We are committed to empowering future global leaders in agriculture, sustainability, food systems, and rural innovation.

Resolving the future challenges facing global food production and distribution, whilst facing the environmental and cultural pressures of increased demand cannot be solved by one country; they require common purpose.

Our new award will help enable African students to develop their skills at RAU and become part of the future network of global champions.

The RAU Africa Agricultural Leadership Award is open to new MSc Postgraduate African students starting courses in September 2026 and January 2027 and offers up to a £4,500 contribution to the tuition fee.

About the scholarship

  • The opportunity to apply for this award is open to full-time taught MSc fee-paying African students starting in September 2026 and January 2027 who meet or exceed academic entry requirements (including visa requirements).
  • Up to £4,500 of tuition fees covered for one year of study.
  • All suitable candidates will receive a £2,000 award towards their tuition fee.
  • In addition, successful candidates from the following countries will be eligible for an extra £1,000 award: Nigeria; Kenya; Ghana; Rwanda; Uganda; South Africa; Zimbabwe. The Africa Agricultural Leadership Award recognises students from countries where agriculture plays a critical role in food security, economic stability and climate resilience. The additional £1,000 reflects the scale of the leadership challenges these students are likely to face, and the positive impact they are well placed to make within their home regions.
  • Suitable candidates will also be considered for an additional award of £1,000 based on their academic qualifications and potential to contribute to global challenges of food security, sustainability, ecology or resource management. 
  • There is also a £500 bursary for early fee payment (if paid within 2 weeks of receiving an unconditional offer).
  • The scholarship is for one year’s duration.
  • You must hold an offer from the RAU for a course starting in September 2026 or January 2027.
Country Amount Degree required
From Nigeria, Kenya, Ghana, Rwanda, Uganda, South Africa, Zimbabwe

£4,000

Degree equivalent to a UK 2:1 or above
£3,000 Meets the University entry requirements
From all other African countries

£3,000

Degree equivalent to a UK 2:1 or above
£2,000 Meets the University entry requirements

How do I apply?

Please apply using the online application form.

How will I know if my application has been successful?

All applicants will be informed in writing of their eligibility no later than two weeks after applying. Eligible candidates will be shortlisted and selected after they have formally accepted their offer and paid their deposit.

Terms and conditions

  • Only one RAU managed scholarship can be held at any one time. The RAU Africa Agricultural Leadership Award is worth up to a £4,500 contribution to the total tuition fees paid.
  • The RAU endeavours to ensure that this information is correct. However, the RAU accepts no legal liability for errors or omissions and reserves the right to make changes without notice.
  • The decision of the Scholarship Committee is based on the information provided on the application form. The decision of the Committee is final.

Contact us

For further information, please email: scholarships@rau.ac.uk.