Keele University SURF Scholarship 2025 | Fully Funded Master’s + PhD Program in the UK
Are you from a low-income or underrepresented background and passionate about sustainable rural research? The Keele University SURF Scholarship 2025 in the UK offers a fully funded five-year academic pathway, covering both Master’s and PhD studies. This unique opportunity, funded by the Leverhulme Trust, is designed to support aspiring researchers from developing countries and underrepresented groups.
Scholarship Summary
- Host Country: United Kingdom (UK)
- Institution: Keele University
- Scholarship Type: Fully Funded (Master’s + PhD)
- Eligible Applicants: Students from Developing Countries, Low-income & Black Heritage Backgrounds
- Benefits: Full tuition, living stipend, £10,000 research allowance
- IELTS Requirement: Not mandatory
- Deadline: August 18, 2025
What is the Keele SURF Scholarship?
The Sustainable Rural Futures (SURF) Programme at Keele University is funded by the Leverhulme Trust and aims to develop a new generation of interdisciplinary researchers to tackle pressing challenges in rural sustainability. Through this program, successful applicants will complete a one-year Master’s degree followed by a four-year PhD, combining academic research with real-world impact.
The scholarship is part of the Leverhulme Trust’s initiative to increase access to higher education among individuals from historically underrepresented communities, especially those from Black African, Caribbean, or Mixed Black backgrounds or low-income households.
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Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the Keele University SURF Program, applicants must meet the following:
- Hold (or expect to earn) a minimum of a 2.1 Honours Bachelor’s degree.
- Be UK-domiciled and meet one or both of the following criteria:
- Identify as Black African, Black Caribbean, Black Other, or from a Mixed Black heritage background.
- Have received full maintenance loan or Special Support Loan during undergraduate studies.
Scholarship Benefits
Recipients of the Keele University SURF Scholarship will receive:
- Full funding for a five-year program:
- 1-year Master’s degree tuition
- 4 years of PhD tuition
- Living stipend at the UKRI rate
- A £10,000 research allowance for academic training and project-related activities
- Additional support for cohort-building activities and research collaboration
This scholarship not only provides financial support but also builds a strong academic network for early-career researchers.
Required Application Documents
Applicants must prepare and submit the following documents:
- Completed SURF Masters + PhD application form (downloadable via the SURF website)
- Updated CV
- Academic transcripts and certificates
- Valid passport copy
- Language proficiency certificate (if applicable)
- Contact details for two academic referees
How to Apply for the Keele SURF Scholarship 2025
Follow these steps to submit a complete application:
- Visit the official application portal: https://www.keele.ac.uk/surf/apply/
- Download and complete the application form.
- Prepare all required documents listed above.
- You may either:
- Propose your own PhD research project, or
- Apply to an existing advertised research project.
- Email your research proposal or queries to: surf@keele.ac.uk
- Submit your application before the deadline: August 18, 2025
Scholarships are open to candidates from all academic disciplines related to rural sustainability.
Why Choose Keele University?
Keele University, located in Staffordshire, UK, is renowned for its commitment to research, sustainability, and social inclusion. The SURF program reflects this ethos by empowering students from diverse backgrounds to tackle real-world rural development issues through innovative research and interdisciplinary learning.
Final Reminder
The Keele University SURF Scholarship 2025 offers a rare opportunity for underrepresented and low-income students to receive comprehensive support for graduate education in the UK. Don’t miss the chance to apply for this fully funded Master’s and PhD program that blends academic excellence with social impact.
Apply Now: https://www.keele.ac.uk/surf/apply/
Deadline: August 18, 2025
