David Sainsbury Global Plant Health MSc Scholarship (University of East Anglia) 2025

​The David Sainsbury Global Plant Health MSc Scholarship at the University of East Anglia (UEA) offers an exceptional opportunity for aspiring scientists dedicated to enhancing global food security and sustainable agriculture. This scholarship supports students enrolled in the MSc in Global Plant Health, a program collaboratively delivered by UEA and The Sainsbury Laboratory (TSL), a renowned research institute specializing in plant-microbe interactions and plant disease resistance.​

The MSc in Global Plant Health is meticulously designed to equip students with comprehensive knowledge and practical skills in plant pathology, molecular biology, and data science. The curriculum encompasses five taught modules, providing a robust foundation in the field, followed by a five-month research project that allows students to engage directly with ongoing research at TSL. This structure ensures that graduates are well-prepared to address the challenges of crop diseases and contribute to the development of sustainable agricultural practices.​

The David Sainsbury Scholarship is particularly aimed at students from least-developed, low-income, or lower-middle-income countries, as defined by the OECD Development Assistance Committee (DAC) list. By covering the full cost of tuition, providing a maintenance grant, and offering additional funds for travel expenses, the scholarship removes financial barriers, enabling talented individuals to pursue advanced studies in plant health. This initiative reflects a commitment to fostering global expertise in plant sciences and addressing disparities in educational opportunities.​

Recipients of the scholarship become part of a vibrant academic community at UEA and TSL, engaging with leading scientists and participating in cutting-edge research. The program not only imparts technical knowledge but also emphasizes the development of critical thinking and problem-solving skills, preparing graduates for impactful careers in academia, industry, or governmental and non-governmental organizations focused on agriculture and food security.

In an era where plant diseases pose significant threats to global food supplies, the David Sainsbury Global Plant Health MSc Scholarship empowers a new generation of scientists to lead efforts in safeguarding crops and promoting sustainable agricultural systems worldwide.​

✅ Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for the David Sainsbury Global Plant Health MSc Scholarship, applicants must meet the following conditions:

• Academic Requirements:

  • Hold a first-class or strong upper second-class undergraduate degree in a relevant field such as biology, agriculture, plant sciences, or molecular biology.

  • Meet the academic entry requirements for the MSc in Global Plant Health at UEA.

• Nationality/Residency:

  • Must be a national of, and domiciled in, a country that is on the OECD DAC list of Official Development Assistance (ODA) recipients—which includes least-developed, low-income, and lower-middle-income countries.

• English Language Proficiency:

  • If English is not your first language, you must meet UEA’s English language requirements for postgraduate study.

• Offer of Admission:

  • Applicants must receive an offer (conditional or unconditional) to study the MSc in Global Plant Health at the University of East Anglia for the 2025/26 academic year.

🎓 Scholarship Benefits

Recipients of the scholarship will receive comprehensive financial support that includes:

• Full Tuition Fee Coverage

  • 100% of the tuition fees for the MSc Global Plant Health program at UEA.

• Maintenance Allowance

  • A living stipend to cover everyday expenses for the full duration of the program.

• Travel Costs

  • Round-trip travel expenses from the student’s home country to the UK.

• Research Project Support

  • Access to world-class research facilities at The Sainsbury Laboratory and the opportunity to undertake a 5-month research project under expert supervision.

📝 Application Process

1. Apply for Admission to the MSc Global Plant Health

   • Submit an application to the University of East Anglia for the MSc Global Plant Health program through the official UEA postgraduate application portal.

2. Receive an Offer

   • Wait for confirmation of a conditional or unconditional offer from the university before proceeding to the scholarship application.

3. Complete the Scholarship Application Form

   • After receiving your offer, you will be invited to complete a separate David Sainsbury Scholarship application form.

   • This includes personal details, academic background, and a compelling statement of purpose outlining your motivations, career goals, and how this scholarship would impact your future.

4. Submit Before the Deadline

   • Ensure all parts of your application (both program and scholarship) are submitted before the specified deadline.