The GSK Scholarships for Future Health Leaders 2026-27 are a prestigious funding opportunity offered by the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (LSHTM) to support the next generation of global health leaders. These scholarships are designed to strengthen the capacity of health systems and health-related research in Africa by supporting highly qualified students from sub-Saharan African countries to pursue a one-year, full-time, London-based MSc programme at LSHTM.
The scholarships not only cover tuition fees but also provide a generous living allowance, enabling recipients to focus entirely on their studies and research. The programme is highly competitive, targeting candidates who demonstrate exceptional potential to contribute to public health and health-related research in Africa.
Scholarship Details and Benefits
For the 2026-27 academic year, LSHTM is offering three fully funded scholarships for students enrolling in non-distance learning intensive MSc programmes. Each scholarship covers the following:
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Tuition fees, including any mandatory field trip fees
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Tax-free living allowance of GBP 22,000
These scholarships are aimed at enabling sub-Saharan African students to pursue advanced training in public health while preparing them to return to their home countries and make tangible contributions to health systems and research capacity.
Eligibility Criteria: Who Can Apply
Applicants must meet all of the following criteria to be considered for the GSK Scholarships for Future Health Leaders:
Nationality and Residency
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Must be a national of a sub-Saharan African country
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Must be resident in a sub-Saharan African country
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Must intend to return to sub-Saharan Africa after completing the MSc
Academic Qualifications
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Hold a first degree at either first-class or upper second-class equivalency level
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Hold an offer of admission for 2026-27 to one of LSHTM’s London-based intensive MSc programmes
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Preference is given to applicants demonstrating potential to contribute significantly to public health or health-related research in Africa
Financial Need
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Applicants must confirm that they cannot finance the proposed programme without this funding
English Language Requirements
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Meet LSHTM’s minimum English language requirements by Monday 15 June 2026
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Failure to meet these requirements may result in scholarship withdrawal and offer to a reserve candidate
Program Details: When, Where, How Long
The scholarship supports a one-year, full-time MSc programme, conducted face-to-face in London, UK.
Program structure and fees covered:
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Full tuition for the MSc, including any mandatory field trip fees
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Living allowance of GBP 22,000 to cover accommodation, meals, and other costs
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Duration: One academic year (full-time)
Eligible MSc programmes exclude LSHTM’s joint programmes, including:
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MSc Global Mental Health
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MSc Health Policy, Planning & Financing
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MSc One Health
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MSc Veterinary Epidemiology
How to Apply: Application Process
The application process for the GSK Scholarships follows a two-step procedure:
Step 1: Apply for Admission to an LSHTM MSc Programme
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Submit an application for a London-based MSc programme via LSHTM’s ‘How to Apply’ instructions
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Pay the GBP 50.00 LSHTM admissions application fee (important to complete this early to meet deadlines)
Step 2: Apply for the GSK Scholarship
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After submitting the MSc application, applicants will receive an automated email from LSHTM Scholarships team (scholarships@lshtm.ac.uk) with a link to the online scholarship portal
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Use the temporary password provided to log in and complete your scholarship application
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Search for ‘GSK Scholarships for Future Health Leaders’ and answer all required questions online
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Submit the application and confirm receipt via email
Important Notes:
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Both the MSc application and scholarship application must be complete by the deadline
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Ensure all supporting documents are submitted via LSHTM Admissions Portal
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Applicants are responsible for confirming their English proficiency by 15 June 2026
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Scholarships decisions will be communicated week beginning 1 June 2026
Important Dates and Deadline
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Scholarship application deadline: Wednesday, 04 March 2026, 16:00 BST
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English language proficiency deadline: Monday, 15 June 2026
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Decision notification for successful applicants: Week beginning 1 June 2026
Applicants are advised to submit Step 1 (MSc application) early to avoid delays due to admissions processing or fee payment.
Additional Information and Support
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Applicants experiencing technical difficulties with the Admissions Portal should contact LSHTM IT Services at servicedesk@lshtm.ac.uk
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Any queries regarding scholarship eligibility or the application process can be directed to scholarships@lshtm.ac.uk
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Applicants agree to the Terms & Conditions of the scholarship when applying
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Only complete applications submitted before the deadline will be reviewed
GSK Scholarships for Future Health Leaders at LSHTM
The GSK Scholarships for Future Health Leaders 2026-27 at LSHTM provide an outstanding opportunity for sub-Saharan African students to pursue advanced public health education in London. This fully funded scholarship not only covers tuition and living costs but also equips future health leaders with the knowledge, skills, and networksnecessary to strengthen health systems and research capacity in Africa. Eligible applicants are encouraged to apply before the 4 March 2026 deadline to secure this competitive funding opportunity.
