Ruth First Scholarship

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

Scholarships make an important contribution towards social, educational and economic development in the region. In addition to their value to individuals they have a wide developmental impact, within and beyond southern Africa.

Ruth First Scholars have played positive leadership roles in their communities and are chosen for their active commitment to good causes and their academic ability.

Many former Ruth First Scholars now hold important positions in the public and private sectors in southern Africa and have become inspirational role models for young people.

Applicants should:

hold a relevant honours degree of sufficient 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 evidence 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 organisations health or AIDS awareness projects student welfare or guidance the defence of human rights the promotion of equal opportunities or social justice environmental sustainability. If you have a paid job that involves working in such areas, you should show evidence of leadership and commitment beyond the requirements of the job