Quick Answer: Queen Mary University of London offers multiple scholarships for Ghanaian students in 2026, including the Principal's Scholarship (£50,000), International Excellence Awards (£5,000-£10,000), and country-specific funding. Applications typically open in January 2026 with deadlines between March-May, requiring academic excellence (typically 2:1 equivalent) and strong personal statements.

Introduction

As Ghana continues to strengthen its educational partnerships with the UK, Queen Mary University of London (QMUL) stands out as one of the most scholarship-friendly institutions for Ghanaian students. Part of the prestigious Russell Group, QMUL ranks 117th globally in QS World University Rankings 2026 and offers exceptional opportunities for students from Ghana seeking world-class education in London.

This comprehensive guide covers all available scholarships for Ghanaian students at Queen Mary University in 2026, including application processes, eligibility criteria, and insider tips to maximize your chances of securing funding.

Queen Mary University of London: Why Choose QMUL?

Queen Mary University of London, established in 1887, is renowned for its research excellence and diverse international community. Located in East London, QMUL offers:

• Global Recognition: Russell Group member with strong industry connections
• Research Excellence: 90% of research rated as world-leading or internationally excellent (REF 2021)
• Student Diversity: Over 29,000 students from 170+ countries
• London Location: Access to internships, networking, and cultural experiences
• Strong Alumni Network: Graduates working at top companies globally

For Ghanaian students specifically, QMUL provides dedicated support through its International Student Advisory Service and maintains strong partnerships with Ghanaian educational institutions.

Major Scholarships Available for Ghanaian Students in 2026

1. Principal's Scholarship Programme

Award Value: Up to £50,000 (full tuition coverage) Eligibility: Exceptional academic merit (First Class Honours equivalent) Application Deadline: March 31, 2026 Number of Awards: 50 globally (approximately 3-5 for African students)

The Principal's Scholarship is QMUL's most prestigious award, covering full international tuition fees. Ghanaian applicants must demonstrate outstanding academic achievement, leadership potential, and commitment to making a positive impact in their field.

Selection Criteria:

• Academic excellence (minimum 80% or First Class equivalent)
• Leadership experience and community involvement
• Clear career goals aligned with studies
• Strong personal statement (1,000 words)
• Two academic references

2. International Excellence Awards

Award Value: £5,000 - £10,000 Eligibility: Good academic standing (2:1 equivalent or above) Application Deadline: May 15, 2026 Number of Awards: 200+ annually

These merit-based scholarships are automatically considered when you apply for admission. No separate application required, making them accessible for most qualified Ghanaian students.

Award Tiers:

• Tier 1 (£10,000): For students with exceptional grades (75%+ average)
• Tier 2 (£7,500): For students with strong academic performance (70-74%)
• Tier 3 (£5,000): For students with good academic standing (65-69%)

3. Ghana-UK Partnership Scholarships

Award Value: £15,000 - £25,000 Eligibility: Ghanaian nationals with development-focused study plans Application Deadline: April 30, 2026 Number of Awards: 10-15 annually

Developed in partnership with the Ghana Education Service and private sector organizations, these scholarships prioritize students pursuing degrees in:

• Engineering and Technology
• Medicine and Dentistry
• Business and Economics
• Environmental Sciences
• Digital Innovation

4. Postgraduate Research Excellence Scholarships

Award Value: Full tuition + £18,000 living stipend Eligibility: PhD and MPhil applicants with research proposals Application Deadline: January 31, 2026 Number of Awards: 25 globally

Ideal for Ghanaian students pursuing doctoral studies, these scholarships support research in priority areas including sustainable development, healthcare innovation, and digital transformation.

