The Snowdon Master’s Scholarship 2026 is a prestigious fully-funded scholarship for disabled students in the United Kingdom, aimed at accelerating exceptional scholars through master’s study and into leadership across diverse fields. The scholarship is designed for students who intend to use their lived experience of disabling barriers to challenge inequality, shift narratives, and drive progress in public life, professional sectors, or community initiatives.
In 2026, the Snowdon Master’s Scholarship will also include targeted DFN Snowdon Master’s Scholarships for students pursuing careers in business leadership, government, or policy, with a focus on closing the Disability Employment Gap. The scholarship supports not only academic growth but also leadership development, offering scholars access to the Disabled Leaders Network (DLN)—a peer-led community for collaboration, skills development, and sharing lived experiences in a safe, inclusive environment.
Why the Snowdon Master’s Scholarship Matters
The Snowdon Master’s Scholarship recognizes the potential of students with disabilities to become leaders in their chosen fields. The scholarship provides financial support and mentorship to ensure scholars can focus on their studies while actively contributing to disability advocacy and social change. By investing in disabled students, the Snowdon Trust promotes inclusion, representation, and equitable access to higher education.
Scholars benefit from joining the Disabled Leaders Network, which facilitates collaboration, peer mentorship, and leadership skill-building. Additionally, scholars taking part in the DFN Snowdon Master’s Scholarships participate in a week-long summer leadership school hosted by the University of Cambridge Professional and Continuing Education Centre, further enhancing their leadership potential.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the Snowdon Master’s Scholarship 2026, applicants must meet several criteria related to disability, age, residency, and academic status.
Disability
Applicants must have a diagnosis of one or more of the following:
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Learning differences such as dyslexia, dyspraxia, or AD(H)D
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Visual impairments uncorrected by glasses (blindness or partial sight)
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Hearing impairments (deafness or partial hearing)
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Physical impairments or mobility challenges, including dexterity issues
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Social, behavioural, or communication impairments, including autism spectrum conditions or Tourette’s Syndrome
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Long-term illness or health conditions causing fatigue, pain, loss of concentration, or breathing difficulties, including effects from medication
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Multiple impairments (two or more of the above)
Applicants with mental health conditions (e.g., anxiety or depression) are eligible only if they also have one of the listed physical or neurological conditions.
About the Applicant
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Must be 16 years or older
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Must have UK home fee status
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Must reside in the UK for the duration of the master’s program
Course Requirements
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Must be a full master’s program at a UK university or higher education institution (180 higher education credits), e.g., MA, MSc, MRes, MPhil, LLM, MBA
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Must start in the 2026/27 academic year (between August 2026 and June 2027)
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Must be ineligible for funding through your employer or Access to Work
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Must be the applicant’s first master’s degree; exceptions for a second master’s due to disability-related reasons may be considered
Applicants must have received an offer from their university before applying to the Snowdon Master’s Scholarship unless their course applications open later in the year.
Scholarship Benefits
The Snowdon Master’s Scholarship offers up to £30,000 in total funding, distributed as:
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Up to £15,000 towards tuition fees, paid directly to the university
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Up to £15,000 for living expenses, paid in termly installments
Additional benefits include:
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Participation in the Disabled Leaders Network (DLN)
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Access to mentorship, peer support, and skills development
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Opportunities to attend the Cambridge Summer Leadership School (for DFN scholars)
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Networking with industry leaders, academic mentors, and fellow scholars
This financial and leadership support is designed to accelerate scholars into influential roles while providing the necessary resources to overcome barriers associated with disability.
Application Process
The Snowdon Master’s Scholarship application consists of two stages:
Stage 1: Initial Application
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Opens: 23 February 2026, 12:00 noon
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Closes: 19 March 2026, 11:55 pm
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Complete the online application form and provide supporting documents
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Include information on:
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Applicant details (name, contact information)
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Education and employment history (CV, max 2 pages)
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Details of your master’s course, including why it aligns with your goals
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Disability category, description, and barriers experienced
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Financial need and explanation of how the scholarship will help
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Leadership goals and sector focus (academic, professional, community impact)
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Optional diversity monitoring information
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Stage 1 ensures applicants meet eligibility and alignment criteria. Complete applications with full supporting documents receive priority review.
Stage 2: Full Application
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Closes: 30 April 2026, 11:55 pm
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Key sections:
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Achievements: Describe accomplishments that demonstrate leadership potential (400 words)
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Leadership and Impact Plan: Outline 5–10 year leadership goals, plans to increase disability representation, and impact beyond personal success (600 words)
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Commitment: Explain ongoing involvement in advocacy or community initiatives (250 words)
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Supporting Information: References, evidence of disability, and optional supporting links
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The Selection Panel, composed of experts, industry practitioners, and individuals with lived disability experience, will review applications and decide on awards. Applicants are notified via the application portal.
Key Dates
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Stage 1 Application Opens: 23 February 2026, 12:00 noon
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Stage 1 Application Closes: 19 March 2026, 11:55 pm
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Stage 2 Application Closes: 30 April 2026, 11:55 pm
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Launch webinar and Q&A: 23 February 2026, 12:00 noon
APPLY HERE
The Snowdon Master’s Scholarship 2026 is a transformative opportunity for disabled students in the UK to pursue master’s education while developing as leaders in their chosen fields. With up to £30,000 in funding, access to the Disabled Leaders Network, mentorship, and a summer leadership school, scholars are empowered to overcome barriers, advance equity, and drive social and professional change. This scholarship is ideal for students committed to inclusion, advocacy, and creating meaningful impact through their academic and professional journeys.
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