Russell Trust Awards (Postgraduate Research)

Application period opens
Wednesday 13 November 2024
Application period closes
Wednesday 29 January 2025

The Fife-based Russell Trust was founded in 1947 in memory of Captain Pat Russell, an alumnus of the University of St Andrews who was killed in the Second World War. The Trust has been a supporter of the University for many years, providing generous contribution to fund scholarships and provide resources for Library computer clusters, MUSA and underwater archaeological research.

In 2024-2025, the Russell Trust will provide awards of up to £1,500 to PhD students to enable them to travel in order to carry out research for their PhD project. The awards are intended to cover travel costs in full or – where costs exceed £1,500 – to provide a substantial contribution to these.

Applications are particularly welcome from students who are required to undertake international travel in order to carry out their research.

To be considered for an award applicants must meet the following criteria:

  • Be registered for a PhD programme at the University. Students registered for taught degrees (Postgraduate Diplomas, MSc, MRes and MLitt) or Masters by Research programmes are not eligible to apply.
  • Funds are awarded to active research projects only; applications to assist with attendance at meetings/participation or attendance at conferences will not be considered. 

Applications for semester 1 will close on 29 January 2025, and for semester 2 on 28 May 2025.

Value of award (per year)

Up to £1,500 paid as maintenance

Duration of award

One-off payment during either semester 1 or semester 2.

Application restrictions

Study level

Available to students studying at:

Postgraduate

Domicile for fee status

No restrictions

Schools

Available to faculty members from:

Art History, Biology, Chemistry, Classics, Computer Science, Divinity, Earth and Environmental Sciences, Economics and Finance, English, Film Studies, Geography and Sustainable Development, History, International Relations, Management, Mathematics and Statistics, Medicine, Modern Languages, Philosophy, Physics and Astronomy, Psychology and Neuroscience, Social Anthropology, University of St Andrews Business School

Application assessment

Evidence based (e.g. sport/music/travel)

Available to

Current students

Mode of study

Full time, Part time - daytime

Geographical criteria

No restrictions

Additional criteria

To be considered for an award applicants must meet the following criteria:

  • Be registered for a PhD programme at the University. Students registered for taught degrees (Postgraduate Diplomas, MSc, MRes and MLitt) or Masters by Research programmes are not eligible to apply.
  • Funds are awarded to active research projects only; applications to assist with attendance at meetings/participation or attendance at conferences will not be considered. 

Applicants will be required to upload:

  • Project outline
  • Budget outline
  • Travel booking receipts
  • Reference from the applicant’s research supervisor

In the event that a referee prefers to submit their reference directly, they should do so via email to stlc@st-andrews.ac.uk. Applicants must then upload a document in the reference section of the portal stating who the referee is and noting that the reference has been sent directly.

How to apply

This scholarship is available through the Russell Trust Awards (Postgraduate) application in the Scholarships and Funding catalogue, in the Scholarships and Funding section in MySaint.

Scholarship application form guidance

Terms and conditions

Please read the University of St Andrews scholarships terms and conditions (opens in new tab)

If applying to this scholarship, please be aware of the following requirements:

  • Awards are made for the costs of travel only; not to assist with the payment of tuition fees, accommodation or any other expenses incurred during your trip.
  • Projects must have the support of the applicant’s supervisor.
  • Applications should relate to travel which takes place between 1 September 2024 and 31 August 2025.
  • Successful applicants are required to submit a report for the Russell Trust outlining the use of the funds and how their trip has benefitted their studies.
  • Please be aware that any application for funds may be partially awarded.
  • Awards cannot be made to students who have previously received the Russell Trust Award.

When will I know the outcome?

The outcome of your scholarship application will be available on View my applications in the Scholarships and Funding section in MySaint by mid-February (semester 1 applications) or mid-June (semester 2 applications).