The Christine and Ian Bolt Scholarship 2026-27 is a postgraduate scholarship offered by the University of Kent to outstanding students pursuing taught or research degrees. This funded UK scholarship supports talented applicants with research related to the United States and offers funding of up to £10,000, making it an excellent opportunity for those wanting to study free in UK and conduct research with an American focus.
The University of Kent is one of the leading universities in the United Kingdom, offering students an excellent academic environment with world-class research opportunities. The Christine and Ian Bolt Scholarship was established in memory of Professor Christine Bolt, Emeritus Professor of History at the University of Kent, and is generously funded by her late husband, Ian Bolt. Through these international scholarships in UK 2026, students can advance their research, gain access to valuable resources, and further their academic careers.
Christine and Ian Bolt Scholarship Benefits
- Successful applicants will receive funding of up to £10,000.
- The scholarship can be used to cover tuition fees.
- Funding supports a sustained period of research in the United States for up to one year.
- Students who cannot travel to the USA may use the funding to access digital and electronic research materials from the United States.
- In exceptional circumstances, scholarship holders may apply for an additional year of funding.
- An excellent opportunity to conduct postgraduate research with support from a leading UK university.
Christine and Ian Bolt Scholarship Eligibility Criteria
- Applicants must hold an excellent bachelor’s degree with first-class or upper second-class (2.1) honours, or a master’s degree with merit or distinction.
- Applicants must hold an offer for September 2026-27 for a full-time or part-time postgraduate taught or postgraduate research degree at the University of Kent, or be a current Kent postgraduate student within an eligible academic school.
- Eligible academic schools include Kent Law School, School of Arts and Architecture, School of Humanities, School of Psychology, The Language Centre, School of Social Sciences, and degree courses within the Durrell Institute of Conservation and Ecology in the School of Natural Sciences.
- Applicants must have excellent written and oral communication skills.
- Candidates must be able to explain their research project clearly to a non-specialist audience.
- Applicants should demonstrate passion for their research and explain its wider value.
- Candidates must be willing to act as ambassadors for both the University of Kent and their academic subject.
- Preference will be given to applicants who have not had the opportunity to live or study in the United States for an extended period.
- Applicants must be available for a video interview via Microsoft Teams in late August or September 2026.
- Selection is based on academic excellence, achievements in the chosen field, and communication skills.
Required Documents
Applicants must submit the following documents:
- Research proposal of approximately 2,000 words.
- Curriculum Vitae (CV).
- Cover letter explaining why they wish to receive the scholarship.
- Names of two referees.
- Proposed budget showing how the scholarship funds will be used.
- Two academic reference letters written in English on official headed paper.
- All documents must be submitted in Microsoft Word or PDF format.
How to Apply for Christine and Ian Bolt Scholarship
- Apply through your Kent Vision portal.
- Prepare all the required application documents.
- Upload your research proposal, CV, cover letter, proposed budget, and supporting documents.
- Ensure your referees submit their academic references before the deadline.
- Submit all documents in Microsoft Word or PDF format.
- Review your application carefully before submission.
- Make sure to apply before the application deadline.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are the most frequently asked questions about the Christine and Ian Bolt Scholarship. These answers cover eligibility, benefits, deadlines, and how to apply.
What is the Christine and Ian Bolt Scholarship?
The Christine and Ian Bolt Scholarship is a postgraduate scholarship offered by the University of Kent for students pursuing taught or research degrees. It provides funding of up to £10,000 to support research with an American focus, including a sustained period of research in the United States.
Who is eligible for the Christine and Ian Bolt Scholarship?
Applicants must hold an excellent bachelor’s degree (first-class or 2.1) or a master’s degree with merit/distinction. They must have an offer for a postgraduate degree at the University of Kent for September 2026-27 or be a current Kent postgraduate student in an eligible academic school.
What are the benefits of the Christine and Ian Bolt Scholarship?
Successful applicants receive funding of up to £10,000, which can be used for tuition fees or to support a sustained period of research in the United States for up to one year. Students unable to travel may use the funds for digital research materials from the USA.
What is the deadline for the Christine and Ian Bolt Scholarship 2026-27?
The deadline to apply for the University of Kent Christine and Ian Bolt Scholarship 2026-27 is 9 August 2026.
How do I apply for the Christine and Ian Bolt Scholarship?
You must apply through your Kent Vision portal. Prepare a research proposal (approx. 2,000 words), CV, cover letter, proposed budget, and two academic reference letters. Upload all documents in Microsoft Word or PDF format before the deadline.
Which academic schools are eligible for this scholarship?
Eligible schools include Kent Law School, School of Arts and Architecture, School of Humanities, School of Psychology, The Language Centre, School of Social Sciences, and degree courses within the Durrell Institute of Conservation and Ecology in the School of Natural Sciences.
Can the scholarship funds be used for research outside the USA?
The scholarship is specifically designed to support research with an American element. It funds a sustained period of research in the United States or, for students who cannot travel, access to digital and electronic research materials from the United States.
Is the Christine and Ian Bolt Scholarship fully funded?
No, the scholarship is partially funded. It provides up to £10,000, which can be used for tuition fees or research expenses. It does not cover full tuition or living costs.
What documents are required for the application?
You need a research proposal of approximately 2,000 words, a CV, a cover letter explaining why you wish to receive the scholarship, names of two referees, a proposed budget, and two academic reference letters on official headed paper.
When will interviews be held for the scholarship?
Applicants must be available for a video interview via Microsoft Teams in late August or September 2026. Selection is based on academic excellence, achievements in the chosen field, and communication skills.
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