Applications have officially opened for one of the most influential postgraduate funding opportunities for African students: the 2026–27 GSK Scholarships for Future Health Leaders at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (LSHTM).
What This Opportunity Is All About?
The GSK Scholarships aim to train and uplift the next generation of health leaders who will contribute significantly to public health research and health system strengthening across Africa. Designed exclusively for nationals of sub-Saharan African countries, this award supports academically strong individuals who are committed to returning to their home countries and addressing pressing health challenges after completing their MSc at LSHTM.
Only three scholarships are available for the 2026–2027 academic year, making this a selective and prestigious opportunity for individuals with clear leadership potential in global health.
What the Scholarship Offers?
Each selected scholar receives a fully supported academic experience at one of the world’s leading institutions for public and global health. The scholarship package includes:
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Full Tuition Fees
Covers all academic fees, including mandatory field trip costs. -
Tax-Free Living Stipend: GBP 22,000.00
Enables students to manage their living expenses while studying full-time in London. -
Access to LSHTM’s World-Class Academic Environment
Scholars join a transformative MSc program designed to build practical expertise and leadership capacity in health systems, policy, epidemiology, research, and more.
This scholarship is strictly for full-time, intensive, London-based MSc programs (excluding joint programmes).
Eligibility Checks
To qualify for the 2026–27 GSK Scholarships for Future Health Leaders, applicants must meet all the following conditions:
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Nationality & Residency
Must be nationals of and currently residing in a sub-Saharan African country. -
Commitment to Return
Must intend to return to sub-Saharan Africa after completing the MSc program. -
Financial Need Confirmation
Must confirm inability to fund the MSc without scholarship support (verified via online scholarship portal). -
English Language Requirement
Must meet LSHTM’s minimum English proficiency standards by Monday, 15 June 2026. -
Academic Qualifications
Must hold a first degree with first-class or upper-second-class equivalency. -
Admission Offer Requirement
Must hold an offer of admission for a full-time, London-based MSc program for 2026–27. -
Preferred Applicant Profile
Those demonstrating the potential to contribute meaningfully to public health and research in Africa will be prioritized.
How to Apply – Two Mandatory Steps
Both steps must be completed before the deadline:
Step 1
Submit an online application for a 2026–27 London-based MSc program at LSHTM. Applicants must ensure their GBP 50 admissions fee is processed to submit the study application successfully.
Step 2
After submitting the study application, applicants will receive an automated email with access to the LSHTM scholarship portal.
Search for “GSK Scholarships for Future Health Leaders”, complete all fields, and submit the scholarship application.
Note: Incomplete or late applications at either step are not accepted.
Important Deadlines for the 2026–27 Cohort
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Scholarship Application Deadline:
16:00 (BST), Wednesday, 04 March 2026
Both the study application and scholarship application must be complete. -
English Language Requirement Deadline:
Monday, 15 June 2026 -
Scholarship Decision Announcement:
Week beginning 1 June 2026
Applicants are encouraged to apply 2–3 days early to avoid payment delays or portal issues that may prevent timely submission.