Student Development Scholarships
- Level of study
- Any Postgraduate, Any Undergraduate
- Subject area
- Arts and Law, Engineering and Physical Sciences, Life and Environmental Sciences, Medicine and Health, Social Sciences
- Nationality
- EU, Overseas (Non-EU), UK
- Type of Award
- University
- Deadline for applying
- Closes 31/01/2025
Award Description
The Student Development Scholarships/Graduate Travel Scholarships provide financial support to enable students of the University to undertake worthwhile and original travel projects intended to further their personal or academic development. The awards aim to cover, or make a contribution towards the cost of a successful candidate's intended travel project. This may include (but is not necessarily limited to) accommodation costs, the cost of flights, insurance, VISA permit costs, inoculations, vaccinations and other medical requirements.
Frequently asked questions
What is meant by the term travel project?
The term refers to a worthwhile endeavour that is undertaken independently (i.e. outside the scope of your University programme). Projects should take place within the summer vacation period and will further your personal or academic development. Examples include volunteer projects in developing countries, research placements not connected to your course or simply travelling to conduct studies or gain experience in a field you have a specific interest in.
How are scholars selected?
Selection of candidates will be made by an interdisciplinary panel in the spring term. The selection process does not involve interviews and will be based primarily on the applicant's description and justification of the nature of the project and the expected impact the project will have on the applicant's personal and/or academic development. Support from the applicant's academic referee and the applicant's own contribution to the University will also be taken into account.
How will I be notified if I am successful?
All applicants will be notified of the outcome of their application via email by the end of May, once selections have been made. For successful candidates, you will be asked to supply bank details in this notification to enable us to arrange payment of your award.
What will be expected of me if I am successful?
Successful candidates will be expected to submit a report detailing the outcome of their travel project once it has been completed. Further details of this report will be provided to relevant candidates upon notification of their award.
Value of Award
The value of each award will vary depending on available funds and the estimated costs of an applicant's travel project.
Eligibility Criteria
The Student Deverlopment Scholarship is open to full-time registered students of the University undertaking worthwhile and original vacation projects (in the UK or abroad), which do not constitute an examinable part of their degree programme. The project or activity can be outside the applicant's own specific discipline, can be for academic or cultural purposes and should demonstrate originality and bring credit to the University. Applicants should also demonstrate academic excellence and fully describe and justify the nature of their project. This award is not available to students who are fully funded, for example through scholarships, Research Council awards or equivalent.
This scheme also encompasses the Graduate Travel Scholarship. These awards aim to meet the expenses, in whole or in part, of University of Birmingham graduates travelling abroad for the purposes of study. The scheme is open to those undertaking study abroad within a period of three years after receiving a first degree from the University. First degree students in their final year at the University may also apply. The award is not, however, intended to fund elective studies.
How to Apply
You can make an application using the Student Development Scholarship application form.
You are required to provide
- A description of your travel project
- Details of the cost of your travel project
- A statement on how this will aid your personal/academic development
- An academic reference which can be uploaded to your application form, or sent by email directly to fga@contacts.bham.ac.uk. For references that are sent by email, these will need to be submitted by the deadline.
Contact
Funding, Graduation & Awards
fga@contacts.bham.ac.uk
+44 (0)121 414 5130