HERIOT-WATT University has today announced a new international programme to support women from Sub-Saharan Africa through their postgraduate studies over the next five years.
The Hoogenboom Scholarship Programme will provide fully funded places for women whose education will deliver lasting impact in their communities and sectors.
The programme was made possible by The Orchard Foundation (Stichting De Boomgaard), co-founded and chaired by Dr Annemiek Hoogenboom, a Dutch businesswoman and philanthropist who co?founded Novamedia and launched the People’s Postcode Lottery in the UK.
The programme aims to empower women to address pressing environmental challenges, build capacity in key sustainability sectors, and deliver lasting global impact through education.
Professor Richard A. Williams, principal and vice-chancellor of Heriot-Watt University said: “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.
“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.”
The Master’s programme will run for five cohorts, beginning with the first intake in September 2026 and continuing to accept applications until early 2030 for the final cohort.
The Orchard Foundation, a philanthropic organisation based in the Netherlands, has gifted Heriot-Watt University €1.5m of funding over the next five years to support 30 scholarships.
Scholars will have the opportunity to pursue Master’s degrees including the MSc Global Environmental Change and Policy, the MSc International Marine Science, and the MSc Sustainable Energy.
Dr Annemiek Hoogenboom, co-founder and chair of The Orchard Foundation said: “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.”
The programme will prioritise applications from women who are nationals of Kenya, Zambia, South Africa, Botswana and Malawi.
This includes a strong alignment with Scotland’s international development focus on Zambia and Malawi. Applicants must also have completed their undergraduate studies at a member institution of the Association of Commonwealth Universities.
Provost and vice principal of Heriot-Watt University Dubai, Professor Dame Heather McGregor, said: “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.
“Scholarships targeted at women are not only an investment in individuals. They drive wider social and economic change.
“This programme will directly address these benefits by supporting some of the brightest female minds from across Africa’s most promising regions.
“I would encourage those interested to apply as soon as possible, as we expect great interest in this programme.”
The programme will be delivered at the Lyell Centre, based at Heriot-Watt’s campus in Edinburgh, one of Europe’s leading hubs for Earth and marine science and technology.
The centre strengthens Scotland’s research base and supports national and global priorities in sustainability, climate resilience and environmental protection, while also contributing to Scotland’s international development policy and initiatives.
It brings together world-leading academics, industry and international partners to tackle challenges such as climate change, biodiversity loss and marine conservation, offering students access to specialist facilities and applied learning with real-world impact.
The scholarship will also crucially help students with living costs, including accommodation, visas and health insurance, as well as access to mentorship, industry placements and leadership development.
