International Student Research Bursary
Open for applications from 1 November 2026.
This funding scheme is for students enrolled on accredited degrees outside of the UK and Republic of Ireland and complements our existing undergraduate research bursaries for students in the UK and Republic of Ireland.
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What do previous participants think?
The RSC International Student Research Bursary gave me the opportunity to deepen my interests in mechanism-driven organic synthesis, catalysis and medicinal chemistry through hands-on research in an international environment. The experience strengthened both my experimental skills and my ability to analyse reactivity and troubleshoot problems independently, and it confirmed my ambition to pursue further research in organic and medicinal chemistry, with the long-term aim of contributing to academic or pharmaceutical R&D.
Yixuan Feng, Universiti Malaya
Participating in the International Student Research Bursary program was truly a life-changing experience. Beyond acquiring high-level technical training and developing critical laboratory and analytical skills, this placement completely reshaped my perspective on academic research and international science.
Working alongside a collaborative research group boosted my confidence, broadened my professional horizons, and gave me a clearer vision for my future. The knowledge, mentorship, and global connections I gained during this time will permanently impact my career and identity as a chemist. I am deeply grateful for this opportunity and highly recommend the bursary to any student looking to elevate their academic and personal journey.
Jeevani Yelisetty, UNICAMP Universidade Estadual de Campinas
"The program was a once-in-a-lifetime experience for me - both to be in the UK for the first time and to live there for the duration. The supervisor was great fun to work with and I got to explore places that I could only see on screen before. Overall it was very exciting and I would encourage everyone to try it."
Mark Soesanto (student), Institut Teknologi Bandung
What can I request funding for?
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 Republic of 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, encourage 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.
Eligibility
Please note that meeting the eligibility set out in these guidelines will not automatically result in you being entitled to or offered a bursary. Allocation of a bursary shall be at our absolute discretion. 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 Republic of Ireland
- The host supervisor must be conducting research in the chemical sciences at a Royal Society of Chemistry accredited university located in the UK or Republic of Ireland
- No more than one student from an individual home institution will be funded per application cycle
- Student applicants must be RSC members at the time of the application deadline and for the duration of the bursary period. Student membership is free and it is very quick and easy to join. For more details, please see our membership page
- The project must not count towards the student’s academic credits i.e. contribute to a research project at the students home institution or be used for expeditions
How to apply
Applications should not be submitted before 1 November 2026. The closing date for receipt of applications is 5 pm (UK time) on Friday 5 February 2027.
The main applicant for the International Student Research Bursary should be the student, who is responsible for securing a placement at a host institution and proposing a host supervisor. The student should also nominate a supporter from their home institution. This will normally be the student’s personal tutor or academic advisor.
The application will consist of three parts:
- Student information form (completed by the student)
- Supervisor information form (completed by the host supervisor)
- Supporter information form (completed by the student’s supporter from the home institution)
For more information on the information required in the application form, please see the guidance document for applicants.
Review process and Assessment criteria
All applications will undergo an initial check by RSC staff. Applications will not proceed to peer review if:
a) You do not meet our eligibility criteria (see section on eligibility above)
b) Your application is incomplete
c) Your application does not adhere to the length limits instructed in the application system
Decisions will be by members of the Committee for Accreditation and Validation. The scheme is competitive and applications will be judged on the merits of the student and the scientific merit of the project. Decisions made by the Committee for Accreditation and Validation are final.
The assessment criteria are:
a. Situation of the student
Reviewers will assess the student’s aptitude and interest in practical work; their academic abilities; career ambitions and how much this project is likely to benefit them.
b. Suitability of the project
In addition to high-quality science achievable in the time available, the project must be suitable for the student’s skill level, whilst providing an appropriate level of challenge. It should give the student experience in a range of techniques and concepts.
c. Supervisor support
The application should demonstrate how the student will be given the support they need to make the most of their time in the lab. The application should also take into account provision of adequate resources to train and supervise the student.
Apply now
Approach potential host supervisors to agree to a project and secure a place in their lab. Contact details for academic staff can usually be found on university websites and can also be found in our list of interested supervisors who have expressed an interest
Apply using the application form - please note that all forms must be completed and submitted by email, by 5 pm (UK time) on Friday 5 February 2027. It is the student's responsibility to ensure the host supervisor and supporter complete their application forms on time.
Once your application has been submitted, we will review it and let you know our decision within four to six weeks and by 31 March 2027
- If you need to withdraw your application, you must let us know as soon as possible
- Read our further guidance
Contact our accreditation team
We're here to help. For all queries about accreditation, please get in touch.
After your placement
The student and the host supervisor must complete a short report via a feedback form within four weeks of the end of the placement. The student and the supervisor should familiarise themselves with the feedback form at the start of the project, to ensure they can provide all requested information.
The student will be required to submit an account of the travel, accommodation and subsistence expenses within four weeks of the end of the placement. Where possible, this should include receipts. A template will be provided for this purpose. Any unused funds will be repaid to the RSC.
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