The SOAS University of London has officially opened applications for the prestigious Shapoorji Pallonji Scholarship 2026, a fully funded opportunity designed for exceptional students interested in pursuing advanced studies connected to Zoroastrianism and related interdisciplinary fields.
This scholarship offers full tuition coverage along with a maintenance stipend for one year, making it one of the most valuable master’s funding opportunities currently available for students passionate about Iranian, Middle Eastern, South Asian, religious, political, and cultural studies.
Funded through the generous Shapoorji Pallonji endowment for scholarships in Zoroastrian Studies at SOAS, the award seeks to support academically outstanding students from around the world who are eager to explore Zoroastrianism through diverse academic lenses including history, anthropology, linguistics, religion, and cultural studies.
The application deadline for the scholarship is 29 May 2026.
About the Scholarship
The Shapoorji Pallonji Scholarship is hosted by the SOAS Shapoorji Pallonji Institute of Zoroastrian Studies at SOAS University of London.
The scholarship is available for students beginning full-time taught master’s programmes during the 2026/27 academic year.
Selected scholars will receive:
- Full tuition fee coverage
- A maintenance stipend for living expenses
- Access to world-class academic resources at SOAS
- The opportunity to specialize in Zoroastrian Studies within a globally respected institution
- Exposure to interdisciplinary approaches to religion, politics, history, language, and society
The scholarship aims to encourage innovative academic engagement with Zoroastrianism and related fields while supporting future researchers, scholars, and professionals in the humanities and social sciences.
Eligible Master’s Programmes
Applicants can choose from the following eligible one-year full-time master’s programmes:
- MA Iranian Studies
- MA Religion, Politics and Society
- MA South Asian Area Studies
- MA Middle Eastern Studies
Students awarded the scholarship will also be required to complete:
- A compulsory 60-credit dissertation in Zoroastrianism
- The 30-credit module:
“Zoroastrianism, Historical and Contemporary Perspectives”
Additionally, students may choose to study an extra language module such as Avestan language studies.
Scholarship Benefits
The Shapoorji Pallonji Scholarship offers substantial academic and financial support, including:
1. Full Tuition Coverage
The scholarship fully covers tuition fees for the selected master’s programme.
2. Maintenance Stipend
Recipients also receive financial support toward living costs during their studies in London.
3. Academic Development
Students gain access to internationally respected faculty, specialized research opportunities, and interdisciplinary learning environments.
4. Research Opportunities
The programme supports students interested in:
- Historical studies
- Religious studies
- Anthropology
- Linguistics
- Cultural studies
- Middle Eastern and South Asian studies
5. Global Recognition
Studying at SOAS offers international academic exposure and networking opportunities within global research communities.
Who Can Apply?
The scholarship is open to both:
- Home students
- Overseas/international students
Applicants from any country may apply provided they meet the academic and admission requirements.
Academic Requirements
To qualify, applicants should:
- Hold or expect to receive a first-class honours degree from a UK university or an international equivalent
- Demonstrate strong academic excellence through transcripts and references
- Have applied for an eligible master’s programme at SOAS
- Meet English language requirements if applicable
Applicants with a 2:1 degree classification may still apply, although preference is generally given to candidates with first-class academic performance.
Important Admission Conditions
Applicants should note the following carefully:
- You do not need to receive an admission offer before submitting your scholarship application.
- However, you must obtain an unconditional admission offer before the scholarship selection panel meets.
- English language conditions must also be fulfilled before final consideration.
Applicants are strongly encouraged to apply for admission as early as possible because programme assessments may take:
- Up to 4 weeks under normal circumstances
- Up to 6 weeks during busy periods
Late or incomplete scholarship applications will not be considered.
Scholarship Deadline
Scholarship Application Deadline:
29 May 2026 (12 noon UK local time)
Applicants are advised to complete both:
- Their programme application
- Their scholarship application
well before the deadline to avoid delays.
How to Apply
Step 1: Apply for an Eligible Master’s Programme
Candidates must first submit an application for one of the eligible master’s programmes at SOAS.
Step 2: Apply for the Scholarship
After applying for admission, applicants can access the scholarship application through the SOAS admissions portal using their login credentials.
Applicants who cannot see the scholarship option in the portal should verify that they meet all eligibility requirements.
Candidate Assessment Process
Applications will be reviewed based on:
- Academic excellence
- Personal statement quality
- Proposed area of study
- References and transcripts
- Overall suitability for Zoroastrian Studies research
The scholarship selection panel will carefully assess each candidate’s academic potential and alignment with the objectives of the programme.
Notification of Results
The scholarship selection process is expected to conclude around the end of May 2026 or shortly afterward.
- Successful candidates will be contacted first.
- Unsuccessful applicants will be notified once all awards have been allocated.
Why This Scholarship Matters
The Shapoorji Pallonji Scholarship represents a major opportunity for students interested in exploring religion, culture, history, politics, and society through an interdisciplinary and globally relevant perspective.
With rising international tuition costs, fully funded opportunities like this are highly competitive and valuable. The programme also allows students to engage deeply with Zoroastrian traditions and their influence across regions such as Iran, South Asia, and the Middle East.
For students seeking careers in academia, policy, cultural studies, international relations, religious studies, or heritage research, this scholarship can serve as a transformative academic pathway.
How to Apply
Interested candidates can apply through the official application portal HERE.
Click HERE for more information about the Shapoorji Pallonji Scholarship.
Explore more global fellowship opportunities on OFY here.
