The Leverhulme Trust, in collaboration with Keele University, is now accepting applications for the Sustainable Rural Futures (SURF) Scholarship 2025.
This is a fully funded opportunity for candidates from low-income or Black heritage backgrounds to pursue a combined Master’s and PhD program at Keele University in the United Kingdom.
Scholarship Summary
- Host Country: United Kingdom (UK)
- Category: Postgraduate Scholarships | Masters Scholarships | PhD Scholarships
- Eligible Countries: Developing Countries
- Reward: Full Scholarship | Living Stipend | £10,000 Research Allowance
- IELTS Requirement: Not Required
- Deadline: August 18, 2025
Scholarship Details
The Keele University SURF Program, funded by the Leverhulme Trust, aims to train a new generation of interdisciplinary researchers equipped to address key rural challenges.
The program offers a 5-year fully funded pathway covering both a one-year Master’s degree and four years of PhD study. It is especially committed to improving representation by supporting scholars from low-income households and individuals of Black African, Caribbean, or mixed Black heritage.
Scholars will benefit not only from financial support but also from collaborative training, research funding, and structured cohort activities within a dynamic academic environment.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the Keele University SURF Scholarship 2025, applicants must:
- Hold or expect to achieve at least a 2:1 honours undergraduate degree
- Meet one or both of the following Leverhulme Trust criteria:
- Identify as Black African, Black Caribbean, Black Other, Mixed White and Black African, Mixed White and Black Caribbean, or other mixed heritage including Black backgrounds
- Have received a full maintenance loan or Special Support Loan during undergraduate studies
Scholarship Benefits
Successful applicants will receive:
- Full funding for five years (1 year Master’s + 4 years PhD)
- Tuition fees covered for both postgraduate programs
- Living stipend at UKRI rate
- £10,000 research allowance to support training and project-related activities
- Additional funding for cohort building and academic development
Required Documents
To apply, applicants must prepare and submit the following:
- Completed SURF Masters Plus Application Form (available on the SURF website)
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Academic transcripts and certificates
- Passport (valid ID)
- Language certificate (if required)
- Contact details for two academic referees
How to Apply
To apply for the Keele University SURF Scholarship 2025:
- Visit the official SURF application webpage via the link below
- Complete the online application using the Keele University portal: https://www.keele.ac.uk/surf/apply/
- Applications are welcome from candidates with backgrounds in any relevant discipline
- Applicants may either propose their own research project or respond to specific research calls on the site
- For project discussions, contact the SURF team at [email protected]
To begin the scholarship application process, click HERE
To receive more scholarship updates, click HERE
To join the EDUSPUR WhatsApp Channel, click HERE
