The Bartlett Promise Sub-Saharan Africa Master’s Scholarship

Application process webinar with Q&A 

Find the eligibility requirements for the 2024-25 academic year, when applications open and how to apply as well as information on our partners.

Eligibility criteria for September 2024¹

The Bartlett Promise aims to enable students from backgrounds which are underrepresented in The Bartlett, to pursue postgraduate studies at The Bartlett, UCL’s Faculty of the Built Environment. For The Bartlett Promise Sub-Saharan African scholarship, candidates must:

• be a national of one of The Bartlett’s approved list ² of Sub Saharan African (SSA) countries and resident in an eligible SSA country
• must not hold a British or dual British citizenship
• have an offer of admission to a Bartlett Master’s course for study in 2024-25 which is either unconditional or conditional only on English language
• be in financial need as assessed by UCL ³

In addition to these, candidates should ideally also meet at least one of the additional criteria:

• be a forced migrant⁴
• be the first generation in the family to attend university at undergraduate level
• be the first generation in family to attend university at postgraduate level

¹ Eligibility criteria for 2025-26 and beyond may differ
² Angola, Benin, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Central African Republic, Chad, Comoros, Democratic Republic of Congo, Djibouti, Republic of Congo, Cote D’Ivoire, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Eswatini, Ethiopia, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Kenya, Lesotho, Liberia, Madagascar, Malawi, Mali, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Niger, Nigeria, Rwanda, Sao Tome and Principe, Senegal Sierra Leone, Somalia (including Somaliland), South Africa, South Sudan, Sudan, Tanzania, Togo, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe
³ Assessed household income of less than £42,875
⁴ Refugee, asylum seeker or those who have been granted a temporary form of leave as the result of an asylum or human rights application (e.g. limited leave to remain, discretionary leave to remain, humanitarian protection, UASC leave).

How to apply

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Please see the FAQs for details on how to apply. You must first secure a place on a Bartlett Master’s course. Once you have an offer of a place, you can apply to The Bartlett Promise for a scholarship. The Bartlett Promise application form will open on 15 February 2024 and close on 3 April 2024 at 23.45 BST.

Applications to Bartlett master’s courses open on 16 October 2023. We strongly advise you to apply early. To apply for the scholarship, you must have received an offer of admission to a Bartlett master’s course by 3 April 2024. UCL aims to make a decision on applications within 6 weeks of receiving your completed application, academic transcripts and both references.

However, please note it can take 3-4 months when application volumes are high. You are strongly recommended to apply early; a 6 week turn around cannot be guaranteed.

Selection

The selection panel will assess your application based on information provided on your scholarship application form and the information you provide in your dialogue with the Windsor Fellowship. The assessment of applications will be made in relation to the eligibility criteria.

Working in partnership

The Bartlett Promise works in partnership with donors who share our vision of enabling a more diversified and inclusive built environment If you are interested in finding out how you can help play a part, please contact Anjali Singh, Senior Philanthropy Manager (The Bartlett) at a.singh@ucl.ac.uk.

The Bartlett Promise Prescot Scholarship

The Bartlett Promise Prescot Scholarship fully covers fees, stipend, flights and visa costs for a Sub-Saharan African female student on the MSc Infrastructure Investment and Finance, starting in the 2024-25 academic year. Applicants should apply using The Bartlett Promise Sub-Saharan Africa Master’s application form. 

All Bartlett Promise Sub-Saharan Africa Master’s Scholarship criteria apply with the addition of two criteria:

• Applicants for The Bartlett Promise Prescot Scholarship must have an offer of admission to study on the MSc Infrastructure Investment and Finance course starting in the 2024-25 academic year.
• Applicants for The Bartlett Promise Prescot Scholarship must identify as a female.

The DPU70 Scholarship

The DPU70 Scholarship fully covers fees, stipend, flights and visa costs for two Sub-Saharan African students on any master's course at The Bartlett Development Planning Unit in the 2024-25 academic year. 

