person MA Shakespeare programme at the Stratford-upon-Avon campus for the 2026/27 academic year.
Established through the generous support of alumna and author Diane Meyer Lowman, this scholarship honors her academic journey and lifelong connection with Shakespeare. Diane completed her MA in Shakespeare Studies in 2017 and later wrote The Undiscovered Country: Seeing Myself Through Shakespeare’s Eyes, a memoir connecting her personal experiences with Shakespeare’s works. Today, she continues to inspire new learners as a Shakespeare teacher in Connecticut.
What This Scholarship Offers?
The Diane Meyer Lowman Scholarship provides:
- £3,000 stipend for the 2026/27 academic year
- Funding exclusively for full-time, in-person study
- Support for students enrolled in the MA Shakespeare programme at the Shakespeare Institute
- A merit-based selection process conducted by academic experts from the Shakespeare Institute.
This is a competitive award aimed at exceptional international students demonstrating strong interest in Shakespearean studies and academic excellence.
Who Can Apply?
This scholarship is open to international students worldwide who meet the following criteria:
- Must be classified as an international student for tuition fee purposes
- Must have applied for the full-time MA Shakespeare programme beginning in September 2026
- Funding applications are considered only after a programme application has been submitted
- Selection is based on academic merit and demonstrated interest in Shakespeare
- In cases of equally strong applications, priority may be given to mature students returning to education after a significant break, reflecting Diane’s own educational journey
How to Apply?
To apply for the Diane Meyer Lowman Scholarship 2026:
- Submit an application for the MA Shakespeare programme at the University of Birmingham.
- Once your study application is completed, fill out the online funding application form for this scholarship.
- Ensure your funding application clearly communicates your academic interests, motivation, and passion for Shakespearean scholarship.
Applications are reviewed by a panel of Shakespeare Institute academics, who assess merit, clarity of interest in Shakespeare, and alignment with the programme.
Application Deadline
The deadline to apply for the Diane Meyer Lowman Scholarship 2026 is:
Wednesday, 25 March 2026 at 12:00 noon GMT. Applicants will receive the outcome between early May and the end of June 2026.