Subject-Specific Scholarships for Ghanaian Students

Medicine and Dentistry

Barts Charity Medical Scholarships

• Award: £20,000 per year
• For undergraduates from underrepresented countries including Ghana
• Requires commitment to return and serve in Ghana for 2 years post-graduation

Engineering and Computer Science

Engineering Excellence Awards

• Award: £12,000 - £18,000
• Priority for students from developing nations
• Preference for renewable energy and sustainable technology focus

Business and Management

Queen Mary Business School Diversity Scholarships

• Award: £8,000 - £15,000
• For MBA and MSc programmes
• Emphasis on entrepreneurship and social impact

Application Process and Timeline for 2026

Key Dates for Ghanaian Students

• January 15, 2026: Scholarship applications open
• January 31, 2026: PhD scholarship deadline
• March 31, 2026: Principal's Scholarship deadline
• April 30, 2026: Ghana-UK Partnership deadline
• May 15, 2026: International Excellence Awards deadline
• June-July 2026: Results announced
• September 2026: Academic year begins

Step-by-Step Application Guide

Step 1: Submit University Application Apply through UCAS (undergraduate) or directly to QMUL (postgraduate) before scholarship deadlines. When you explore UK universities, ensure you meet all academic requirements.

Step 2: Prepare Scholarship Documentation

• Academic transcripts (certified English translations)
• IELTS/TOEFL scores (minimum 6.5 overall for most programs)
• Two academic reference letters
• Personal statement (scholarship-specific)
• CV highlighting achievements and leadership
• Financial need documentation (if applicable)

Step 3: Complete Online Scholarship Application Use QMUL's scholarship portal to submit applications. Each scholarship may require different supporting documents.

Step 4: Interview Process Shortlisted candidates for major scholarships participate in video interviews (typically 30-45 minutes) conducted between April-May 2026.

Tips for Ghanaian Students to Maximize Success

1. Academic Preparation

• Maintain excellent grades throughout your current studies
• Seek additional certifications or courses relevant to your field
• Engage in research projects or internships

2. Personal Statement Excellence

• Clearly articulate your career goals and how they benefit Ghana
• Highlight unique experiences and perspectives
• Demonstrate leadership and community involvement
• Connect your studies to Ghana's development needs

3. Financial Planning

• Calculate total study costs including living expenses (£12,000-£15,000 annually in London)
• Explore additional funding sources (Commonwealth Scholarships, Chevening)
• Prepare backup financial plans

4. Early Application Benefits

• Apply early to increase chances of scholarship consideration
• Allows time for visa processing (typically 3-4 months)
• Better accommodation options

Living Costs and Additional Financial Support

Estimated Annual Expenses in London (2026)

• Accommodation: £8,000 - £12,000
• Food: £2,500 - £3,500
• Transport: £1,500 - £2,000
• Books/Supplies: £500 - £800
• Personal Expenses: £1,500 - £2,000
• Total: £14,000 - £20,300

Additional Support Available

Emergency Financial Assistance

• Student hardship funds up to £2,000
• Interest-free loans for unexpected expenses

Part-time Work Opportunities

• Student visa allows 20 hours/week during term
• Average earnings: £10-£12 per hour
• On-campus opportunities prioritized for international students

Visa Requirements and Process

Ghanaian students require a Student Visa (formerly Tier 4) with the following requirements:

• Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from QMUL
• Financial evidence showing £1,334 per month for living costs
• English language proficiency proof
• Tuberculosis test certificate
• Biometric information

Processing Time: 3-8 weeks (apply early) Visa Fee: £490 (student route) Immigration Health Surcharge: £776 per year

Success Stories: Ghanaian Alumni at QMUL

Dr. Akosua Mensah (Medicine, 2023 Graduate) "The Principal's Scholarship transformed my life. As a doctor now working in Accra, the world-class medical education at QMUL equipped me with skills that directly benefit my patients in Ghana."

Kwame Asante (Computer Science, 2024 Graduate) "The International Excellence Award made my tech entrepreneurship dreams possible. I'm now running a fintech startup in Kumasi, applying AI solutions learned at QMUL to solve local challenges."

Conclusion

Queen Mary University of London offers exceptional scholarship opportunities for Ghanaian students in 2026, with awards ranging from £5,000 to £50,000. Success requires early preparation, strong academic performance, and compelling applications that demonstrate your potential impact. Start your application process early and consider multiple scholarship options to maximize your funding potential.

