Keele University SURF Scholarship Program 2025 – Fully Funded Study in the UK

The Keele University Sustainable Rural Futures (SURF) Scholarship, funded by the Leverhulme Trust, offers a fully funded five-year academic pathway combining a Master’s and PhD program. It is designed to support outstanding candidates from low-income backgrounds and/or Black heritage to pursue postgraduate education in the United Kingdom.

This is an exceptional opportunity to study, research, and build a career in addressing rural and environmental challenges through an interdisciplinary academic lens.

🎓 Scholarship Overview

• Host Institution: Keele University, United Kingdom

• Funded By: Leverhulme Trust

• Program Duration: 5 years (1-year Master’s + 4-year PhD)

• Eligible Applicants: Students from developing countries or UK-domiciled students meeting the criteria

• Level: Postgraduate (Master’s + PhD)

• Reward:

  • Full tuition (Master’s + PhD)

  • Annual UKRI-level stipend for living expenses

  • £10,000 research allowance

  • Additional funding for training and cohort activities

• IELTS Requirement: Not mandatory

• Deadline: August 18, 2025

✅ Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for the SURF Scholarship, you must:

1. Hold or expect a 2:1 honours degree or equivalent.

2. Be UK-domiciled and:

   • From a Black African, Black Caribbean, Black Other, or Mixed heritage background including these groups
     OR

   • Have received full maintenance loan/Special Support Loan during undergraduate studies

3. Be interested in sustainable rural development research through any academic discipline.

💡 Scholarship Benefits

• Full coverage of one-year Master’s and four-year PhD tuition fees

• Living stipend at the UKRI rate throughout the 5-year program

• £10,000 grant to support research costs, travel, or fieldwork

• Support for training, development, and cohort building

📄 Required Documents

To apply, you’ll need the following:

• Completed SURF Masters Plus application form (downloadable via the program website)

• CV

• Academic transcripts and certificates

• Passport (or valid ID)

• Language proficiency certificate (if applicable)

• Two academic references (with contact details)

📝 How to Apply (Step-by-Step)

1. Download and complete the SURF Application Form from the SURF Program webpage.

2. Prepare your supporting documents: CV, transcripts, ID/passport, references, and language certificate (if needed).

3. Submit your application online through the Keele University portal.

4. Applicants are encouraged to propose their own PhD research topic or apply for a listed project.

5. For research proposal guidance or queries, contact: surf@keele.ac.uk

📅 Application Deadline

• Deadline to apply: August 18, 2025

• Scholarships are for October 2025 enrollment

🔗 Apply Now

👉 Click here to apply via Keele SURF Portal

This scholarship is ideal for individuals passionate about sustainable development and rural transformation, particularly those from underrepresented or financially disadvantaged backgrounds. With full financial support, mentorship, and research funding, Keele’s SURF program paves the way for impactful academic careers.