The Hettie Elgood Scholarship at SOAS University of London 2026–27 is a prestigious, fully funded opportunity designed to support students pursuing advanced study in Asian art. This scholarship enables talented individuals from around the world to undertake the in-person pathway of the SOAS-Alphawood Postgraduate Diploma in Asian Art, regardless of financial background.
Established in 2018 by Gretchen Welch and Ida Chow, the scholarship honours their teacher and close friend, Dr Hettie Elgood, MBE, Founder and Director Emerita of the SOAS-Alphawood Asian Art Programme. The award reflects Dr Elgood’s lasting contribution to Asian art education and mentorship at SOAS.
Purpose of the Hettie Elgood Scholarship
The scholarship was created to support students who show strong academic potential but would be unable to pursue the programme without full financial support. Alumni donations have made it possible to offer this award for the seventh consecutive year, continuing its mission to expand access to Asian art education.
Scholars supported by this award are encouraged to remain engaged with the programme beyond graduation—whether by lecturing, tutoring, or promoting the study of Asian art through academic, cultural, or professional platforms. The scholarship aims to be a transformative opportunity, helping recipients build careers in fields such as academia, museum and curatorial work, or the commercial art world.
Benefits
The Dr Hettie Elgood Scholarship 2026–27 provides comprehensive financial support for the duration of the programme, including:
- Full tuition fee coverage for the in-person pathway of the SOAS-Alphawood Postgraduate Diploma in Asian Art
- A living cost stipend to cover accommodation and essential expenses during term time in London
The scholarship is open to applicants from any country, provided they can demonstrate genuine financial need and academic suitability for the programme.
Programme Details and Modules
One Dr Hettie Elgood Scholarship is available for the 2026/27 academic year, running from 28 September 2025 to 4 August 2026.
The successful candidate will complete the following modules:
- Arts of India
- Analysing and Exploring the Arts
- Arts of China
- Arts of Japan & Korea or Arts of the Buddhist World
- Independent Study Project in Asian Art History or Asian Art: Theories, Practices and Objects
Eligibility Criteria
To be considered for the Hettie Elgood Scholarship at SOAS University of London, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Already hold a conditional or unconditional offer for the SOAS-Alphawood Postgraduate Diploma in Asian Art
- Hold, or expect to be awarded, a 2:1 or above, an equivalent non-UK qualification, or equivalent professional experience
- Submit a personal statement explaining their motivation for taking the programme and how the scholarship will impact their academic and professional journey
- Provide a separate statement of financial need clearly outlining their eligibility
- International students must meet SOAS English language requirements by 17 July 2026
Applicants with non-UK qualifications will be assessed based on academic transcripts and referee evaluations.
Application Deadline
Key dates for the 2026/27 academic year are as follows:
- Sunday 10 May 2026: Recommended deadline to apply for the SOAS-Alphawood Postgraduate Diploma in Asian Art
- Sunday 24 May 2026 (11:59pm BST): Final deadline to submit the scholarship application
- By 31 June 2026: Applicants notified of the scholarship outcome
Applicants must already hold an offer for the programme before submitting a scholarship application.
How to Apply
Applicants must apply for the Dr Hettie Elgood Scholarship using the online application form. As part of the application, candidates are required to submit the following documents:
- A recent academic writing sample of at least 1,000 words, or an equivalent professional writing sample (such as an auction or museum catalogue essay)
- If no recent work is available, applicants should submit a newly written art historical essay of approximately 1,000 words
- Please note that the panel may only assess the first 1,000 words
- Two references commenting on the applicant’s suitability for postgraduate study as a scholarship recipient
- Academic references are preferred
- One professional reference is acceptable
- Two professional references may be submitted if the applicant has been out of academia for more than five years
Referees may send references directly to Programme Manager Patrick Monger at asianart@soas.ac.uk, provided they are received by the application deadline.
Candidate Assessment Process
Applications will be reviewed by an Advisory Panel consisting of three members of SOAS staff. The panel will assess candidates based on:
- Academic performance and degree results
- References and professional experience
- Personal and supporting statements
- Writing sample and overall suitability
The scholarship will be awarded based on a combination of academic merit, financial need, and the potential impact of the scholarship on the applicant’s academic and professional development.
Terms and Conditions
Recipients of the Hettie Elgood Scholarship must adhere to the following conditions:
- The scholarship cannot be held alongside any other major scholarship
- The award supports in-person study in London only; online modules are not permitted
- Scholars are expected to study full-time and not undertake additional work or study during term time
- Attendance at all teaching sessions is mandatory
- Continuation of funding is dependent on satisfactory attendance, engagement, and contribution, reviewed at the end of each term
- Residency in London during term time is required
A stipend of £19,400 is provided to cover accommodation and living expenses, paid in three instalments over the academic year. Assistance with accommodation arrangements is available for the successful candidate.