Key Statistics

📊 Queen Mary University ranks 117th globally in QS World Rankings 2026 and is a Russell Group member

💰 Over £2 million in scholarships available annually for international students including Ghanaians

🎓 90% of QMUL research rated as world-leading or internationally excellent (REF 2021)

📈 Over 170 countries represented in the student body of 29,000+ students

🏆 Principal's Scholarship covers up to £50,000 in tuition fees with 50 awards globally

💸 Average living costs in London range £14,000-£20,300 annually for students

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How do I apply for Queen Mary University scholarships as a Ghanaian student?

Apply through QMUL's online scholarship portal after submitting your university application. You'll need academic transcripts, English proficiency scores (IELTS 6.5+), two academic references, a scholarship-specific personal statement, and your CV. Some scholarships like International Excellence Awards are automatically considered with admission applications, while others like the Principal's Scholarship require separate applications by March 31, 2026.

What is the minimum academic requirement for Queen Mary scholarships?

Most scholarships require a 2:1 equivalent (typically 65-70% average from Ghanaian universities) or above. The Principal's Scholarship demands exceptional academic merit equivalent to First Class Honours (80%+ average). International Excellence Awards have tiered requirements: £10,000 for 75%+, £7,500 for 70-74%, and £5,000 for 65-69% averages.

How much funding can Ghanaian students receive from Queen Mary University?

Funding ranges from £5,000 to £50,000 depending on the scholarship. The Principal's Scholarship offers up to £50,000 (full tuition), Ghana-UK Partnership scholarships provide £15,000-£25,000, International Excellence Awards give £5,000-£10,000, and PhD scholarships include full tuition plus £18,000 living stipend. Students can sometimes combine smaller awards to increase total funding.

What are the application deadlines for 2026 scholarships?

Key deadlines for 2026 include: PhD scholarships (January 31), Principal's Scholarship (March 31), Ghana-UK Partnership scholarships (April 30), and International Excellence Awards (May 15). Applications typically open on January 15, 2026. Early application is recommended as some scholarships are awarded on a rolling basis, and you'll need time for visa processing which takes 3-8 weeks.

How competitive are Queen Mary scholarships for Ghanaian students?

Competition varies by scholarship type. The Principal's Scholarship is highly competitive with only 50 awards globally (3-5 typically go to African students). International Excellence Awards are more accessible with 200+ annual awards. Ghana-UK Partnership scholarships have moderate competition with 10-15 awards specifically for Ghanaian students. Success rates improve significantly with strong academic records, compelling personal statements, and early applications.

Can I work while studying at Queen Mary University with a scholarship?

Yes, Student Visa holders can work up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during holidays. Average earnings are £10-£12 per hour, potentially generating £8,000-£10,000 annually. QMUL prioritizes on-campus employment for international students. Scholarship conditions don't typically restrict work, but verify specific terms. Part-time work can supplement scholarship funding and provide valuable UK work experience.

What support does Queen Mary University provide specifically for Ghanaian students?

QMUL offers dedicated support through its International Student Advisory Service, including pre-arrival guidance, orientation programs, and ongoing academic support. The university maintains partnerships with Ghanaian institutions and provides cultural integration programs. Additional support includes emergency financial assistance up to £2,000, counseling services, and career guidance. The Ghana Society at QMUL helps students connect with fellow Ghanaians and maintain cultural ties.

Are there scholarships specifically for postgraduate Ghanaian students?

Yes, several options exist for postgraduate Ghanaian students. The Postgraduate Research Excellence Scholarships offer full tuition plus £18,000 living stipend for PhD/MPhil students. Queen Mary Business School provides Diversity Scholarships (£8,000-£15,000) for MBA and MSc programs. Ghana-UK Partnership scholarships (£15,000-£25,000) prioritize postgraduate students in development-focused fields. Subject-specific awards are also available in medicine, engineering, and other disciplines.

Key Takeaways

✅ Queen Mary University offers multiple scholarship opportunities for Ghanaian students worth £5,000-£50,000 in 2026

✅ Applications open January 15, 2026 with deadlines ranging from January 31 to May 15 depending on the scholarship

✅ Academic excellence (minimum 2:1 equivalent or 65%+ average) and strong personal statements are crucial for success

✅ Early application increases chances of success and allows adequate time for visa processing

✅ Students can work up to 20 hours per week to supplement scholarship funding while studying

✅ QMUL provides dedicated support for international students including emergency financial assistance and career guidance