The Bartlett Development Planning Unit has had many long and vital partnerships with colleagues on the African continent. Indeed, those relationships extend to the very origins of the Bartlett Development Planning Unit and underpin much of the Bartlett Development Planning Unit’s work. Yet, the Bartlett Development Planning Unit works in an educational context in which the programmes they offer are financially beyond the reach of many international partners, and disproportionately so with regard to those based in Sub-Saharan Africa. The DPU70 Scholarships are intended to go some small way to helping to support the collaborations that are so fundamental to us all.

The DPU70 Scholarships are powered by The Bartlett Promise Scholarship, and funded by The Bartlett Development Planning Unit. Applicants will apply using The Bartlett Promise Sub-Saharan Africa Master’s application form and select the DPU70 scholarship, but will also be considered for The Bartlett Promise Scholarship. 

For full information and eligibility criteria please visit The DPU70 Scholarships webpage.

Frequently Asked Questions 

Do you have any questions about The Bartlett Promise Master’s Scholarship? Read the frequently asked questions below. If you can’t find the answer to your question, please don't hesitate to contact us.

Eligibility

What are the eligibility criteria?

The Bartlett Promise aims to enable students from backgrounds which are underrepresented in The Bartlett, to pursue postgraduate studies at The Bartlett, UCL’s Faculty of the Built Environment. For The Bartlett Promise Sub-Saharan African scholarship, candidates must:

• be a national of one of The Bartlett’s approved list¹ of Sub-Saharan African (SSA) countries and resident in an eligible SSA country
• must not hold a British or dual British citizenship
• have an offer of admission to a Bartlett master’s course for study in 2024-25 which is either unconditional or conditional only on English language assessment by 3 April 2024
• be in financial need as assessed by UCL²

In addition to these candidates should ideally also meet at least one of the additional criteria:

• is a forced migrant³
• is the first generation in the family to attend university at undergraduate level
• is the first generation in family to attend university at postgraduate level

¹Angola, Benin, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Central African Republic, Chad, Comoros, Democratic Republic of Congo, Djibouti, Republic of Congo, Cote D’Ivoire, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Eswatini, Ethiopia, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Kenya, Lesotho, Liberia, Madagascar, Malawi, Mali, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Niger, Nigeria, Rwanda, Sao Tome and Principe, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Somalia (including Somaliland), South Africa, South Sudan, Sudan, Tanzania, Togo, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe
²Assessed household income of less than £42,875
³Refugee, asylum seeker or those who have been granted a temporary form of leave as the result of an asylum or human rights application (e.g., limited leave to remain, discretionary leave to remain, humanitarian protection, UASC leave).

Can students from Sub-Saharan Africa living in the UK apply?

You can apply if you meet the criteria.

Will I be assessed on my academic merit for The Bartlett Promise scholarship?

You must meet The Bartlett’s academic requirements. You must apply for admission to a Bartlett master’s course. When you do this, your application and academic abilities will be assessed by the department that you have applied to. You must have received an offer of admission from one of The Bartlett schools to study a Master’s course in 2024-25 by 3 April 2024 (the deadline for your Bartlett Promise application submission). The Bartlett Promise team will not assess your academic ability further. For more information on the application process for a Master’s course at The Bartlett see ‘Applying to a master’s course at The Bartlett’ section below.

Can I apply for The Bartlett Promise if I want to study part-time?

No. UCL does not offer part-time study to students who require a Student visa (formerly known as Tier 4 (General) student visa). The scholarship covers fees and a maintenance allowance to allow for full time study. Scholars are expected to study full time and complete their master’s within one year, unless they are on a master’s course with an expected duration of 15 months or 2 years.

Can I apply to The Bartlett Promise if I have a conditional offer of admission?

Yes, if you have an offer of admission from one of The Bartlett schools to study a Master’s course in 2024-25 and it is conditional only on English language certification. You must submit your application to The Bartlett Promise Sub-Saharan Africa Scholarship by 3 April 2024.

Do I need to have accepted an offer of admission to study from The Bartlett first?

You do not need to have accepted your offer of admission in order to apply to The Bartlett Promise.

Applying to a master's course at The Bartlett

How do I get an offer of admission on a Bartlett master’s course?

You must first identify an appropriate Master’s course to study. Our nine schools offer a wide range of master’s courses in the built environment. You can search for a course by school or by looking at the course available or using the course finder. When you have found a suitable course, click on the Apply Now button on the course page to make your application.

