30/06/2026
Learn With Justice Scholarship Initiative
International Scholarship Briefing (30 June 2026)
Below are some of the latest scholarship opportunities for international students, especially applicants from developing countries.
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Scholarship News
1. Ireland Fellows Programme 2027/28
Applications are now open from 29 June to 26 July 2026. This is a fully funded one-year Master’s scholarship funded by the Government of Ireland for eligible applicants from developing countries.
Official Website:
https://www.ireland.ie/en/ireland-fellows-programme/
2. ICSSR Postdoctoral Fellowship 2026
Applications are open for the ICSSR Postdoctoral Fellowship 2026. The deadline for online submission is 21 July 2026.
Official Website:
https://icssr.org/announcements/call-applications-icssrs-postdoctoral-fellowship-2026
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Newly Opened This Week
1. Ireland Fellows Programme 2027/28
Date Opened: 29 June 2026
Deadline: 26 July 2026
Official Website:
https://www.ireland.ie/en/ireland-fellows-programme/
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Closing Soon
1. Türkiye Scholarships – Research Scholarship
Application Status: Closing This Week
Recommended for: PhD & Researchers
Deadline: 30 June 2026
Official Website:
https://www.turkiyeburslari.gov.tr
If you intend to apply, submit your application immediately.
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Undergraduate
1. Bilkent University International Undergraduate Scholarships / Tuition Waivers
Application Status: Open
Recommended for: Undergraduate
Deadline: 12 July 2026
Eligibility:
* International students applying for undergraduate study at Bilkent University
* Must meet admission requirements for the chosen programme
* Scholarship consideration is based on academic merit
Funding:
* Partial or full tuition waiver
* Continued support depends on academic performance
Official Website:
https://w3.bilkent.edu.tr/international/how-to-apply/
How to Apply (Sierra Leone):
If I, Justice, am applying, I will choose an undergraduate programme, check the international admission requirements, prepare my academic documents and passport, apply for financial assistance where required, and submit my online application before the deadline.
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Master’s
2. Ireland Fellows Programme 2027/28
Application Status: Open
Recommended for: Master’s
Deadline: 26 July 2026
Eligibility:
* Citizens of eligible countries, including Sierra Leone
* Applicants should normally be early to mid-career professionals
* Strong academic background
* Relevant work experience
* Commitment to development and the Sustainable Development Goals
Funding:
* Full tuition
* Visa application fees
* Medical and travel insurance
* Economy flights
* Monthly living stipend
* Accommodation and settling-in support
Official Website:
https://www.ireland.ie/en/ireland-fellows-programme/
How to Apply (Sierra Leone):
If I, Justice, am applying, I will download the Africa Stage 1 application form and guidance note, confirm that I meet the eligibility requirements, prepare my passport or official ID, undergraduate certificate, transcript, CV, and study choices, and submit the Stage 1 application before 26 July 2026.
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3. DAAD Helmut-Schmidt Programme (Germany)
Application Status: Open
Recommended for: Master’s
Deadline: 31 July 2026
Eligibility:
* Graduates from developing and emerging countries
* Interest in public policy, governance, development, peace, or related fields
* Strong academic and professional background
* Commitment to social, political, and economic development
Funding:
* Full tuition support where applicable
* Monthly stipend
* Health insurance
* Travel allowance
* Study and research support
* German language course where applicable
Official Website:
https://www.daad.de/en/studying-in-germany/scholarships/daad-funding-programmes/helmut-schmidt-programme/
How to Apply (Sierra Leone):
If I, Justice, am applying, I will select eligible Helmut-Schmidt Master’s programmes, prepare my DAAD application form, motivation letter, CV, transcripts, certificates, and references, and submit directly to the selected German universities before the deadline.
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4. DAAD EPOS Scholarships
Application Status: Open
Recommended for: Master’s & PhD
Deadline: Varies by university and programme
Eligibility:
* Applicants from developing and newly industrialised countries
* At least two years of relevant professional experience
* Strong academic record
* Admission to an eligible development-related postgraduate course
Funding:
* Monthly stipend
* Health insurance
* Travel allowance
* Tuition support where applicable
* Study and research support
Official Website:
https://www.daad.de/epos
How to Apply (Sierra Leone):
If I, Justice, am applying, I will first identify a DAAD EPOS-eligible programme, check the specific university deadline, prepare my CV, motivation letter, academic records, employment evidence, and references, and submit the application directly to the selected university.
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PhD / Doctoral
5. Knight-Hennessy Scholars (Stanford University, USA)
Application Status: Open
Recommended for: Master’s, PhD & Professional Graduate Degrees
Deadline: 6 October 2026, 1:00 PM Pacific Time
Eligibility:
* Applicants must apply to and be admitted by an eligible Stanford graduate programme
* Strong leadership record
* Strong academic ability
* Civic mindset and commitment to impact
Funding:
* Full tuition and associated fees
* Living stipend
* Travel stipend
* Leadership development programme
Official Website:
https://knight-hennessy.stanford.edu/admission
How to Apply (Sierra Leone):
If I, Justice, am applying, I will apply separately to my chosen Stanford graduate programme and to Knight-Hennessy Scholars, prepare strong leadership essays, secure recommendation letters, and submit both applications before their separate deadlines.
