John Loiello AFSOAS FISHL Scholarship

The John Loiello Scholarship was originally established by American Friends of SOAS (AFSOAS), and is named after alumnus John Loiello, a founding Board member and benefactor of AFSOAS. 

Now, thanks to the support of a generous individual and International Student House, the Scholarship has been reestablished and in 2025-26 is offering an American student the life-changing opportunity to study a full-time, one-year taught Master's programme at SOAS in London. This award covers tuition fees in full and accommodation is generously provided by the International Students House (ISH). 

This accommodation will consist of a standard single room with shared bathroom and kitchen facilities, and free brunch at weekends.

Eligible programmes 

• Any full-time 1-year taught master’s degree programme. Part-time and 2-year courses are not eligible. 

Candidate criteria 

To apply for the scholarship, applicants must: 

• have an unconditional or conditional offer to study for a full-time, 1-year taught master’s programme at SOAS by the time of the scholarship panel stage 
• have not been awarded a master’s degree previously 
• be ordinarily resident in the United States of America
• have graduated from a US high school and have obtained their undergraduate degree at a US College or University 
• have an unweighted GPA of at least 3.50 in their undergraduate degree 
• be able to demonstrate financial need
• provide clear intentions of how they would plan to give back to SOAS as a student and alum 

Candidate assessment 

• The assessment will be based on the information in your scholarship application and your admission application to study at SOAS. Selectors will be looking at undergraduate GPA, financial need, statement of intent and other relevant information. 
• Candidates will be assessed on the quality of their applications by a Selection Panel consisting of three academic members. 
• In your application, you need only share information about yourself which you are comfortable sharing. You are not expected to reveal difficult experiences or any personal information which you feel is unrelated to your application for this scholarship. 

Notification of results 

The scholarship shortlisting and awarding period is expected to be completed by the end of April 2025, at the earliest. Successful candidates will be contacted first and once all awards have been allocated, the unsuccessful candidates will be notified. 

Scholarship application deadline 

• Applications must be submitted no later than 12:00 PM (midday UK local time) on 7 February 2025. 
• Late or incomplete applications will not be considered. 
• You must submit a complete online application to your programme of study as soon as possible and then submit an electronic application for the scholarship. 
• Applicants applying for scholarships must also submit an application for admission well in advance. Please note that complete applications for admission can take up to 4 weeks to be considered by the Department, although this duration can vary depending on the time of year. You should be prepared to wait up to 6 weeks in busy periods. 

Scholarship application procedures

Applicants should follow the following steps: 

Step 1: Apply for your programme 

Please find guidance on how to apply for your programme and what makes a complete application. 

Step 2: Apply for the scholarship 

You must apply for this scholarship by 12:00 PM (midday UK local time) on 7 February 2025 via the online scholarship application form. 

Enquiries 

• Email: scholarships@soas.ac.uk