Introduction

Have you graduated from the University of Kent and are you interested in getting a PhD? Your key to success may lie in the Alumni Postgraduate Research Scholarship. This grant provides complete financing for PhD research only for Kent graduates, and the greatest part? Those who have been through the same hallways fully support it. This fellowship might help you start your research career with a purpose, regardless of your enthusiasm for AI, digital humanities, or climate science.

Background and History

Founded in 1995, this scholarship is a beacon of Kent’s commitment to nurturing its own. Funded by alumni, for alumni, it ensures that outstanding graduates can return to research, enriched by the community that shaped them x.com+9kent.ac.uk+9studyinuk.com+9studyinuk.com+1kent.ac.uk+1.

Scholarship Benefits

• Tuition fees covered at the UK home rate (£5,006 for 2025/26) kent.ac.uk+3kent.ac.uk+3studyinuk.com+3.

• Maintenance grant of £20,780 (2025/26 rate) to support living costs scholarshipregion.com+3kent.ac.uk+3gostudyin.com+3.

• Renewable funding up to 3.5 years upon good progress kent.ac.uk+1studyinuk.com+1.

That’s full financial support—tuition plus living stipend—for your entire PhD.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify, applicants must:

• Hold or be projected to receive a 1st/2:1 honour or Master’s degree (merit/distinction) from Kent en.wikipedia.org+2studyinuk.com+2gostudyin.com+2gostudyin.com+2kent.ac.uk+2studyinuk.com+2.

• Have a confirmed PhD offer (full- or part-time) from Kent for 2025/26 .

• Demonstrate community involvement – union roles, volunteering, societies, or committee representation studyinuk.com.

• Show strong communication abilities – able to explain your research to non-specialists and engage wider audiences .

Application Process

1. Receive your PhD offer from Kent by June 2025.

2. Complete application on your KentVision portal by 11 July 2025, 23:59 BST kent.ac.uk+2kent.ac.uk+2studyinuk.com+2.

3. Submit documents in Word or PDF only – CV, supporting statement (max 2 A4), and academic reference kent.ac.uk+1studyinuk.com+1.

4. Shortlisted candidates will attend video interviews on 30 July 2025 kent.ac.uk+4kent.ac.uk+4studyinuk.com+4.

Selection Criteria

The judging panel looks for:

• Exceptional academic track record

• Meaningful involvement in Kent’s community

• Passionate, clear research vision

• Ambassadorial potential to represent Kent well

Role and Responsibilities

Recipients aren’t just funded; they’re entrusted with the role of being emir (ambassadors) for Kent. You’ll:

• Speak at alumni events (up to two annually)

• Contribute to university publications

• Support fundraising drives en.wikipedia.org+10kent.ac.uk+10studyinuk.com+10studyinuk.com

This scholarship connects you with alumni and researchers, growing both your profile and network.

Benefits Beyond Funding

Winning doesn’t just ease your finances. You also gain:

• Access to Kent’s extensive alumni network

• Professional development workshops and events

• Stronger research credibility and opportunities

Success Stories

Consider Dr Sam Godfrey, a 2007 scholarship recipient. His PhD in biochemistry led to postdocs at Imperial College and roles at Cancer Research UK—an inspiring example of how far this award can take you gostudyin.com+1kent.ac.uk+1opportunitytracker.ug+3kent.ac.uk+3kent.ac.uk+3.

Comparison with Other UK Scholarships

How does this compare?

• ORS (Overseas Research Scholarship) covers international students but doesn’t offer ambassador roles en.wikipedia.org.

• Chevening and Fulbright target a broader global audience and often fund taught programs, not specific to alumni .

Kent’s scholarship remains unique: alumni-funded, alumni-focused, PhD-specific, and deeply embedded in community engagement.

Tips for Applicants

• Showcase authentic Kent involvement – societies, volunteering, leadership

• Write a non-jargon research proposal, highlighting public relevance

• Practice sharing your passion clearly—on screen—for the interview

Timeline for 2025–26 Applicants

• June 2025: Confirm your PhD offer

• 11 July 2025: Deadline for scholarship application

• 30 July 2025: Video interviews

• September 2025: Scholarship starts with the new academic year

How to Prepare

• Engage with events and conferences to reinforce your ambassador profile

• Connect with staff and alumni mentors in your field

• Draft and refine your statement well before the deadline

Conclusion

More than just financial assistance, the University of Kent’s Alumni Postgraduate Research Scholarship is a symbol of distinction, a community, and a dedication to the next generation of research leaders. This may be your chance if you’re a Kent alumnus who excels academically and has a passion for making a difference. In 2025, submit an application to join the legacy.

FAQs

1. Who can apply for the scholarship?
Kent alumni with a 1st or 2:1 degree or a merit/distinction Master’s, holding a PhD offer for 2025/26 kent.ac.ukstudyinuk.com+1gostudyin.com+1.

2. Is part-time PhD study eligible?
Yes—both full-time and part-time PhD candidates are welcome.

3. Is the maintenance grant taxable?
Typically funded by UKRI rates; tax status depends on your personal UK circumstances—check with your department.

4. What ambassador duties are required?
Recipients attend up to two alumni events per year and contribute to Kent publications studyinuk.com.

5. How does this compare with ORS or Chevening?
Kent’s is alumni-specific and PhD-focused, unlike broader programmes like ORS (international) or Chevening (taught master’s, global applicants).