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6. Heinrich Böll Foundation Scholarships (Germany)
Application Status: Opening Soon
Recommended for: Master’s & PhD
Deadline: Fall 2026 application round opens 15 July 2026 and closes 1 September 2026
Eligibility:
* International Master’s and PhD applicants
* Strong academic performance
* Social and political engagement
* Interest in democracy, sustainability, human rights, and justice
* German language proficiency is required
Funding:
* Monthly scholarship support
* Academic support
* Networking and development opportunities
Official Website:
https://www.boell.de/en/scholarships
How to Apply (Sierra Leone):
If I, Justice, am applying, I will first confirm the German language requirement, identify an eligible German university programme, prepare my academic documents, motivation materials, proof of social engagement, and references, and submit through the online portal when the Fall 2026 round opens.
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Postdoctoral / Research
7. ICSSR Postdoctoral Fellowship 2026
Application Status: Open
Recommended for: Postdoc / Researchers
Deadline: 21 July 2026
Eligibility:
* Applicants with a doctoral degree
* Research must be in the social sciences
* Must meet ICSSR eligibility requirements
* Applicants should carefully confirm nationality and institutional affiliation requirements before applying
Funding:
* Fellowship stipend
* Research support
* Institutional affiliation support
Official Website:
https://icssr.org/announcements/call-applications-icssrs-postdoctoral-fellowship-2026
How to Apply (Sierra Leone):
If I, Justice, am applying, I will first confirm whether international applicants are eligible, then prepare my research proposal, PhD certificate, CV, publications, institutional support documents, and submit the online application before the deadline.
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8. Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships
Application Status: Opening Soon
Recommended for: PhD & Postdoc
Expected Opening: 20 August 2026
Eligibility:
* International researchers and artists
* PhD, postdoctoral, or research applicants depending on country and category
* Strong academic profile
* High-quality research proposal
* Swiss academic supervisor or host institution where required
Funding:
* Monthly stipend of CHF 2,450
* Health insurance support for eligible non-EU/EFTA scholars
* Research stay support
* Other benefits depending on scholarship category
Official Website:
https://www.sbfi.admin.ch/en/swiss-government-excellence-scholarships
How to Apply (Sierra Leone):
If I, Justice, am applying, I will first identify the correct scholarship category for Sierra Leone, secure a Swiss academic supervisor where required, prepare a strong research proposal and academic documents, and submit the application once the portal opens on 20 August 2026.
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Not Currently Open (Prepare Early)
Chevening Scholarships
Application Status: Opening Soon
Recommended for: Master’s
Expected Opening: September 2026
Website:
https://www.chevening.org
How to Apply (Sierra Leone):
If I, Justice, am preparing, I will begin drafting my leadership and networking essays, identify three eligible UK Master’s programmes, contact referees early, and prepare my academic documents before the portal opens.
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Gates Cambridge Scholarship
Application Status: Opening Soon
Recommended for: Master’s & PhD
Expected Opening: September 2026
Website:
https://www.gatescambridge.org
How to Apply (Sierra Leone):
If I, Justice, am preparing, I will identify an eligible University of Cambridge programme, prepare my study or research plan, contact potential supervisors where necessary, and complete the Gates Cambridge funding section when applications open.
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Document of the Day
Motivation Letter
A motivation letter is a short document that explains why you are applying for a scholarship, why you chose the programme, what your goals are, and how the opportunity connects to your future plans.
Why it matters:
Scholarship committees use it to judge your seriousness, clarity of purpose, leadership potential, and whether the scholarship fits your academic and career direction.
Common mistakes:
* Writing a general letter that could be sent to any scholarship
* Focusing only on personal hardship without explaining future goals
* Not showing knowledge of the university or programme
* Repeating the CV instead of explaining motivation
* Using weak opening statements like “I am writing to apply…”
Tip:
A strong motivation letter should clearly answer: Why this scholarship? Why this programme? Why you? Why now? What impact will you create after the scholarship?
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Scholarship Tip of the Day
Before applying, read the official eligibility criteria at least twice. Many applicants waste time applying for scholarships they do not qualify for. Focus your energy on opportunities where your country, degree level, academic background, and experience match the requirements.
This Week’s Reminder
* Check all eligibility requirements carefully.
* Prepare certified academic documents early.
* Request recommendation letters before deadlines approach.
* Save official scholarship links in one place.
* Do not wait until the final day to submit your application.
Postgraduate scholarships at the University of Cambridge for scholars with a commitment to changing the world for the better
