Heriot-Watt University has announced a new international programme designed to support women from Sub-Saharan Africa through postgraduate study over the next five years. The Hoogenboom Scholarship Programme will provide fully funded Master’s degree places for women whose education will deliver lasting impact within their communities and professional sectors.

The initiative reflects growing recognition that investing in women’s education is one of the most effective ways to strengthen communities and support long-term economic stability.

“Investing in the education of women is one of the most effective ways to strengthen communities and support long-term economic stability in these regions.”

Professor Richard A. Williams, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of Heriot-Watt University

Five-Year Commitment To Global Impact

The scholarship programme will run across five cohorts, with the first intake beginning in September 2026. Applications will remain open until early 2030 for the final cohort. The Orchard Foundation, a Netherlands-based philanthropic organisation, has committed €1.5 million in funding over five years to support a total of 30 scholarships. Through this initiative, scholars will have the opportunity to pursue postgraduate degrees such as MSc Global Environmental Change and Policy, MSc International Marine Science and MSc Sustainable Energy. The programme aims to empower women to address urgent environmental challenges, build expertise across sustainability-focused sectors and create meaningful long-term impact through education.

Vice-Chancellor Highlights Transformative Potential

“This is a truly transformative programme that will deliver real, tangible benefits to these women and to the sectors they will go on to work in.“

Professor Richard A. Williams, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of Heriot-Watt University

Professor Richard A. Williams said, “What makes this even more special is to be able to launch this on our annual Global Watt Day where we celebrate our alumni, heritage and the memory of our founder, James Watt. Investing in the education of women is one of the most effective ways to strengthen communities and support long-term economic stability in these regions. In areas facing persistent joblessness, education plays a critical role in developing the skilled leaders and innovators needed for future growth. We’re incredibly grateful to The Orchard Foundation and Dr Annemiek Hoogenboom for their generosity, which has made this programme possible and reflects a shared commitment to widening access to education and supporting long-term global impact.”

Partnership with The Orchard Foundation

The Orchard Foundation was co-founded and is chaired by Dr Annemiek Hoogenboom, a Dutch businesswoman and philanthropist who also co-founded Novamedia and launched the People’s Postcode Lottery in the UK.

“We are pleased that at this point in time and history we could establish the Hoogenboom Scholarship Programme. This will contribute to stronger bonds between Europe and Africa. We are also looking forward to help expanding the Empower through Education campaign and therewith furthering education for more talented African young women.”

Dr Annemiek Hoogenboom

The programme was announced on Heriot-Watt’s annual Global Watt Day, a celebration of the university’s alumni, heritage and the legacy of its founder James Watt. Principal and Vice-Chancellor Professor Richard A. Williams said the timing felt especially fitting.

Priority Countries and Eligibility

The programme will prioritise applications from women who are nationals of Kenya, Zambia, South Africa, Botswana and Malawi. This approach aligns closely with Scotland’s international development focus on Zambia and Malawi. Applicants must have completed their undergraduate studies at a member institution of the Association of Commonwealth Universities.

A University Built on Widening Access

Professor Dame Heather McGregor, Provost and Vice Principal of Heriot-Watt University Dubai, emphasised that scholarships targeted at women are not only an investment in individuals, they drive wider social and economic change. She said the programme would directly address these benefits by supporting some of the brightest female minds from across Africa’s most promising regions, and encouraged those interested to apply as soon as possible, given the high level of interest expected.

“As a global university, Heriot-Watt has a strong tradition of widening access to education and delivering research that addresses real-world challenges. This programme reflects that commitment. With the help of The Orchard Foundation, it will open access to world-class postgraduate education for 30 women from Sub-Saharan Africa. It will equip them with the skills needed to tackle pressing environmental challenges.”

Professor Dame Heather McGregor, Provost and Vice Principal of Heriot-Watt University Dubai

Professor McGregor also highlighted the broader significance of the programme for Heriot-Watt as a global institution. With campuses spanning Edinburgh, Dubai and Malaysia, the university has long championed access to education across borders and she sees the Hoogenboom Scholarship as a natural extension of that mission. For the women who secure a place, she noted, the benefits will extend well beyond their studies: they will return to their home countries equipped not just with academic credentials, but with the networks, skills and confidence to become genuine leaders in their fields.

Study Location and Academic Environment

The programme will be delivered at the Lyell Centre, located on Heriot-Watt University’s Edinburgh campus. The Centre is recognised as one of Europe’s leading hubs for Earth and marine science and technology.

It strengthens Scotland’s research base and supports national and global priorities in sustainability, climate resilience and environmental protection. It also contributes to Scotland’s international development policy and initiatives. The Lyell Centre brings together leading academics, industry partners and international collaborators to address challenges including climate change, biodiversity loss and marine conservation.

Students will benefit from access to specialist facilities, applied learning opportunities and research projects designed to deliver real-world impact.

Comprehensive Scholarship Support

In addition to tuition fees, the scholarship will support students with living costs, including accommodation, visas and health insurance. Scholars will also receive access to mentorship programmes, industry placements and leadership development opportunities, ensuring graduates are equipped to drive positive change within their home countries and beyond.