Introduction
As a King’s College London undergraduate, are you eager to begin your research career? The ideal starting point is the King’s Undergraduate Research Fellowship (KURF). Set for 2025, this summer program provides practical experience, a £1,500 stipend, and recognition—all while collaborating closely with leading academics. It’s your first academic experience, not simply a summer job.
What Is KURF?
KURF is King’s flagship summer research fellowship, designed to immerse students in real-world academic work. It spans a variety of disciplines—from Arts & Humanities to Engineering, Law, Dentistry, Nursing, and more opportunitiescircle.com+9scholarshipscorner.website+9scholarshipsfuture.com+9scholarshipsfuture.com+1kcl.ac.uk+1en.wikipedia.orgscholarshipscorner.website+10kcl.ac.uk+10kcl.ac.uk+10. Tailored support is baked in, with showcases and events designed for Widening Participation (WP) students, aiming for equitable access kcl.ac.uk+1careersandopportunities.com+1.
Program Highlights
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Stipend: £1,500 for around 150 hours of engagement kcl.ac.uk.
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Formats: Full-time 4 weeks, part-time over 4–8 weeks, or job-share schedules scholarshipregion.com+5careersandopportunities.com+5scholarshipsfuture.com+5.
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Recognition: Earn the title “King’s Research Fellow”, a digital badge, and a spot on your Higher Education Achievement Record (HEAR) opportunitiescorners.com+6scholarshipscorner.website+6scholars.truescho.com+6.
Fields & Disciplines Covered
KURF offers rich research across the full spectrum of King’s faculties:
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Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences – business, law, policy
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Life Sciences & Medicine, Dentistry & Nursing
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Psychology, Neuroscience & Engineering en.wikipedia.org+1opportunitiescorners.com+1.
Whether you’re coding in a lab or analyzing legal archives, there’s a fit for you.
Eligibility & Application
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Who? Current undergrads and integrated master’s students—first-year to final-year—including international students scholarshipscorner.website+3iyesf.com+3scholars.truescho.com+3.
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Limit: One application per student scholars.truescho.com.
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Requirements: Upload CV, transcript, statement, and references through King’s online portal .
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Deadline: 22 April 2025—mark your calendar scholarshipsfuture.com+2scholarshipscorner.website+2scholars.truescho.com+2.
Selection Process
Applications are assessed by a panel according to their academic standing, level of interest, and project alignment. Candidates that make the short list could be asked to an interview so they can discuss their motivations and ideas. After being chosen, they are paired with an academic supervisor.
What You’ll Do
As a KURF fellow, expect to:
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Assist in lab work, interviews, archives, or data analysis opportunitiescircle.com+9kcl.ac.uk+9opportunitiescorners.com+9opportunitiescorners.com.
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Produce a reflective report and present at a Posters in Parliament event.
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Gain a deeper understanding of how research shapes real-world outcomes.
Benefits Beyond Money
Yes, you get paid—but the real value goes deeper:
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Practical research skills that make your CV shine
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Networking via King’s Edge; events where you connect with employers scholarshipsfuture.com+7scholarshipscorner.website+7scholars.truescho.com+7careersandopportunities.com
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Formal credentials (HEAR, badge) to highlight scholarly achievement
Support for Diverse Students
KURF prioritizes equitable access: about 70% of participants come from WP backgrounds kcl.ac.uk+4careersandopportunities.com+4iyesf.com+4kcl.ac.uk+2opportunitiescorners.com+2careersandopportunities.com+2. Dedicated showcase events in Feb 2025—by faculty—offer tips on finding the right project, crafting your application, and responding to supervisor feedback .
Showcase Event
Held 18–20 February 2025, these faculty-focused panel sessions feature past fellows, supervisors, and staff offering guidance on:
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Project matchmaking
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Application strategies
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Supervising relationships
Get insider tips to stand out.
Student Testimonies
Fellows consistently report gains in:
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Confidence tackling independent research
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Clarity on career direction
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Connections with mentors and peer networks
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Competitive edge in applications and interviews
Tips for Applicants
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Pick a project that aligns with both your passion and resume
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Write a personal statement that’s genuine and focused
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Plan references from faculty or mentors early
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Tune in to showcases—they can help shape your application
Conclusion
KURF is a catalyst, not just a summer employment. This funded, respected, research-based fellowship is a huge step forward for anybody planning a PhD or looking to improve their employability. Simply submit your application by April 22, 2025, and you may become a published, respected scholar.
FAQs
1. Can first-year students apply?
Absolutely—KURF welcomes first to final-year undergrads.
2. Are international students eligible?
Yes—King’s undergrads of all nationalities can apply.
3. Do I need prior research experience?
No—your interest and motivation matter more than past exposure.
4. How are fellows selected?
Committees assess your application and academic fit; shortlisted candidates may attend a brief interview.
5. What is the HEAR record?
It’s King’s official academic transcript that records achievements like KURF, recognized by employers and grad schools.