Get funding for a research placement at a UK or Irish university
This funding scheme is for students enrolled on accredited degrees outside of the UK and Ireland and complements our existing undergraduate research bursaries for students in the UK and Ireland.
The International Student Research Bursary provides up to £2,750 for a penultimate-year student to travel to an accredited university, in the UK or Ireland, to carry out a 6–10 week research placement.
The awards give the experience of research to students who have demonstrated outstanding research potential, encourages them to consider a further career in scientific research, and facilitate international collaboration and cooperation.
It is also an opportunity for the host institution to raise its profile internationally and attract new talent.
What do previous participants think?
The experience I gained through the bursary while working at the University of Oxford has been diverse and unquestionably been the most important and rewarding component during my undergraduate life as it was my first time participating in research outside of my home institution. Through this placement, I have been able to use different instruments, gain much more knowledge from learning new techniques, more confidence and independence in my research work.
The application for the bursary was simple, which is a blessing in this time of increasing bureaucracy.
The positive impact is undeniable. It has helped me demystify and get a better grasp of research work, understand the dedication of researchers and discover research opportunities. The time spent here has equipped me with the confidence and skills that I need to embark on my third year with resolve and determination.
It was a surprise when I was contacted by Zainoura to pursue this studentship. I was wary that it would be more effort than it would be worth, but I have been pleasantly surprised. Furthermore, a collaboration with this student and her home institution is now underway.
The experience acquired with the bursary is incomparable and irreplaceable and I am sure that I will never experience something as amazing as that again.
The scheme has worked extremely well both for the student and for us as the host. I highly recommend expanding it in future so that more students and supervisors can benefit from this experience. Support has been excellent during the whole process (thank you!).
How do I know if I’m eligible?
In order to apply for the bursary, the following eligibility criteria must be met:
- Only one application may be submitted per student
- Students applying must be in the penultimate year of their studies (year 2 of 3 or year 3 of 4 of a BSc programme, or between years 1 and 2 in an MSc programme)
- Students must be registered on a Royal Society of Chemistry accredited degree outside of the UK and Ireland
- The host supervisor must be conducting research in the chemical sciences at a Royal Society of Chemistry accredited university located within the UK or Ireland
- No more than one student from an individual home institution will be funded per application cycle
How can I apply?
Open for applications from 2 January 2023
- Approach potential host supervisors to agree on a project and secure a place in their lab. Contact details for academic staff can usually be found on their university’s website.
- Apply using the application form below. You’ll need to include supporting information from both your host supervisor and your home institution. Information and guidance can be found in the documents below.
- Once your application has been submitted, we will review it and let you know our decision within four to six weeks.