The Robert Nicol Trust - The Robert Nicol Scholarship

Robert Nicol Scholarship

You will receive a one-off or annual grant of up to about 1,750 EUR (up to 1,500 GBP) for one year. Most grant amounts range from around 115 EUR to 1,750 EUR (100 to 1,500 GBP). The trustees will determine the exact amount based on your funding gap. The grant will initially run for up to one year. You can apply for an extension by submitting a progress report. The grant is provided by the Robert Nicol Trust, a small charitable educational organisation in Aberdeen that supports students from the region.

Who can apply

• Where you are from: You were born in the city or county of Aberdeen, or you lived there for at least five years immediately prior to submitting your application.
• Level: You are following a course of study that goes beyond school level. This includes Bachelor’s, Master’s and PhD programmes, as well as other advanced study programmes and research projects. Part-time programmes are also included.
• Where you study: You are studying or planning to study at a recognised institution in north-east Scotland. The board members may also support study in another location, if your circumstances require it.
• Field of study: Any subject.
• Nationality: Applicants of any nationality may apply, provided they meet the requirements regarding place of birth or residence in Aberdeen.
• Qualifications: You can demonstrate that you are qualified to teach the course you have proposed.
• Money: Here you can provide details of your budget, your income, your expenses and your funding shortfall.

How to apply

Please send the application form, together with two letters of reference, by post or email to the Secretary of the Board of Trustees. At least one reference must be from a teacher or academic who is familiar with your studies. The application deadline is 1. April for the May meeting and on 1 August for the September meeting. Applications received after 1 August will not be considered. If you are shortlisted, you must attend an interview in person on the day of the Board of Trustees’ meeting.

How realistic are your chances?

This funding is restricted to individuals with a connection to Aberdeen, so the pool of applicants is small compared to open scholarships. If you clearly meet the birth or five-year residence requirement and can demonstrate your funding gap, your prospects are good. As the foundation has only limited funds available, the grant amounts tend to be modest. The most important thing is to provide a clear, well-documented justification, and applying by the earlier deadline in April is advantageous.