Deadline for Applications: 4 March 2026
Applications are currently being accepted for the Fully Funded 2026-27 GSK Scholarships for Future Health Leaders, designed to enable exceptional candidates to pursue advanced health studies in the United Kingdom.
Program Overview
The scheme offers three prestigious scholarships aimed at nurturing the next wave of global health leaders and enhancing the capabilities of health systems and health-related research across Africa. These scholarships support candidates planning to enroll in a one-year, full-time MSc programme held on-site in London at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (LSHTM).
Scholarship Benefits
For the 2026-27 academic year, three scholarships will be awarded. Each winner will receive comprehensive coverage including:
- Full tuition fees, inclusive of any mandatory field trip expenses
- A tax-free stipend amounting to GBP 22,000 to assist with living costs
Who is Eligible?
To qualify for the GSK Scholarships for Future Health Leaders, applicants must satisfy the following criteria:
- Must be nationals and current residents of countries in sub-Saharan Africa
- Have the intention to return to sub-Saharan Africa following completion of their MSc programme at LSHTM
- Confirm financial need by demonstrating they cannot afford the programme without scholarship support via the online application portal
- Meet LSHTM’s minimum English language proficiency requirements by 15 June 2026. Failure to meet this deadline may lead to withdrawal of the scholarship offer and reallocation to a reserve candidate
- Hold a first degree with at least a first or upper second class equivalent
- Have an offer of admission for one of LSHTM’s intensive MSc programmes taught face-to-face in London for the 2026-27 academic year
Preference will be given to applicants who, through their submitted materials, clearly demonstrate strong potential to contribute significantly to public health or health-related research throughout Africa.
Application Procedure
The application process consists of two essential steps:
Step 1: Apply to a London-based MSc Programme
Submit your application for admission to a London-based MSc programme of study at LSHTM, following the guidelines under the ‘How to Apply’ section on the specific course page.
Step 2: Apply for the GSK Scholarship
After submitting your MSc programme application, you will receive an automated email from the Scholarships team (scholarships@lshtm.ac.uk) containing a link to the online scholarship application portal. This email includes a temporary password to access the portal through LSHTM’s e-vision system, which you will be required to change upon first login.
Search for “GSK Scholarships for Future Health Leaders” within the portal to begin your scholarship application. Complete all required questions and submit your application prior to the deadline. Upon successful submission, a confirmation email will be sent to your registered contact address.
Note that no applications will be accepted once the deadline passes.
The Scholarships team will notify all applicants regarding the outcome during the week commencing 1 June 2026.
Additional Important Details
- The scholarships are open to candidates applying for any of LSHTM’s full-time, London-based intensive MSc programmes, excluding joint degrees such as MSc Global Mental Health, MSc Health Policy, Planning & Financing, MSc One Health, and MSc Veterinary Epidemiology.
- Applicants should complete Step 1 early to allow sufficient time for the GBP 50 LSHTM admissions application fee to be processed, as this payment must be completed before submitting the study application.
- It is advisable to submit the study application at least 2-3 days before the scholarship deadline to avoid any delays caused by admissions processing or payment issues.
- Incomplete or late submissions will not be considered. This includes missing documents in either Step 1 or Step 2.
- Both the application for study and scholarship must be fully completed by the deadline specified.
- Applicants must ensure that all required supporting documents are uploaded through LSHTM’s Admissions Portal before the deadline.
- English language proficiency evidence must be submitted to the Admissions team by 15 June 2026 to avoid withdrawal of any scholarship offer.
- Successful applicants will be asked to pay a deposit within 28 days of receiving an admission offer.
- Applicants awaiting scholarship decisions should notify the Admissions team by email, specifying the scholarship name and expected decision date to request an extension on the deposit deadline.
- For technical issues with the application portal, applicants should contact LSHTM IT Services at it.servicedesk@lshtm.ac.uk, including their full name, scholarship applied for, detailed description of the problem, and screenshots if possible.
- Questions about the application steps, scholarship criteria, or deadlines can be directed to the LSHTM Scholarships team at scholarships@lshtm.ac.uk.
- Applicants consent to the scholarship’s Terms & Conditions by submitting their application.
Please note all applications will be reviewed only after the closing date. Candidates who apply before the deadline will be evaluated equally without preference for early submission.
Successful applicants will be informed by the week starting 1 June 2026.