When must I submit my application to a master’s course?  

Applications to Bartlett master’s courses open on 16 October 2023. We strongly advise you to apply early. You need to pay £90 to submit an application to a Bartlett master’s course.

One hundred master’s course application fee waivers are available on a first come, first served basis. First, complete your Bartlett Master’s Course application up to the payment page. Then, request a fee waiver by please completing this Fee Waiver Application Form.

Applicants who miss this opportunity will need to pay the £90 master’s application fee themselves or wait and apply early the following year. When making a decision about whether to pay for your application, please be aware that to apply for the scholarship, you must have received an offer of admission to a Bartlett master’s course by 3 April 2024.

UCL aims to make a decision on applications within 6 weeks of receiving your completed application, academic transcripts and both references. However, it can take three to four months when application volumes are high. You are strongly recommended to apply early; a 6 week turn around cannot be guaranteed.

What do I need to include in my application?

You will need to upload your Batchelor’s degree transcript. This must be in English. Any translations must be prepared by your university or a registered translator.

If you are not from a ‘majority English-speaking country’ and you already have proof of your English ability, you can include evidence of your level of English. (This can also be done if/when you receive an offer of a place on a master’s programme).

You must provide a personal statement and two references. At least one (and ideally both) of your references should be academic (from someone who has taught you). One reference can be professional.

Your personal statement must show passion for the subject area while demonstrating motivation, enthusiasm, and the skills that will enable you to succeed at university.

What happens when I have submitted my Master’s course application for admission?

Your application will be considered by the admissions staff in the school that you have applied to. It can take a minimum of six weeks for a school to make a decision and then they will email you the outcome of your application. You may receive an unconditional offer if you meet all the course requirements or a conditional offer. If your offer is conditional only on you meeting an English language requirement, you can apply for The Bartlett Promise scholarship. If your offer is conditional on other requirements e.g. your undergrade grades, you cannot apply for the scholarship.

Applying to The Bartlett Promise Scholarship

What is the application process for The Bartlett Promise scholarship?

Once you have secured a place on a Bartlett Master’s course, you can apply for the scholarship. A link to the application form will be added on this page on 15 February 2024. Candidates must complete their Bartlett Promise application by 3 April 2024, 23.45 BST. The application form requires personal details and asks questions about your financial and family situation. All information given must be accurate. Anyone found to have given false information on their application form may have the scholarship rescinded.

All applications will be checked on 4 April 2024, to confirm that the applicant has an offer of a place on a Bartlett master’s course. All those who meet the essential criteria and have an offer of admission which is unconditional, or conditional only on English language requirement, will be sent the Part 2 application form which has five questions about your background, educational and work experiences, and future plans. You must complete the Part 2 application form by 17 April 2024 to be considered for shortlisting. Please check your spam mail folder regularly – emails will come from the bartlett.promise@ucl.ac.uk address.

When does The Bartlett Promise application form open?

The application form will open on 15 February 2024 and close on 3 April 2024 at 23.45 BST. On 4 April 2024, all applications will be checked, to confirm that the applicant has an offer of admission to a Bartlett master’s course.

Is there a deadline for applying?

Yes, the deadline is 23.45 (BST) on 3 April 2024.

What happens if I am shortlisted?

As part of the application process, shortlisted candidates will be asked to engage in a dialogue with an independent representative from the Windsor Fellowship and one member of The Bartlett Promise team, to discuss anything which they feel might support their application. This will not include describing or detailing your academic abilities. The dialogues will be conducted electronically via an appropriate method agreed between the Windsor Fellowship and the applicant e.g. telephone, Zoom, Teams etc. They will be scheduled by the Windsor Fellowship 29 April to 10 May 2024.

How is the final assessment made?

The selection panel will assess your application based on information provided on your scholarship application form and the information you provide in your dialogue with the Windsor Fellowship. The assessment of applications will be made in relation to the eligibility criteria.

How soon after applying will I find out the outcome?

The successful applicants will be notified by email by 24 May 2024. 

What happens if I don’t meet the English language conditions required by my department?

