The Herchel Smith PhD Scholarships for 2023-24 is part of the Herchel Smith Fund’s highly competitive program designed to support outstanding students from outside the UK who want to pursue a PhD degree in the UK. Up to 60 fully-funded scholarships are available each year, making it a lucrative opportunity for those eligible to apply.
Overview of Program
The Herchel Smith PhD Scholarships are open to prospective international PhD students, who are enrolling for their studies in the autumn/winter of 2023-24. The scholarships are intended for ‘high-caliber’ applicants and offer financial support towards tuition fees, travel support, and a generous research allowance spread across 3 years of PhD studies.
The candidates’ PhD study must be connected to a field championed by the Herchel Smith Fund, including biology, physics, chemistry, mathematics, biomedical sciences, astronomical sciences, neuroscience, or archival studies. Applicants should also have obtained a first or upper-second-class honors degree or equivalent qualification, or have obtained equivalent experience.
In addition to the academic requirements, applicants must also demonstrate a commitment to the research field they are applying for, and provide evidence of their research potential. The Herchel Smith Fund also encourages applications from underrepresented groups, such as women, people with disabilities, and those from minority backgrounds.
Eligibility Requirements
In order to be eligible for the Herchel Smith PhD Scholarships, applicants must satisfy the following criteria:
- Applicants must not be UK/EU citizens
- Applicants must have obtained a first or upper-second-class honours degree in the relevant field, or obtained equivalent experience
- Applicants must be willing to pursue a full-time PhD course in one of the Herchel Smith Fund’s privileged fields at a UK host institution
- Applicants must guarantee that no other funding is available for their PhD project
- Applicants must not hold any existing restriction to accessing funds offered by the Herchel Smith Fund
In addition, applicants must demonstrate a commitment to the research project they are proposing and provide evidence of their ability to complete the project within the specified timeframe.
Application Process
Applications for Herchel Smith PhD Scholarships can only be made after the candidates’ formal application for a 600-credit research degree within one of the UK host institutions of the Herchel Smith Fund.
The selection process for these scholarships requires applicants to complete an online form and submit an accompanying Curriculum Vitae (CV), academic transcript, references (2-3) and an original short research proposal (of no more than 7,000 words). All documents should be submitted as part of an application form available on the Herchel Smith Fund’s website.
The Herchel Smith Fund will review all applications and select the most suitable candidates for the scholarship. The selection process is highly competitive and only the most outstanding candidates will be chosen. Successful applicants will be notified of their selection and will be invited to attend an interview with the selection panel.
Deadline for Submission
Applications for the Herchel Smith PhD Scholarships should be submitted no later than 1 May 2023. All applications must be accepted and endorsed by the intended UK host institution before they can be considered by the Herchel Smith Fund.
The Herchel Smith Fund will only consider applications that are complete and submitted before the deadline. Late applications will not be accepted. Applicants should ensure that they have all the necessary documents and information ready before submitting their application.
Types of Awards Available
The scholarships offered by the Herchel Smith Fund cover a range of expenses related to successful students’ PhD studies. Here is an overview of what is offered:
- Tuition fees: up to £20,000 per year
- Travel allowance: up to £3,000 per year for 3 years
- Research allowance: a bench fee of up to £4,000 per year
- Visa application: support covering visa application fees
- Contingency fund: a contingency fund of up to £1,000 per year
The Herchel Smith Scholarship covers all the above expenses and also includes membership of the University’s Institutional Postgraduate Advisory Team (IPAT), providing a unique opportunity for successful applicants to benefit from career development workshops and training.
In addition to the financial support, the Herchel Smith Scholarship also provides access to a network of alumni and mentors who can provide advice and guidance on career paths and research opportunities. This is an invaluable resource for students looking to make the most of their PhD experience.
Selection Criteria
Successful applicants will be selected based on a number of criteria including academic excellence, career potential, and experience. The Herchel Smith Fund will assess each application carefully and consider a wide range of factors such as grade point average and overall research proposal.
The Scholarship Selection Committee will also take into account applicants’ communication skills, leadership qualities, and versatility in tackling challenges relating to their chosen field of study. The selection process is highly competitive and is conducted in several stages.
Applicants should be aware that the selection process is rigorous and that only the most outstanding candidates will be successful. The Herchel Smith Fund is committed to selecting the best candidates for the scholarship and will be looking for evidence of a strong academic record, a clear research proposal, and a commitment to the field of study.
Possible Benefits and Opportunities
Receiving a Herchel Smith PhD Scholarship is a great recognition of academic achievement and carries with it a number of potential benefits and opportunities. Successful candidates may receive invitations to attend conferences and workshops organized by the Fund. They may also be eligible to receive additional research funding or have access to public engagement opportunities.
Besides benefiting from an extensive range of networking opportunities with leading experts in their field, recipients of the scholarships will also gain valuable experience and knowledge about career development, which can open up greater career prospects after graduating from their PhD studies. Such benefits will help successful candidates define their future research focus and give them an even greater chance of obtaining further grants in the future.
The Herchel Smith PhD Scholarship also provides a platform for recipients to share their research with the wider academic community. Through the Fund’s website, successful candidates can showcase their work and gain recognition for their achievements. This can be a great way to build a professional profile and make connections with other researchers in the field.
Contact Information
If you have any queries regarding these scholarships, please contact Heather Smith, Scholarship Manager at [email protected].
Heather is available to answer any questions you may have about the application process, eligibility criteria, and other related topics. She is also available to provide guidance and advice on how to make the most of your scholarship opportunity.
