British Federation of Women Graduates (BFWG) - British Federation of Women Graduates (BFWG) Scholarships

BFWG Academic Awards

You will receive a one-off grant of between 1,000 GBP (about 1,150 EUR) and 6,000 GBP (about 6,900 EUR), with most grants amounting to around 3,000 GBP (approx. 3,450 EUR). The grant is paid in two instalments: the first in the autumn of the year in which you are awarded the grant, and the second in the following spring. Each year, between 5 and 8 grants are awarded, depending on the funds available and the quality of the applications. The British Federation of Women Graduates (BFWG), an organisation for women with university degrees, awards these scholarships solely on the basis of academic merit; they therefore recognise outstanding research work rather than financial need.

Who can apply

• Degree level: You are aiming to obtain a PhD, whether in research or in a professional context. Master’s students are not eligible to apply.
• Stage of study: When you apply, you will usually be in the second or third year of your PhD.
• Women only: The awards are intended for women.
• Where you study: You are enrolled at a university in England, Wales or Scotland. Universities in Northern Ireland are not included.
• Residence: You live – at least temporarily – in England, Wales or Scotland. Distance-learning students residing abroad are not eligible to apply.
• Field of study: All participants are eligible to take part.
• Nationality: Any nationality can apply.
• One attempt: You may only apply once. It is not possible to reapply in a subsequent year.

How to apply

Please download the application form and email it to the BFWG. You must also pay a non-refundable fee of 25 GBP (approx. 29 EUR) via PayPal. The application deadline is 2 March at 9:00. If you are shortlisted, you will be notified by early July and will then give a 8-minute presentation on your research to a panel of academics – usually in London. The final decision will be made in June or July.

How realistic are your chances?

The target group is narrowly defined: only women who are studying for a PhD at a university in England, Wales or Scotland and are in the relevant academic year. With 5 to 8 scholarships available each year, the pool of candidates is small but very real. The key selection criteria are academic excellence and how well you present your research. If you clearly meet the criteria and can speak confidently about your work, your chances are good.