The Centre for Anthropology and Mental Health Research in Action (CAMHRA) is pleased to announce the CAMHRA Masters Scholarships 2026/2027 at SOAS University of London. These prestigious scholarships cover full tuition fees for eligible students pursuing postgraduate study in the anthropology of mental health.
With funding available for both UK and overseas applicants, this opportunity supports outstanding candidates committed to advancing research and practice at the intersection of anthropology and mental health.
Application Deadline: 30 April 2026 (11:59pm UK local time)
About CAMHRA
CAMHRA is a UKRI-funded research centre based in the SOAS Department of Anthropology and Sociology. It serves as a globally oriented, locally connected hub for innovative anthropological research, education, and public engagement on mental health.
Working with academic institutions, healthcare providers, policymakers, and service users, CAMHRA contributes anthropological perspectives to global conversations on mental distress, systems of care, and healing practices.
Eligible Programmes
Scholarships are available for the following programmes beginning in 2026/27:
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MA Medical Anthropology and Mental Health (Full-time: 1 year | Part-time: 2 years)
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MRes Social Anthropology (Full-time: 1 year | Part-time: 2 years)
The MA programme integrates social, cultural, medical, and psychological anthropology, while the MRes is research-focused and typically undertaken in preparation for PhD study.
Scholarship Benefits
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Full tuition fee coverage for 2026/27
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For part-time students, tuition fees covered for 2026/27 and 2027/28
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Approximately three overseas fee places and four home fee places awarded annually
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One additional international scholarship with a living stipend for applicants from Afghanistan, Iran, or Iraq (subject to annual regional designation)
Please note: Standard scholarships cover tuition fees only and do not include accommodation or living costs.
Exceptional Circumstances Stipend
For 2026/27, one additional scholarship including a living stipend (in line with UKRI studentships) is available for students who are resident in, or citizens of, Afghanistan, Iran, or Iraq.
The stipend in 2025/26 was £22,780 for the academic year (inclusive of London weighting). Eligible applicants must indicate this in their scholarship application.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must:
For MA Medical Anthropology and Mental Health:
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Hold a minimum 2:1 bachelor’s degree in social sciences or humanities; OR
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Hold a degree in health sciences such as medicine, psychology, nursing, or social work
For MRes Social Anthropology:
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Hold a minimum 2:1 bachelor’s or master’s degree
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Applicants without an anthropology background must hold a master’s degree in another field
All applicants must:
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Propose a strong research project using ethnographic methods related to mental health
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Submit a separate application to the relevant SOAS master’s programme
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Demonstrate academic merit and research potential
Application Process
Step 1: Apply to your chosen programme (MA or MRes).
Step 2: Submit your scholarship application via the SOAS admissions portal by 30 April 2026 (11:59pm UK time).
Step 3: Shortlisted candidates will be invited for an online interview in June 2026. Final offers are expected by July 2026.
In the previous cycle, approximately 150 applications were received, making this a highly competitive award.
Important Information for International Students
Successful international applicants must apply for a UK Student visa and demonstrate sufficient funds to meet living requirements in London (minimum £13,761 as per UK government guidance).
Why Apply?
The CAMHRA Masters Scholarships are designed to support individuals who may otherwise be unable to pursue postgraduate study in anthropology due to financial, social, or time constraints.
The programme particularly welcomes:
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Applicants working in mental health services
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Individuals with lived experience of mental health services
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Candidates from underrepresented groups in anthropology
This scholarship offers an exceptional opportunity to develop ethnographic research expertise, contribute to global mental health debates, and prepare for advanced doctoral study or professional leadership.
How to Apply
Applying for the CAMHRA Masters Scholarships 2026/27 is a two-step process:
Step 1 – Apply to your chosen programme:
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For the MA in Medical Anthropology and Mental Health, submit your application via the Taught Masters applications portal.
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For the MRes in Social Anthropology, apply through the SOAS Doctoral School portal.
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Ensure you meet the programme-specific eligibility criteria before applying.
Step 2 – Apply for the CAMHRA Scholarship:
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Once your programme application is submitted, access the scholarship application through the SOAS admissions portal.
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Complete the application by 30 April 2026, 11:59pm UK local time.
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You will be asked to outline your motivation, proposed research project, and how your studies will make a positive impact in the field of mental health.
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Shortlisted candidates will be invited to an online interview in June 2026. Final scholarship offers will be made by July 2026.
Important: You must submit a programme application to access the scholarship application, but you do not need to have received an offer of admission before the scholarship deadline. For queries, contact scholarships@soas.ac.uk.
This process ensures that your scholarship application is considered alongside your programme application, so prepare both carefully to showcase your research potential and commitment to the anthropology of mental health.
For further information:
Programme enquiries: mastersadmissions@soas.ac.uk
Centre enquiries: camhra@soas.ac.uk
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