Application Deadline: 26 April 2026
Applications are now being accepted for the 2026 cohort of the Hoogenboom Scholarship Programme, which offers fully funded scholarships for postgraduate study at Heriot-Watt University.
About the Hoogenboom Scholarship
Heriot-Watt University has unveiled a transformative international initiative designed to support women from Sub-Saharan Africa as they pursue advanced degrees over the next five years. The Hoogenboom Scholarship Programme provides fully covered scholarships aimed at empowering women whose education and leadership will create meaningful, lasting benefits within their communities and professional sectors.
This scholarship programme has been made possible through the generosity of The Orchard Foundation (Stichting De Boomgaard), an organisation co-founded and chaired by Dr Annemiek Hoogenboom, a Dutch entrepreneur and philanthropist. Dr Hoogenboom is notable for co-founding Novamedia and initiating the People’s Postcode Lottery in the UK.
The initiative’s core mission is to empower women to tackle urgent environmental issues, enhance capacity in vital sustainability fields, and generate impactful global change through education. Starting in September 2026, the programme will admit five annual cohorts over five years, concluding in early 2030 with its final intake.
Each year, six outstanding female students from selected African nations will receive full scholarships enabling them to pursue a master’s degree at the Lyell Centre, a distinguished research institute at Heriot-Watt University. The scholarship covers 100% of tuition fees and includes a stipend to assist with living expenses.
Beyond tuition and living costs, the scholarship also supports accommodation, visa fees, health insurance, as well as providing invaluable access to mentorship, industry placements, and leadership development opportunities.
Supporting Heriot-Watt University’s Vision
The Hoogenboom Scholarship aligns closely with Heriot-Watt University’s Shaping Futures campaign, which is committed to creating positive global impact through education, research, and innovation. By facilitating access to world-class postgraduate education in sustainability and environmental sciences for women from Sub-Saharan Africa, the scholarship helps cultivate future leaders prepared to address some of the planet’s most critical challenges.
This programme embodies the Shaping Futures ethos by promoting inclusive participation, fostering global partnerships, and ensuring that education delivers enduring, meaningful benefits.
Programme Overview
Over the five-year duration, the Hoogenboom Scholarship will award 30 full scholarships (6 students annually) to high-achieving women from selected African countries. These scholarships support master’s degree studies focused on cutting-edge topics in environmental sustainability and planetary health, reflecting some of today’s most pressing global concerns.
Hosted at the internationally acclaimed Lyell Centre, scholars will engage with pioneering research and teaching in areas such as geosciences, marine systems, and environmental policy. The scholarship is open to female candidates admitted to one of the following master’s programmes:
- MSc Global Environmental Change and Policy
- MSc Sustainable Geoenergy
- MSc International Marine Science
Applicants will be evaluated based on academic excellence, financial need, and a demonstrated commitment to leadership and making a positive impact in their home countries.
Priority will be given to applicants who are nationals of Kenya, Zambia, South Africa, Botswana, and Malawi. These countries have been selected for their strategic importance, regional diversity, and alignment with Scotland’s international development goals.
To ensure strong academic preparedness and institutional alignment, preference will be afforded to applicants who completed their undergraduate education at universities affiliated with the Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU). This criterion helps guarantee incoming scholars come from institutions dedicated to quality education, international collaboration, and sustainable development, preparing them to thrive at Heriot-Watt University’s rigorous academic environment.
Eligibility Criteria
- Female applicants must be from Sub-Saharan Africa.
- Preference is given to candidates from Kenya, Zambia, South Africa, Botswana, and Malawi.
- Applicants must be admitted or seeking admission to one of the MSc programmes connected to the Lyell Centre Research Institute at Heriot-Watt University.
- Academic excellence, financial need, and leadership potential are key considerations.
Application Process
Interested candidates are invited to complete and submit the application form before the closing date of 26 April 2026. Following the deadline, shortlisted applicants will be invited to participate in an interview as part of the selection process.
