The initiative forms part of the organization’s flagship postgraduate programme and is designed to support talented individuals who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership potential, and a commitment to contributing to the development of their communities and countries.

Successful candidates will receive comprehensive financial support, including tuition fees, monthly living allowances, and relocation costs.

About the Windle Trust International Postgraduate Scholarship Programme

The postgraduate scholarship programme is primarily funded through the Commonwealth Scholarships Commission (CSC) under the Master’s and Shared Scholarships schemes.

The programme aims to empower refugees, displaced persons, and conflict-affected communities through access to high-quality higher  education opportunities abroad.

Scholarship Benefits

Selected scholars will benefit from a fully funded package designed to reduce financial barriers to postgraduate education in the UK.

• Full tuition fees
• Monthly maintenance stipend
• Relocation and travel support
• Guidance on Commonwealth Scholarship applications
• Support with UK university applications
• Access to tailored scholarship application resources
• Mentorship and application guidance from experienced advisors

The programme also provides candidates with access to specialized application materials, including the Windle-CSC Application Guide.

The 2026 scholarship programme is open to eligible applicants residing in:

• Kenya
• Uganda

The initiative specifically targets conflict-affected individuals and refugees living within these countries.

Fields of Study

One of the major advantages of the scholarship programme is its broad academic coverage. All subject areas are technically eligible, although priority is generally given to disciplines that contribute directly to national and community development.

Priority fields include:

• •  Education
  • Social Work
  • Development Studies
  • Public Health
  • Nutrition
  • Crop Science
  • Animal Science
  • Gender Studies
  • Renewable Energy

• Climate Change
• Development-related Law
• Agroforestry and Food Security
• English Language Education
• Computer Science
• Engineering

These priority disciplines align closely with sustainable development goals and address pressing social, environmental,  educational, and economic challenges in conflict-affected regions.

Successful candidates will study at participating universities in the United Kingdom under the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission schemes.

Applicants are encouraged to apply to UK universities that do not charge application fees. While some universities offer fee waivers through agreements with Windle Trust International, these arrangements are not available universally.

The organization has clarified that it will not cover university application fees under any circumstances.

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must meet strict eligibility criteria before applying for the scholarship programme.

Eligible candidates must:

• Hold refugee status or reside in designated areas within Kenya and Uganda
• Demonstrate strong English language proficiency
• Hold a minimum qualification equivalent to a British upper second-class (2:1) undergraduate degree
• Have at least two years of relevant professional or volunteer experience

Applicants are strongly encouraged to carefully review the official eligibility guidance document before submitting an application, as all eligibility requirements are strictly enforced.

Application Timeline

Applications for the 2026 cohort are officially open between:

• Opening Date: 15 May 2026
• Closing Date: 12 June 2026

Late applications are unlikely to be considered, and candidates are advised to begin the application process early.

Application Process

Interested applicants must submit their applications through the official WTI online application portal.

The selection process involves several stages, including:

• Initial online application review
• Shortlisting of qualified candidates
• Interviews conducted online or in-country
• Support with Commonwealth Scholarship Commission applications
• Assistance with UK university applications

Final scholarship decisions are made by the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission.

Commitment to Inclusion and Equal Opportunity

Windle Trust International emphasizes equal opportunity and non-discrimination throughout the scholarship process. The organization encourages applications from diverse backgrounds, particularly:

• Women
• Refugees
• Minority groups
• Persons with disabilities
• Conflict-affected individuals

This inclusive approach reflects the organization’s broader mission of promoting educational access for marginalized and displaced communities.

Why This Scholarship Matters

Higher education remains one of the most effective tools for rebuilding communities affected by conflict and displacement. By supporting postgraduate education opportunities, the programme enables scholars to develop advanced knowledge and leadership skills that can contribute to sustainable development and long-term social transformation.

The scholarship programme also creates opportunities for:

• Leadership development
• International academic exposure
• Professional networking
• Research advancement
• Community impact initiatives
• Career growth in development-focused sectors

Graduates are expected to use their acquired expertise to positively influence policy, education, healthcare, environmental sustainability, and economic development within their communities.

Contact Information

Applicants seeking additional guidance or clarification can contact Windle Trust International through the following channels:

• Email: postgraduate@windle.org.uk
• General Email: info@windle.org.uk
• Phone: +44 1865 712900

Final Thoughts

The 2026 Windle Trust International UK Postgraduate Scholarship Programme presents a transformative opportunity for conflict-affected students and refugees in Kenya and Uganda to pursue fully funded Master’s studies in the United Kingdom.

By investing in  education, leadership, and capacity-building, the programme contributes to sustainable development and empowers future changemakers across East Africa and beyond.

Eligible candidates are encouraged to prepare their applications carefully and submit them before the June 12, 2026 deadline.