Candidates with an offer which is conditional on an English language test result (IELTS or other UCL specified English test) may be offered a scholarship but must meet or exceed the English language requirement by 21 June 2024 otherwise the scholarship offer will be withdrawn.

After accepting a Promise Scholarship offer

What support is available to help me on arrival in the UK?

UCL provides comprehensive support for international students and orientation on arrival. In addition to these, your department will provide a department specific orientation and you will be invited to all Bartlett Promise events throughout the year including a welcome event at the beginning of the year.

What happens if I can’t travel to the UK because of public health issues (e.g., a COVID19 variant)?

If you are not able to come to the UK because of a public health issue (such as the coronavirus pandemic), we will consider the options and agree the best choice with you. Depending on the course concerned, you may be able to study online at the start of your studies and then travel to the UK later in the year, or possibly study online for the whole programme. You do not need a UK visa whilst you are studying online from your home country, but will need one before you travel to the UK. Alternatively, you may be able to defer your place until the following year.

Besides academic supervision, what other support is available while studying?

As part of The Bartlett Promise, we will provide tailored support services to award holders throughout the life of their course and career support beyond. We will achieve this by bringing in expertise from across UCL to create appropriate packages of support for individual scholars. In addition to this, you will be joining The Bartlett Promise Community of current and previous scholars, benefactors, supporters and friends. This community will support you during your studies and forms a network to guide and sustain you throughout your career.

You can also find a wealth of support for your wellbeing from UCL student services and from the Student Union.

If I start as a full-time student can I change to part-time study if required?

UCL does not offer part-time study to students who require a Student visa. Scholars must complete their course within the expected duration of their course. If your circumstances change significantly you must discuss this with the Bartlett Promise Team before making any decisions. We cannot guarantee that you will be able to keep your Bartlett Promise scholarship.

Can I defer my studies and keep my scholarship offer?

No, the scholarship offer cannot be deferred. You must take up your place in September 2024. If you are not able to take up a scholarship in 2024, you can apply again in the following year.

Can I interrupt my studies?

Bartlett Promise scholars have the right to interrupt their studies in the same way that unfunded students do. Please consult the Changes to your study pages to understand the process for interrupting your studies. You must then consult your supervisor and The Bartlett Promise team (Bartlett.promise@ucl.ac.uk) before making any decisions. Each case will be assessed on its own merits.

What happens if I have to withdraw from my studies?

Please consult the Changes to your study pages to understand the process for withdrawing from your studies. You must then consult your supervisor and The Bartlett Promise team (Bartlett.promise@ucl.ac.uk) before making any decisions. Each case will be assessed on its own merits.

Is working part time while studying encouraged?

Working part time is permitted if the terms of your visa allow this, but scholars should discuss this with their supervisor and ensure that this is not detrimental to their studies. 

Scholarship value

Is there a fixed living allowance amount, and how much is it?

The maintenance allowance for living costs is £16,008.

What financial support is available to help me to relocate to London?

The Bartlett Promise scholarship will provide successful applicants with:

• One return flight from your country of domicile in SSA to London and back
• UK Student visa costs (including an allowance for travel if necessary)
• Fees for any UCL required language assessments test
• Any heath check costs necessary for the visa
• NHS Immigration Health Supplement payable in the UK

Will The Bartlett Promise Scholarship also support my family to come to the UK while I am studying at UCL?

No. The Bartlett Promise Scholarship only provides funding and support for the scholar.

Will the fees and allowance be paid directly to me?

The full overseas fees will be paid directly by The Bartlett Promise to UCL fees. The maintenance allowance will be paid to you in three equal termly instalments.

Is there additional funding for field trips?

The Bartlett Promise does not provide any additional funding for field trips, but some courses do. Please check with your course director.

Can I accept The Bartlett Promise scholarship in addition to other internal or external awards?

The award may be held in conjunction with other scholarships or bursaries, as long as the total value of all the additional scholarships you hold does not exceed £6,500. This cap is set by a proportional calculation of the total value of the award. This figure may therefore change in the future in line with any changes to course fees and average living costs in London. You must inform The Bartlett Promise team if you hold awards other than The Bartlett Promise.

 Contact us

If you have any queries about The Bartlett Promise, please get in touch with us: bartlett.promise@ucl.ac.uk