The 2025 Keele University SURF Scholarship Program, funded by the Leverhulme Trust, offers a fully funded opportunity for UK-domiciled applicants from low-income backgrounds and/or black heritage to pursue Master’s and Doctoral studies in rural research.
- 🎓 Fully funded for five years covering Master’s and PhD studies
- 🌍 Aimed at interdisciplinary rural researchers
- 💼 Includes £10,000 research allowance
- 💰 Living stipends at UKRI rate
- 📅 Application deadline: August 18, 2025
Designation
Keele University SURF Scholarship
| Category | Description |
|---|---|
| Funding Organisation | Leverhulme Trust |
| Degree Level | Master’s and PhD |
| Scholarship Value | Fully funded for five years, covering tuition, living stipends at UKRI rate, and £10,000 research allowance |
Research Area
Sustainable Rural Futures – Tackling contemporary rural challenges through interdisciplinary research.
Location
Keele University, United Kingdom
Eligibility/Qualification
To be eligible for the Keele University SURF Scholarship Program, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- UK-domiciled applicants from low-income and/or black heritage backgrounds
- Hold, or expect to achieve, at least a 2.1 honours degree
- One of the following:
- Black African, Black Caribbean, Black Other, Mixed White and Black Caribbean, Mixed White and Black African, or Other mixed background heritage
- Receipt of a full maintenance loan or Special Support Loan during undergraduate studies
Description
The Keele University SURF Scholarship is a five-year program that covers tuition fees, living stipends, and offers a £10,000 allowance for research activities. Scholars will undergo a Master’s program in the first year before transitioning to four years of PhD study. The program aims to foster a new generation of rural researchers and is particularly focused on supporting individuals from under-represented groups.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should follow these steps to apply:
- Complete the SURF Masters plus application form (available on the SURF website).
- Prepare and submit the required documents, including:
- CV
- Academic transcripts/certificates
- Passport
- Language certificate (if applicable)
- Contact details for two academic referees
- Apply through the online application portal here.
Last Date for Apply
August 18, 2025
