Fully Funded UK Scholarships for African Nurses: Burdett Trust Fellowships Open for 2026 Applications
Fellow Nurses Africa
Lagos, Nigeria – 10 February 2026
African nurses seeking to advance their research and leadership skills now have access to fully funded postgraduate opportunities in the UK, courtesy of the Burdett Trust for Nursing. The independent charity, established in 2002 to enhance the nursing contribution to healthcare, has opened applications for its Burdett Fellowships – scholarships designed to build world-class research capacity among qualified nurses.
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These fellowships, available for September 2026 entry, partner with four prestigious UK universities: the University of Edinburgh, King’s College London, Cardiff University, and Queen’s University Belfast. They cover full tuition fees and provide a stipend for living costs, making them particularly attractive for international applicants from Africa, where funding barriers often hinder advanced education.
Key Details of the Fellowships
The programmes focus on developing evidence-based practice, research methodologies, and leadership in nursing. Eligibility typically requires registration as a nurse, a relevant degree (usually upper second-class honours or equivalent), and, for international candidates, proof of English proficiency such as IELTS 6.5.
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University of Edinburgh: MSc by Research in Nursing Studies
A one-year full-time programme combining taught courses with independent research. Funding includes full fees plus a stipend of £10,769 for UK(home) students or £18,307 for international students. One scholarship each for home and international applicants.
Application: Apply to the programme first via the university portal, then submit the scholarship form through MyEd. Deadlines: Programme – 10 November 2025 or 20 April 2026 (11:59pm GMT); Scholarship – 20 April 2026 (11:59pm GMT).
More details: University of Edinburgh Programme Page | Scholarship Information -
King’s College London: Eligible Programmes (MRes Clinical Research, MSc Palliative Care, MSc Clinical Nursing)
Full-time one-year courses. Two awards: Home stipend £11,038 plus fees; International £18,765 plus fees. Must be based in London for on-campus delivery.
Application: Submit via King’s Apply, then email the fellowship form to NMPC-PGT@kcl.ac.uk. Deadline: 22 May 2026 (23:59 UK time). Interviews in June 2026.
More details: Scholarship Page | Application Form -
Cardiff University: MSc Advanced Healthcare Practice
An 18-month full-time programme. Funding covers full fees with stipends of £10,250 (home) or £17,425 (international) over the duration. Requires two years’ post-registration experience.
Application: Apply to the programme, then complete the online scholarship form. Deadline: 30 May 2025 (check for 2026 updates as cycles repeat annually).
More details: Programme Page | Scholarship Form | Funding Details -
Queen’s University Belfast: MSc Advanced Professional Practice
A two-year full-time programme (content stable despite potential name change). Two scholarships: One home and one international, covering fees and stipends (amounts based on prior cycles; confirm via university).
Application: Apply to the programme first; details emailed upon offer. Deadline: 1 July 2026.
More details: Scholarship Page | General Scholarships
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Applicants should prepare a CV, references, personal statement, and research outline. International candidates may need a support letter from their home institution for research access.
Expert Analysis: Why This Matters for African Nurses
As a registered nurse with an MSc and experience in African healthcare systems, I see these fellowships as a game-changer. Africa’s nursing workforce faces chronic underfunding and research gaps, exacerbating issues like maternal mortality and infectious diseases. By equipping nurses with advanced skills, the Burdett Trust fosters leaders who can return to implement evidence-based solutions – from policy advocacy to community health innovations.
However, competition is fierce; successful applications hinge on a compelling research proposal aligned with global health priorities. Advocacy groups like Fellow Nurses Africa urge eligible professionals to apply early, leveraging these opportunities to bridge the North-South divide in nursing research.
For more on the Burdett Trust’s mission, visit btfn.org.uk.
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