Scholarships

The University has a number of awards for UK/EU and overseas candidates starting a one-year Masters programme in 2013 and for PhD study, some of which are region- and country-specific scholarships. Interested candidates are strongly urged to apply. See the Postgraduate Prospectus - scholarships page

Mo Ibrahim Foundation MSc scholarship in Governance and State-building.

The International Development Department is pleased to announce an exciting opportunity to undertake the MSc in Governance and State-building, followed by a six-month internship at IDD and six months with the Mo Ibrahim Foundation in London with a full scholarship. Applicants must have the equivalent of a first class UK bachelors degree and be African nationals domiciled (or permanent residents) in an African country. Preference will be given to scholarship candidates living in Sub-Saharan Africa. More information about the Mo Ibrahim Foundation scholarship.

Applications must be received through the University online application system, accessed via www.birmingham.ac.uk by the 31st May 2013. In addition to the normal University requirements for supporting documents, candidates must also upload a 500 word statement and CV. This statement should set out why the applicant is the best candidate for the scholarship. Candidates must also send an email to Mrs Debra Beard (d.l.beard@bham.ac.uk) informing IDD of their wish to be considered for the scholarship. Please include ‘Mo Ibrahim Scholarship’ in the subject line of the email.

Commonwealth Shared Scholarship for IDD on-campus taught masters programmes

The University has a Shared Commonwealth Scholarship for which IDD candidates are encouraged to apply. Information is available from the  Scholarships webpages.

Bursaries for IDD on-campus taught masters programmes - applications for 2013/14

In 2013-14, IDD will award up to two bursaries to UK / EU applicants to cover up to 50% of the successful applicants' tuition fees. Selection will be based on academic merit. If you wish to be considered for a bursary, please state this on your postgraduate application form and also submit:

  • A covering letter outlining why you are applying and why you should be selected as a bursary recipient
  • Your CV
  • Two references (at least one of the referees should be able to comment on academic performance). Please note that if you already have an offer of a place on one of the International Development Department programmes, you do not need to re-send these references.
  • A short essay, maximum 1500 words, on a topic of your choice related to poverty reduction, development, governance or public sector management

If you have already applied for a postgraduate course at IDD but wish to considered for the scholarship, there is no need to complete another application form. Please send your CV, a covering letter, two references and essay. Remember to clearly state your name and which course you have applied for.

Applications should be received by IDD’s postgraduate office by 13 May 2013.

Debra Beard - Postgraduate Admissions Manager
Tel: +44 (0)121 414 5034, Email: d.l.beard@bham.ac.uk

Bursaries for IDD degrees by research - applications for 2013/14

IDD will be nominating PhD applicants for the following two awards:

  • University of Birmingham Elite Doctoral Scholarships for overseas candidates. Nominations must be made by 14 January 2013, so applicants are encouraged to apply to IDD by early December 2012.
  • Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) postgraduate studentships. Nominations by IDD must be made by the end of February 2013, so applicants wishing to be considered for nomination should apply to IDD by mid-January 2013.
  • The School of Government and Society bursaries. These awards vary; they have usually been worth 50% of the fee payable, with the opportunity for renewal, subject to satisfactory performance. The date by which applications should be made to IDD for 2013 entry will be announced in early 2013.

Trisha Carr - Doctoral Research Student Administrator
Tel: +44 (0) 121 414 6346, Email: p.a.carr@bham.ac.uk

Other scolarships and bursaries at IDD

In-Country scholarships and government awards

The large majority of study fellows are funded by their own organisation, the British Council or an associated funding source.

Opportunities vary from country to country and the British Council is best placed to advise on potential funding opportunities for you. Contact details of all British Council offices can be found on the British Council website

Grant-making bodies

Many grant-making bodies have funds available for international students to undertake postgraduate study in the UK. Awards vary greatly according to the subject area and to the country of the applicant.

The Directory of Social Change provides a comprehensive guide to funding possibilities.

Donor agencies

Many bi-lateral and multi-lateral donor agencies offer awards for students to undertake postgraduate study in the UK. These include the World Bank, UN agencies such as UNICEF, UNESCO or UNDP, and the European Commission.

Many of these agencies have local offices and you are advised to address them first to ask about funding opportunities for students from your country.

Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC)

IDD is recognised by the British Economic and Social Research Council as a centre of excellence for postgraduate research and for training in research methods.

Eligible applicants may apply to the ESRC for funding to undertake research (+3) and should contact the ESRC directly for information.

(Please note that in order to be considered for an ESRC scholarship, you will need to be nominated by the School of Government and Society.)

Rotary Foundation Ambassadorial Scholarships

'Ambassadorial Scholarships, the Rotary Foundation's oldest and best-known program, is the world's largest privately funded international scholarships program. Nearly 800 scholarships were awarded for study in 2005-06. Through grants totaling approximately US$500 million, recipients from about 70 countries studied in more than 70 nations.

'The purpose of the Ambassadorial Scholarships program is to further international understanding and friendly relations among people of different countries and geographical areas. While abroad, scholars serve as goodwill ambassadors to the host country and give presentations about their homelands to Rotary clubs and other groups. Upon returning home, scholars share with Rotarians and others the experiences that led to a greater understanding of their host country.'

Rotary Foundation's Ambassadorial Scholarships