UCL Institute of Archaeology International Masters Student Award: Eligibility, Deadline & How to Apply

The UCL Institute of Archaeology International Masters Student Award is a prestigious scholarship designed to support an outstanding international student pursuing a master's degree in archaeology or archaeological sciences. Thanks to the generosity of an anonymous donor, this award provides significant financial support for a student to undertake a transformative year of study at one of the world's leading archaeology departments.

If you have a passion for unravelling the human past—whether through world archaeology or scientific analysis—and have demonstrated academic excellence, this scholarship offers you the chance to develop your expertise at a top-ranked global university in the heart of London. For the 2025–2026 academic year, the application deadline is 21 March 2025. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the eligibility criteria, application process, award details, and key deadlines to help you prepare a strong application.

This scholarship is exclusively for specific master's programmes offered by the UCL Institute of Archaeology. Unlike broader scholarships, it is not applicable to other departments or universities. The course must be based at the UCL Institute of Archaeology in London, UK.

UCL Institute of Archaeology International Masters Student Award

The UCL Institute of Archaeology International Masters Student Award is a significant financial grant for international fee-paying students. It is designed to alleviate the cost of postgraduate study in the UK, allowing you to focus entirely on your academic and professional development in the field of archaeology.

The award provides a grant of up to £26,000 for the duration of the one-year master's degree. The funds are flexible and can be used at the recipient's discretion to cover:

• Tuition fees

• Living and maintenance costs

• Research materials and related expenses

UCL Institute of Archaeology International Masters Student Award Amount

The total financial support provided by this award is up to £26,000 (approximately INR 27 Lakhs). This sum is intended to support the recipient for the entire duration of their master's degree.

UCL Institute of Archaeology International Masters Student Award Benefits

Beyond the substantial financial grant, receiving this award comes with prestigious benefits that can enhance your academic profile and future career.

The eligibility criteria for this award are specific and must be met fully at the time of application.

Countries Eligible for the UCL Institute of Archaeology International Masters Student Award

This scholarship is open to all international students who are classified as "overseas" for fee purposes. This typically includes students from all countries outside the United Kingdom.

The application process is distinct from your programme admission application and must be completed separately via email.

• Prepare Your Documents: Draft your 500-word statement and update your CV (max 2 pages).
• Complete the Form: Download and fill out the official scholarship application form.
• Compile and Email: Combine all three documents (Form, Statement, CV) into a single Word or PDF file.
• Submit: Email the single file to Lisa Daniel, Graduate Admissions Administrator, at l.daniel@ucl.ac.uk before the deadline.

Application Timeline for the UCL Institute of Archaeology International Masters Student Award

Adhering to the timeline is critical, as the deadline is strict.

UCL Institute of Archaeology International Masters Student Award Interview

This specific award does not involve a separate interview round. The selection committee assesses candidates based solely on the strength of their written scholarship application, their admissions application (including references and transcripts), and their academic promise. However, it is always advisable to check the official UCL website for any updates to the process for the 2025-26 cycle.

Hold an offer, or have submitted a complete admissions application (with both references), for one of the listed MA  or MSc programmes at the Institute of Archaeology for the 2025-26 academic year

You need to prepare a specific set of documents for your scholarship application, which must be submitted as a single file.

• Completed Scholarship Application Form: The form can be downloaded from the official UCL Institute of Archaeology website.
• Scholarship Statement: A statement (500 words maximum) commenting on your research interests, educational and career goals, and reasons for choosing your specific programme at UCL.
• Current CV: A copy of your curriculum vitae, no longer than 2 pages.

FAQs about UCL Institute of Archaeology International Masters Student Award

Who is eligible for the UCL Institute of Archaeology International Masters Student Award?

You must be an international (overseas) fee-paying student who has applied for or holds an offer for an eligible MA/MSc programme at the UCL Institute of Archaeology for 2025-26. You must also be applying for full-time study.

What does the scholarship cover?

It provides a grant of up to £26,000, which can be used to cover tuition fees and/or living expenses at your discretion.

Do I need to have received an admission offer before applying for the scholarship?

No. You can apply for the scholarship if you have either received an offer or have submitted a complete admissions application (including both references).

How is the scholarship winner selected?

The award is granted based on demonstrated academic excellence and promise, as well as a clear commitment to a specific area of archaeology (world archaeology or archaeological science), as evidenced in your application documents.