The Leverhulme Trust has launched applications for the Keele University SURF Scholarship for candidates from low-income backgrounds to study in the UK.

The Keele University SURF Program is a fully funded opportunity that covers full tuition fees for five years, covering Master’s and Doctoral studies, living stipends at UKRI rate, and £10,000 allowance to support research.

Eligibility Requirements

To be considered for the Keele University SURF Program, you must:

  • have, or expect to achieve, at least a 2.1 honours degree. 

Leverhulme Trust criteria for Masters plus scholarships are:

  • Black African, Black Caribbean, Black Other, Mixed White and Black Caribbean, Mixed White and Black African or Other mixed background (including Black African, Black Caribbean or Black Other) heritage OR
  • Receipt of full maintenance loan or Special Support Loan during your undergraduate study

Benefits

  • The Keele University SURF Scholarship is fully funded for five years at UKRI rate for stipend, one-year Masters tuition fees and four years PGR tuition fees.
  • All scholarships include £10,000 allowance to support research activities and training.
  • Scholars will also benefit from funding to support cohort building activities.

Required Documents

To apply, candidates must be ready to submit the following documents;

  • Completed SURF Masters plus application from (downloaded from the SURF website).
  • CV
  • Academic transcripts/certificates
  • Passport
  • Language certificate (if applicable)
  • Contact details for two academic referees.

Method of Application

  • Click the button below to visit the scholarship webpage
  • Apply via online  the application portal. A link to the Keele online application form is available at: https://www.keele.ac.uk/surf/apply/
  • Applications are open to scholars from any relevant disciplinary background.
  • Applicants are invited to propose their own project for PhD study, or apply to the specific call below. Please contact surf@keele.ac.uk to discuss your project ideas.
  • Scholarships are available for scholars to enrol in any of the PGT programmes in October 2025.

Click Here to Apply

Application Deadline: August 18, 2025.