Durham University Ruth First Scholarship in the UK for 2022/2023

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

The Ruth First Scholarship makes an important contribution towards social, educational, and economic development in the region. In addition to their value to individuals they have a broad developmental impact, within and beyond southern Africa.

Keep reading this article to find out about the Ruth First Scholarship, its worth, eligibility, and application process.

Durham University is a collegiate public research university in Durham, England, formed by an Act of Parliament in 1832 and integrated by royal charter in 1837. It was the first recognized university to open in England for over 600 years, after Oxford and Cambridge, and is, therefore, one of the institutions to be described as the third-oldest university in England.

As a collegiate university, Durham University’s main functions are divided between the academic departments of the university and its 17 colleges. In general, the departments perform research and provide teaching to students, while the colleges are in charge of their domestic arrangements and welfare.

Durham University is a member of the Russell Group of British research universities after previously being a member of the 1994 Group. The university is also associated with the regional N8 Research Partnership and international university groups including the Matariki Network of Universities and the Coimbra Group.

However, the university estate includes 63 listed buildings, ranging from the 11th-century Durham Castle to a 1930s Art Deco chapel. Durham University also owns and manages the Durham World Heritage Site in partnership with Durham Cathedral.

Durham University’s ownership of the World Heritage Site includes Durham Castle, Palace Green, and the surrounding buildings including the historic Cosin’s Library. The university was the Sunday Times University of the Year for 2005, and the Times and the Sunday Times Sports University of the Year for 2015, and was awarded a Queen’s Anniversary Prize in 2018.

The University Student Volunteering and Outreach was awarded the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service in 2020. Moreover, current and emeritus academics include 14 Fellows of the Royal Society, 17 Fellows of the British Academy, 14 Fellows of the Academy of Social Sciences, 5 Fellows of the Royal Society of Edinburgh, 2 Fellows of the Royal Society of Arts, and 2 Fellows of the Academy of Medical Sciences.

Durham City is the main location of the university and contains all of the colleges along with most of the academic departments. The Durham City estate is spread across various sites.

Worth of Durham University Ruth First Scholarship

The Durham University Ruth First Scholarship covers full payment of tuition fees, 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, fully funded accommodation and meals at St Chad’s College, settling in allowance on arrival, and a contribution towards the cost of a UK visa and the UK Health surcharge.

Eligibility for Durham University Ruth First Scholarship

• To be eligible for Durham University Ruth First Scholarship, you must hold a relevant honors degree of an adequate standard to be admitted to your chosen Master’s course; and not hold a Master’s degree, nor have previously studied at a university outside southern Africa, and show proof 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 defense of human rights; the promotion of equal opportunities or social justice; environmental sustainability.
• Note that you have a paid job that involves working in such areas, you should show proof of leadership and commitment beyond the requirements of the job.
• The student must be a national of one of Angola, Botswana, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Republic of South Africa, Swaziland, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.

How to Apply for Durham University Ruth First Scholarship

If you are interested in Durham University Ruth First Scholarship and eligible for the scholarship, click here. You can also click here for the scholarship.

Application Deadline for Durham University Ruth First Scholarship

The application deadline for the scholarship is March 24, 2022.

Not interested in this particular scholarship? See other UK scholarships here