LSHTM First Generation Scholarship (Distance Learning) 2026/27
Organization: London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (LSHTM)
Host country: United Kingdom
Degree level: Masters
Funding: Tuition-Free
Deadline: March 27, 2026
Fields of study: Clinical Trials, Epidemiology, Global Health Policy, Health in Humanitarian Crises, Infectious Diseases, Public Health
The London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (LSHTM) First Generation Scholarship is specifically designed for talented students who are the first in their family to enter higher education. The scholarship aims to widen participation and promote inclusivity by offering fully covered tuition fees for students enrolling in one of LSHTM's six distance learning MSc programmes for the 2026-27 academic year. These flexible, part-time online degrees allow students from historically underrepresented backgrounds to attain a world-class qualification in public and global health without relocating.
Benefits
100% Full coverage of tuition fees for the entire duration of the distance learning MSc programme
Opportunity to complete a world-class Master's degree flexibly over up to five years
Academic support and a sense of belonging within LSHTM's global learning community
Note: As this is a distance learning programme, living allowances and travel expenses are not applicable
Eligibility
Must be intending to commence study on an eligible distance learning MSc programme at LSHTM in 2026-27
Must be the first in their family to enter higher education (neither parent/guardian graduated with a BA/BSc or higher before the applicant turned 18)
Must not already hold a Master's degree or higher qualification
Must meet LSHTM's minimum English language requirements
Must hold an offer of admission for an eligible MSc distance learning programme by 27 March 2026
Preference is given to applicants from underrepresented backgrounds such as Black ethnicity, care experienced, care giver, disabled, estranged from family, or refugee/asylum seeker
Requirements
Submission of a complete admission application for the chosen distance learning MSc programme
Must secure an unconditional or conditional offer of admission by the scholarship deadline
Completion of a supplementary scholarship application or question form after securing an admission offer
Demonstration of academic excellence and the potential to contribute meaningfully to public and global health
Required Documents
Completed application form for the MSc programme
Personal statement outlining academic goals, research interests, and motivation
Current Curriculum Vitae (CV)
Official academic transcripts and degree certificates from previous university studies
Results of English language proficiency tests
Supplementary family background information to verify first-generation status
Academic and professional references
Programs of Study
MSc Clinical Trials by Distance Learning
MSc Epidemiology by Distance Learning
MSc Global Health Policy by Distance Learning
MSc Health in Humanitarian Crises by Distance Learning
MSc Infectious Diseases by Distance Learning
MSc Public Health by Distance Learning
Application Process
Choose an eligible distance learning MSc programme offered by LSHTM for the 2026-27 academic year
Submit a complete application for admission as early as possible via the LSHTM online admissions portal
Ensure all supplementary admissions documents and references are successfully submitted to secure an admission offer by 27 March 2026
Once an offer of admission is received, complete and submit the separate supplementary application form for the First Generation Scholarship
Wait for the final scholarship decisions, which will be communicated during the week commencing 11 May 2026
How to Apply
Apply for your chosen MSc programme as early as possible to ensure your admission offer is processed well before the 27 March 2026 deadline
Applicants intending to study PG Certificate and PG Diploma programmes are strictly not eligible; ensure you apply for the full MSc
Clearly highlight your family background and any of the preferred underrepresented categories in your personal statement and supplementary forms
Selection Process
Verification of first-generation student status and assessment of underrepresented backgrounds (e.g., refugee, care experienced, disabled)
Academic evaluation based on previous university transcripts and the strength of the personal statement
Final selection panel review of eligible offer-holders, with decisions reached the week commencing 11 May 2026