Information for individual applicants

We will consider funding requests from Sudanese and South Sudanese individuals undertaking postgraduate study in countries neighbouring Sudan and South Sudan, or in the UK, and who intend to return to work in Sudan or South Sudan as soon as circumstances allow.

Grants are usually only awarded for diploma, masters or doctoral courses. Applicants must demonstrate that completing the courses will enable them to contribute to the skills base of Sudan/South Sudan on their return. GMCTF may give preference to supporting subjects and areas of study of perceived value to Sudan/South Sudan.

Please note that we do not fund:

·         short training courses of a few weeks or months duration; or

·         requests for medical internship support.

In preparing your application, please bear in mind that GMCTF has very limited funds. The average value of our individual awards is around  £3,500. Our grants are given to help those who already have secured funds from other sources, but face a shortfall. Your application should make clear what other sources of funding will support your study.

To be eligible to apply for a grant, you must :

  • be a national of Sudan or South Sudan and normally reside in Sudan or South Sudan (though we are aware that at present applicants may be displaced by conflict).

  • have completed a first degree.

  • have achieved in that degree a minimum Grade Point Average (GPA) of 3.3 out of 4.0, or a minimum of an upper second class degree (2.1), or equivalent international qualifications.

  • have already secured admission to your chosen course.

  • be able to submit two eligible references in support of your application – see guidance below.

  • provide a budget outlining all costs associated with the proposed studies (eg, tuition, bench fees and maintenance) together with details of any additional funding secured towards the total. 

    • demonstrate that your chosen course will enable you to contribute to the skills base of Sudan or South Sudan.

    • demonstrate your intention to return to Sudan or South when circumstances permit.

Before starting to fill in the application form, please read carefully through the form, its notes, our selection criteria (outlined below) and the information available on this website - including the FAQs page. 

You cannot save the form and return later. We advise you to draft your responses in Microsoft Word (or other software), and paste them into the application form when you have collated all of the requested information.  

The closing date for submission of applications is Friday, 27th February 2026 (23:59 GMT).

Your application will be reviewed by our Trust Secretary – usually within 10 working days of submission. If it passes our initial eligibility checks, we will email you (please check junk/spam folders) with:

  • Your reference number.

  • Details of the supporting documentation (eg, proof of citizenship) we require.

  • A request for you to contact 2 eligible referees to provide letters of support. Their references should be on departmental letterhead and sent to us directly (secretary@gmctf.org) from an official email address.

References

Please refer your two referees to the Information for Referees page of our website. Your application will not be considered until we have received both references. References must be submitted by Friday, 6th March 2026 (23:59 GMT).

Selection criteria

Awards to individuals are based on the following criteria, which are weighted as indicated:

  • Your contribution to the future skills base of Sudan/South Sudan (25%) - we look particularly favourably on applications which show how the skills and knowledge which are acquired will have a wider effect, through being passed on to others and/or through developing their skills

  • Academic record (20%)

  • Your reason for studying your chosen course (15%)

  • Referees’ reports (10%)

  • Financial information (10%)

  • The overall impression of application (20%)