ROBERT GARDINER MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIPS - Robert Gardiner Scholarship

Benefit

You will receive a living costs grant of about 11,300 EUR per year (GBP 9,619) for a postgraduate programme at the University of Cambridge in the United Kingdom. The grant covers your living costs but not your tuition fees. The funding covers the entire duration of your studies. The University of Cambridge pays out the grant and awards around four of these scholarships each year to students from Irish higher education institutions.

Eligibility

• Your background: You have completed a degree at a university in the Republic of Ireland or Northern Ireland, or are about to graduate. Graduates and current students of Trinity College Dublin are also eligible to apply.
• Level: You are starting a Master’s degree (MPhil) or a PhD at Cambridge.
• Timing: Applications must be submitted before enrolment. Students who are already studying at Cambridge are not usually eligible for funding.
• Study mode: Both full-time and part-time employment are taken into account.
• Field of study: All compartments are open.
• Grades: You need to have very good academic results. Scholarships are awarded on the basis of academic merit.
• Research focus: Preference will be given to applicants who are currently studying for a PhD or undertaking a Master’s degree programme which they intend to follow up with a PhD.

How to apply

You should apply for your degree programme via the University of Cambridge’s application portal. Tick the box to indicate that you wish to be considered for funding. The application deadline is 15 March. You will be notified of the outcome between April and July.

How realistic are your chances?

This scholarship is very narrowly defined. Only students from Irish or Northern Irish universities, as well as members of Trinity College Dublin, who are commencing postgraduate studies at Cambridge, are eligible to apply. This keeps the pool of applicants small. With only around four scholarships awarded each year and high academic standards, competition remains fierce. If you clearly meet the criteria, have a track record of outstanding academic achievement and are aiming for an academic career, your prospects are realistic, particularly as preference is given to applicants intending to pursue a PhD.