Masters Scholarships for British Muslims – Applications Now Open

The Aziz Foundation has officially opened applications for its 2026 Masters Scholarships Programme, offering 100% tuition fee scholarships for British Muslims pursuing postgraduate study at selected UK universities. Designed to nurture emerging leaders across key sectors, the programme supports individuals committed to creating meaningful, positive change within British Muslim communities and the wider society.

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About the Scholarship Programme

The Masters Scholarships aim to empower talented British Muslims who demonstrate:

• Effective Advocacy & Public Perception
  A commitment to improving representation, combating Islamophobia, and positively shaping public perceptions of British Muslims.
• Community Service & Social Development
  A dedication to uplifting aspirations, improving standards, and advancing societal outcomes within British Muslim communities.

The programme seeks applicants who possess strong leadership potential, a record of community engagement, and the drive to excel in their chosen field.

Please note: Only candidates with Home Fees status in the UK are eligible. International students are not considered.

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Eligible Subject Areas

Candidates are especially encouraged to apply if they have experience or career ambitions in the following areas:

• Arts & Culture
  Creatives shaping public narratives about Muslims and Islam.
• Law (aspiring barristers only)
  With long-term goals of reaching senior positions, including judgeships.
• Media & Journalism (Open all year)
  Advocates for fair and accurate representation in UK media.
• Policy
  Influencing UK public policy (excluding Health Policy) affecting British Muslim communities.
• Sports
  Future leaders in management, administration, or sport development.
• Sustainability & Environment
  Professionals advancing climate and environmental solutions.
• Technology
  Innovators using tech to address societal challenges.
• Philanthropy & Grant Making
  Those aspiring to lead positive change in the third sector.

Subjects not eligible

• Natural Sciences
• Mathematics
• Health & Medicine
• Finance
• Engineering (unless intersecting with sustainability/environment)

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Partner Universities

Scholarships are available only for Masters programmes at universities partnered with the Aziz Foundation. Some partners offer eligibility across all subject areas, while others have specific course options only.

Institutional partner scholarships (apply directly through the institution):

• Imperial College Business School – Climate Change Scholarship
• Imperial College Centre for Environmental Policy
• Imperial College Energy Future Labs
• Imperial Living Planet Scholarship
• Imperial Earth Science & Engineering Scholarship
• The Bartlett, UCL
• University of London

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Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must:

• Qualify for Home Fees status
• Be active within a Muslim community and well-informed about issues affecting British Muslims
• Demonstrate a strong commitment to community and societal development in the UK
• Show how the chosen Masters programme will deepen their impact in one of the priority areas
• Provide evidence of relevant industry understanding, experience, and a clear path to creating social impact

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Means Testing & Zakat Eligibility

These scholarships are funded through Zakat, and candidates must self-assess their Zakat eligibility using tools such as:

• Islamic Relief Zakat Calculator
• National Zakat Foundation Calculator

Applicants must also show they cannot self-fund their studies. Assessment considers:

• Type of secondary school attended
• Student debt
• Household circumstances and dependents
• First-generation university attendance
• Postcode-based government data on deprivation and social mobility (IMD, POLAR, Uni Connect, etc.)

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Obligations for Successful Scholars

Recipients must participate in the Foundation’s alumni support programme and agree to at least one of the following:

• Participate in widening participation schemes at their university
• Volunteer with a community or civil society organisation
• Mentor future students through the Foundation or university schemes

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Application Process

Applications are submitted online and include:

• Educational background
• Work experience
• Financial information
• A statement (max. 1,000 words) addressing the Foundation’s criteria
• Two referees

Interview Stage

Shortlisted candidates will attend a 30-minute interview exploring:

• Key challenges facing British Muslims
• Aspirations for societal change
• Leadership qualities
• Financial barriers

Due to competitiveness, some applicants may be invited to a second-stage assessment.

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Key Dates (2026 Cycle)

Stage	Dates
Applications Open	13 January 2026, 10:00
Applications Close	15 May 2026, 14:00
Interviews	February–June 2026
Awards Announced	July 2026

Applicants may apply only once per year.

Early applications are strongly encouraged.

For more information: Click Here.