The SOAS Alphawood Scholarships 2026–27 offer an outstanding opportunity for students interested in the study and preservation of Southeast Asian Buddhist and Hindu art and architecture. Hosted by SOAS University of London, this prestigious funding programme supports advanced academic training and research from ancient to pre-modern periods.
The scholarships are part of the SOAS-Alphawood Programme, a long-term initiative generously funded by the Alphawood Foundation (Chicago). The programme aims to deepen global understanding of Southeast Asia’s artistic and architectural heritage while strengthening academic, archaeological, and heritage networks across the region.
About the SOAS-Alphawood Programme
The SOAS-Alphawood Programme is a transformative academic initiative focused on building expertise in Southeast Asian art, archaeology, and heritage studies. By combining teaching, research, and international collaboration, the programme connects scholars, institutions, and cultural organisations across Southeast Asia and beyond.
Its activities are structured around three core pillars which includes, scholarships, research and publications, and outreach and engagement.
Between 2014 and 2025, the programme supported over 100 scholarships and funded three fully endowed academic posts at SOAS. It has also sponsored numerous research projects, publications, conferences, summer schools, lectures, and workshops in London and Southeast Asia.
Available Alphawood Scholarships for 2026–27
Applications are now open for the following Alphawood Scholarships for the 2026/27 academic year:
- Alphawood Scholarships: SOAS-Alphawood Postgraduate Diploma in Asian Art
- Alphawood Scholarships: MA History of Art and Archaeology
- Alphawood Scholarships: SOAS-Alphawood Postgraduate Diploma in Asian Art (online)
- Alphawood Scholarships: SOAS-Alphawood MA in Asian Art (online)
Both on-campus and online study options are available, making these scholarships accessible to students worldwide.
Benefits
Successful candidates for the SOAS Alphawood Scholarships 2026–27 will receive comprehensive financial support, including:
- Full coverage of SOAS tuition fees for the selected programme
- Payment of any required English language support costs
- £18,700 per annum (pro rata) for students studying in London to cover living and study expenses
- £3,000 per annum for online scholars to support maintenance costs in their home country
Additional Benefits (In-Person Study Only)
- Travel costs: Economy return flights to and from the UK at the start and end of the programme
- Visa and related expenses: Reimbursement for visa fees, required health checks, and Immigration Health Surcharge costs
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants should normally be resident in one of the following countries:
Brunei, Cambodia, East Timor, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar/Burma, Singapore, Thailand, or Vietnam
Candidates who are not currently resident in these countries may still apply if they can clearly demonstrate their intention and ability to return or relocate to Southeast Asia after completing their studies. This may include plans for employment, teaching, further academic study, or other activities that directly support the objectives of the SOAS-Alphawood Programme.
Applicants must include clear supporting evidence of this intention in their personal statement.
For complete eligibility requirements and application guidance, applicants should consult the official webpage for each individual scholarship.
Application Deadlines
Applicants must follow the timeline below carefully:
- 15 February 2026 (or earlier): Submit a complete application for admission to the chosen programme
- 21 February 2026: Submit the completed scholarship application via the relevant application form
- March 2026: The Alphawood Scholarships Selection Panel and SOAS-Alphawood Group select successful candidates
- April 2026: SOAS notifies all applicants of the final outcome