Kerr-Fry Bequest - Kerr-Fry Awards

Kerr-Fry Awards

You will receive a research grant from the University of Edinburgh to fund research or experimental work on a topic of your choice. The amount of the grant is determined on a case-by-case basis and is not disclosed in advance. For projects lasting longer than one year, the grant may be extended if you submit a progress report. The funding comes from the Kerr-Fry Legacy, a trust that supports people in developing ideas or undertaking research later in life when they are unable to give up their regular job to make time for it. Rather than funding a full second degree, the committee prefers to support a specific area of study, such as a single project as part of a degree programme or a short course to acquire a particular skill.

Who can apply

You must meet all four of the following conditions:

• Scottish connection: You were born in Scotland, have Scottish ancestry or can demonstrate a clear connection to Scotland.
• Age: You are at least 25 years old.
• School: You attended George Watson’s College in Edinburgh for at least three years.
• University: You graduated from the University of Edinburgh.
• Field of study: Any topic is possible. We particularly welcome practice-oriented projects that do not merely lead to a qualification.

How to apply

Please complete the Kerr-Fry application form and send it to the ‘Scholarships and Student Funding’ department at the University of Edinburgh. A selection panel will assess the applications against the published criteria.

How realistic are your chances?

This award has very strict eligibility criteria. You must have a connection to Scotland, have spent at least three years at a specific school in Edinburgh, hold a degree from Edinburgh, and be over the age of 25, meaning that very few people qualify. If you meet all four criteria and can describe a specific, clearly defined project (ideally a practice-oriented project rather than a full second degree), your chances are good, as the pool of eligible candidates is very small.