Humanities & Social Sciences Scholarships Disbursements for 2026/2027
Your complete, updated guide to real funding opportunities — with direct links to applications!
If you’re passionate about literature, policy, sociology, philosophy, psychology, cultural studies, or related fields, 2026/27 brings plenty of scholarship cash. Universities, governments, and international organizations are actively funding students like you — meaning financial barriers don’t have to slow down your study abroad goals.
Let’s dig into the best current scholarships, deadlines you should know, and how to actually apply.
🎓 1. UCL Global Scholarships (UK)
📍 University College London (UCL) offers worldwide scholarships for both undergraduate and master’s students — including social sciences and humanities majors. These awards help cover tuition and living costs for eligible international applicants.
👉 Learn more & apply: scholars4dev — UCL Global Scholarships
Deadlines:
- UCL Global Undergraduate: April 27, 2026
- UCL Global Masters: May 7, 2026
🎓 2. SOAS Master’s Scholarships (UK)
📍 School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS), University of London
SOAS is now accepting applications for its SOAS Scholarships 2026/27 aimed at international students. Multiple rounds are available throughout the year.
👉 See details: SOAS International Scholarships 2026
Round deadlines for 2026/27:
- Feb 28, 2026
- April 30, 2026
- June 30, 2026
🎓 3. VLIR-UOS ICP Connect Scholarships (Belgium)
📍 Study development-focused social sciences in Belgium with a full or partial scholarship. The program supports international students across Africa, Asia, and Latin America.
👉 Explore: VLIR-UOS Scholarships
Deadline: ~Feb 2026 (Check link for precise year-to-year opening)
🎓 4. Wells Mountain Foundation Empowerment Through Education
📍 This scholarship supports students from developing countries in pursuing bachelor’s degrees, including in humanities and related fields.
👉 Learn more: Wells Mountain Foundation Scholarship
Deadline: March 1, 2026
🎓 5. University of Nottingham — Developing Solutions Masters
📍 For students from Commonwealth countries, this flagship scholarship supports socially impactful postgraduate study abroad in areas connected with political science, economics, development studies, and more.
👉 Apply here: Developing Solutions Scholarship
Deadline: April 15, 2026
🎓 6. Queen Elizabeth Commonwealth Scholarships (QECS)
📍 Fully funded master’s scholarships for students from low- and middle-income Commonwealth countries. Students can study in another Commonwealth country with living allowance support.
👉 See details: QECS Funded Scholarships
Applications close: January 14, 2026
🎓 7. Social Science Excellence Scholarship (USD 1,500)
📍 This fully funded award supports undergrad and postgrad students in sociology, psychology, economics, and other social sciences. It’s a great supplementary fund for tuition or research costs.
👉 More info: Social Science Excellence Scholarship 2026
Deadline: April 30, 2026
🎓 8. UK GREAT Scholarships (£10,000)
📍 The GREAT Scholarships provide £10,000 toward tuition at selected UK universities, with spots open for students from countries including Pakistan, India, Ghana, and more. It’s ideal for humanities and social sciences postgrad programs.
👉 Apply via British Council: GREAT Scholarships
Deadline: Varies by institution — check the link early!
🎓 9. Türkiye Scholarships (Graduate)
📍 Türkiye Scholarships offer Master’s & PhD awards in humanities and social sciences, with most applications accepted through the national portal each year from January 10 to February 20.
👉 Official portal: Turkiye Burslari Scholarships
🎓 10. Broad & Rolling Scholarship Platforms
Here are some ongoing databases that refresh opportunities throughout 2026 — perfect for keeping track of humanities-friendly aid:
- Bold.org International Scholarships – searchable list of awards for international study.
- Scholarships360 Humanities & Arts Scholarships – list of 2026 awards including no-essay opportunities.
- WorldStrides Funding & Grants – study abroad specific scholarships and grants.
📆 Scholarship Deadlines to Mark Now (Quick Cheat Sheet)
| Scholarship | Deadline | Level | Coverage |
|---|---|---|---|
| QECS | Jan 14, 2026 | Master’s | Tuition + support |
| SOAS International | Feb–Jun 2026 | All | Tuition support |
| Wells Mountain Foundation | Mar 1, 2026 | Bachelor’s | Partial/Full |
| Developing Solutions | Apr 15, 2026 | Master’s | Partial/Full |
| UCL Global | Apr/May 2026 | All | Tuition + stipend |
| Social Science Excellence | Apr 30, 2026 | All | $1,500 award |
| Türkiye Scholarships | Feb 20, 2026 | Grad | Tuition + expenses |
🧠 Pro Tips to Beat the Competition
Before you apply:
- Read eligibility carefully — some are regional or subject-specific.
- Get transcripts & references ready early.
- Tailor your essays to the mission of each scholarship.
- Apply widely — smaller awards still add up.
Scholarships aren’t luck — they’re strategy and preparation.
