The Keele University SURF Scholarship is a prestigious, fully funded opportunity designed to support aspiring postgraduate researchers from underrepresented and low-income backgrounds. Backed by the Leverhulme Trust, this five-year program offers a full tuition waiver for both Master’s and PhD studies, a living stipend aligned with UKRI standards, and a £10,000 research allowance. Scholars will also gain access to professional development, interdisciplinary research training, and community-building resources. If you are driven to explore sustainable rural futures and meet the eligibility criteria, this scholarship could define your academic and research career.
Scholarship Summary
- Host Country: UK
- Host University: Keele University
- Scholarship Category: Master’s Scholarships | PhD Scholarship
- Eligible Country: All Countries
- Scholarship Benefits: Tuition fee + £10,000, etc.
Scholarship Benefits of Surf Scholarship at Keele University
- Full tuition coverage for five years (1-year Master’s + 4-year PhD)
- Living stipend at the UKRI rate
- £10,000 research allowance for training and research activities
- Funding for cohort-building activities
Eligibility Requirements for Surf Scholarship at Keele University
Applicants must:
- Have or expect to earn at least a 2:1 honours undergraduate degree
- Be UK-domiciled and meet at least one of the following:
- From a Black heritage background (Black African, Black Caribbean, Black Other, Mixed White and Black backgrounds, or similar)
- Have received a full maintenance loan or Special Support Loan during undergraduate studies
Documents Required for Surf Scholarship at Keele University
Applicants need to submit:
- Completed SURF Masters Plus application form
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Academic transcripts and certificates
- Passport
- English language certificate (if applicable)
- Contact details for two academic referees
Scholarship Deadline
Deadline to apply: August 18, 2025
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How to Apply for Surf Scholarship at Keele University
- Download and complete the SURF Masters Plus application form from the official SURF website.
- Prepare your supporting documents.
- Access the online application portal on the Keele University website.
- Submit your completed application form and documents through the portal.
- Propose your PhD research project, or respond to one of the open calls listed.
- Contact the SURF team at surf@keele.ac.uk if you need guidance on your proposed project.
- Ensure all materials are submitted before the deadline: August 18, 2025.
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FAQ About Surf Scholarship at Keele University
Q1: Who can apply for the SURF Scholarship?
A: UK-domiciled students from low-income or Black heritage backgrounds who hold, or expect to hold, at least a 2:1 undergraduate degree.
Q2: What does the scholarship cover?
A: Full tuition for a one-year Master’s and a four-year PhD, UKRI-standard living stipend, £10,000 research allowance, and funding for cohort activities.
Q3: Do I need to have a PhD project proposal ready?
A: Yes. You may submit your own project idea or apply to one of the specified project calls.
Q4: Is IELTS required?
A: No, IELTS is not required if your previous education was in English or you meet language exemption criteria.
Q5: How long is the program?
A: The scholarship covers five years in total — one year of Master’s study followed by four years of PhD research.
Q6: When is the application deadline?
A: The final date to apply is August 18, 2025.
Q7: Where do I apply?
A: Applications must be submitted through the Keele University online application portal, using the official SURF application form.
Q8: Can I apply from any academic background?
A: Yes. Applicants from all relevant disciplines are welcome to apply, especially those interested in rural and interdisciplinary research.
Q9: Can international students apply for the SURF Scholarship?
A: No. The scholarship is only open to UK-domiciled applicants who meet the eligibility criteria related to income or heritage background.
Q10: What academic programs are eligible under the SURF Scholarship?
A: You must enroll in a Keele University postgraduate taught (PGT) Master’s program in Year 1, followed by a PhD program aligned with the Sustainable Rural Futures theme starting in Year 2.
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