Are you committed to advancing public health and seeking a fully funded opportunity to study in the United Kingdom? The GSK Scholarships for Future Health Leaders 2026/2027 offer an outstanding chance for motivated individuals from sub-Saharan Africa to pursue advanced training at one of the world’s leading public health institutions, the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (LSHTM).
Through this prestigious program, aspiring professionals are supported to deepen their knowledge, strengthen their leadership capacity, and gain the expertise needed to transform health systems across Africa.
GSK Scholarships for Future Health Leaders 2026/2027
This fully funded scholarship provides exceptional early- and mid-career professionals with the opportunity to study a one-year, intensive MSc program at LSHTM. The initiative is designed to build the next generation of leaders in global health by equipping scholars with advanced skills in research, policy development, disease prevention, and health system improvement.
Funded by GSK, a global healthcare company, this scholarship supports individuals who are passionate about transforming public health outcomes in Africa. The program also aims to enhance research capacity, public health innovation, and evidence-based decision-making across the continent.
By reducing financial barriers, the GSK Scholarships for Future Health Leaders ensure that deserving students can focus fully on academic excellence and professional development.
2026/2027 GSK Scholarships for Future Health Leaders Summary
| Category | Details |
| Host Country | United Kingdom |
| Study Destination | London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (LSHTM) |
| Scholarship Type | Master’s Degree (Full-Time, On-Campus) |
| Eligible Applicants | Nationals and residents of sub-Saharan African countries |
| Scholarship Value | Fully Funded (Tuition + Stipend) |
| Stipend Amount | GBP 22,000 (Tax-free living allowance) |
| IELTS/English Test | Required by June 15, 2026 |
| Application Deadline | March 4, 2026 (16:00 BST) |
| Number of Awards | Three |
| Academic Session | 2026–2027 |
What Are the GSK Scholarships for Future Health Leaders All About?
The GSK Scholarships for Future Health Leaders have been established to support talented individuals who are committed to improving health outcomes across sub-Saharan Africa. The program aims to develop well-rounded professionals capable of applying scientific knowledge to public health challenges, designing innovative solutions, and driving impactful policy changes.
The scholarship targets candidates who wish to pursue one-year, full-time MSc programs at LSHTM. These programs cover a wide range of health-related disciplines, such as epidemiology, public health, nutrition, health policy, infectious disease control, global health leadership, and more.
In addition, the program promotes knowledge exchange, emphasizing that scholars must return to Africa after completing their studies. This ensures that the knowledge, research skills, and leadership competencies acquired in London are applied directly to health systems across the continent.
Because of its high competitiveness, applicants are encouraged to demonstrate their academic merit, leadership potential, and strong motivation for contributing to public health advancement.
Who Can Apply? (Eligibility Criteria)
To be considered for the 2026/2027 GSK Scholarships for Future Health Leaders, applicants must meet all of the following requirements:
- Must be a national of a sub-Saharan African country.
- Must be a resident in a sub-Saharan African country at the time of application.
- Must intend to return to Africa after completing the MSc program at LSHTM.
- Must demonstrate financial need and confirm they cannot fund the program on their own.
- Must meet the minimum English language requirements of LSHTM by June 15, 2026.
- Must hold a first degree equivalent to a first-class or upper second-class honors.
- Must hold an offer of admission for the 2026–2027 academic year to one of LSHTM’s London-based intensive MSc programs (excluding joint programs such as MSc Global Mental Health, MSc One Health, and others listed as ineligible).
Applicants must submit all required documents and complete both steps of the application process before the deadline. Late or incomplete applications are not considered.
Scholarship Benefits
Successful applicants will receive full financial and academic support for the duration of their one-year MSc program. The scholarship covers:
- Full tuition fees, including mandatory field trip fees.
- Tax-free stipend of GBP 22,000 to cover living expenses throughout the year.
This comprehensive funding package ensures that recipients focus entirely on their studies, research, and leadership development without financial uncertainty. The scholarship has been designed to remove economic barriers and empower outstanding individuals who show strong potential for transformative impact in public health.
Required Documents
Applicants must prepare and submit the following documents:
- Completed the LSHTM MSc programme application form
- Academic transcripts and certificates
- Proof of English language proficiency (by June 15, 2026)
- Curriculum Vitae
- Personal statement or motivation letter
- Supporting documents requested by the LSHTM Admissions Portal
- Completed online scholarship application (Step 2)
These documents must be carefully reviewed and uploaded correctly to avoid disqualification.
Step-by-Step Procedure to Apply
The application process involves two major steps. Both must be completed by 16:00 BST on Wednesday, March 4, 2026.
Step 1: Apply for an MSc Programme
Applicants must first apply for a full-time London-based MSc program at LSHTM. The application should be submitted early to allow time for processing the required GBP 50 admissions fee.
Step 2: Apply for the Scholarship
Once Step 1 is completed, applicants will receive an email from the LSHTM Scholarships Office with a link to the online scholarship portal. Using the temporary password provided:
- Log in via the portal and update your password.
- Search for “GSK Scholarships for Future Health Leaders.”
- Answer all required questions.
- Submit the completed scholarship application form.
After submission, a confirmation email will be sent. The LSHTM Scholarships team will reach out in due course, and successful candidates will be notified during the week of June 1, 2026.
Why Study at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine?
LSHTM is one of the world’s most respected institutions for global health research and professional training. By studying here, scholars gain:
- Access to internationally recognized faculty.
- Exposure to cutting-edge research and innovation.
- A global network of public health professionals.
- Opportunities to participate in impactful fieldwork.
- A strong foundation for leadership roles in public health, policy, and research.
Graduates of LSHTM have gone on to lead ministries of health, international organizations, NGOs, and major research institutes across the world.
For more details, visit the Official Webpage of the GSK Scholarships for Future Health Leaders.
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