British Federation of Women Graduates Charitable Foundation

BFWG Academic Award

You will receive a sum of one-off prize from £1,000 up to £6,000 (about 1,150 to 6,900 EUR), with most awards amounting to around £3,000 (approximately 3,450 euros). The number of awards varies each year depending on available funding and the quality of the applications; however, 5 to 8 are usually awarded. The money is paid out partly in the autumn and partly in the following spring. The British Federation of Women Graduates has been awarding these prizes since 1912 to recognise outstanding doctoral theses by women. This is a prize for excellent research, not a scholarship intended to provide financial support.

Who can apply

• Women only: The awards are intended for women.
• Your degree: You are aiming to obtain a PhD or a professional doctorate. Master’s students are not eligible to apply.
• Where you study: You are enrolled at a university in England, Wales or Scotland. Northern Ireland is not included.
• Residence: You currently live in England, Wales or Scotland. If you are undertaking a distance-learning course and are permanently resident abroad, you are not eligible to apply.
• Stage of study: At the time of application, you will normally be in the second year of your PhD (or the equivalent part-time programme).
• Field of study: All compartments are open.
• Nationality: Any nationality can apply.
• One try: You may only apply once – and that’s it.

How to apply

You must complete the application form and email it to the Foundation. You must also pay a non-refundable application fee of £25. The deadline for applications is 2 March at 09:00. A referee will then submit a report on your work. If you are shortlisted, you will be invited to a presentation day, which usually takes place in London in July. There, you will present your research for 8 minutes to an academic panel and answer their questions. The 2026 round has concluded; the 2027 round begins in early January 2027.

How realistic are your chances?

This award is granted solely on the basis of academic excellence; therefore, a well-researched piece of work and a clear presentation are of the utmost importance. The pool of applicants is restricted to female PhD students in England, Wales or Scotland who are applying in their second year of study, which means the pool is smaller than for open scholarships. With only 5 to 8 prizes awarded each year and an in-person oral presentation, the competition is extremely tough. A candidate with outstanding research who can explain it effectively to a jury of non-specialists has a genuine chance of success.