The Leverhulme Trust has launched applications for the Keele University SURF Scholarship for candidates from low-income backgrounds to study in the UK.
The Keele University SURF Program is a fully funded opportunity that covers full tuition fees for five years, covering Master’s and Doctoral studies, living stipends at UKRI rate, and £10,000 allowance to support research.
In this post, we will outline the details of the Keele University SURF Scholarship program, its benefits, requirements, and how to apply.
Keele University SURF Scholarship Summary
- Host Country: United Kingdom (UK)
- Study Abroad: Study in UK
- Category: Postgraduate Scholarships | Masters Scholarships | PhD Scholarships
- Eligible Countries: Developing Countries
- Reward: Full Scholarship | Living Stipend | £10,000 research allowance
- No IELTS Required
- Deadline: August 18, 2025.
Keele University SURF Scholarship Details:
Keele University’s Leverhulme-funded Sustainable Rural Futures Programme (SURF) will train a new generation of interdisciplinary rural researchers to tackle contemporary rural challenges.
The Leverhulme Trust is keen to support scholars form under-represented groups to study for a Masters and a PhD. We are inviting UK-domiciled applicants from either low-income and/or black heritage backgrounds to apply for a 5-year award.
Masters Plus scholars will complete a Keele Masters programme in the first year before moving onto 4-year PhD study.
Eligibility Requirements for Keele University SURF Program 2025
To be considered for the Keele University SURF Program, you must:
- have, or expect to achieve, at least a 2.1 honours degree.
Leverhulme Trust criteria for Masters plus scholarships are:
- Black African, Black Caribbean, Black Other, Mixed White and Black Caribbean, Mixed White and Black African or Other mixed background (including Black African, Black Caribbean or Black Other) heritage OR
- Receipt of full maintenance loan or Special Support Loan during your undergraduate study
Benefits of Keele University SURF Scholarship 2025
- The Keele University SURF Scholarship is fully funded for five years at UKRI rate for stipend, one-year Masters tuition fees and four years PGR tuition fees.
- All scholarships include £10,000 allowance to support research activities and training.
- Scholars will also benefit from funding to support cohort building activities.
Required Documents for Keele University’s Leverhulme-funded Sustainable Rural Futures Programme (SURF)
To apply, candidates must be ready to submit the following documents;
- Completed SURF Masters plus application from (downloaded from the SURF website).
- CV
- Academic transcripts/certificates
- Passport
- Language certificate (if applicable)
- Contact details for two academic referees.
How to Apply for Keele University SURF Scholarship 2025 (Step by Step)
To apply for the Keele University SURF Scholarship, interested and qualified candidates should;
- Click the link below to visit the scholarship webpage
- Apply via online the application portal. A link to the Keele online application form is available at: https://www.keele.ac.uk/surf/apply/
- Applications are open to scholars from any relevant disciplinary background.
- Applicants are invited to propose their own project for PhD study, or apply to the specific call below. Please contact surf@keele.ac.uk to discuss your project ideas.
- Scholarships are available for scholars to enrol in any of the PGT programmes in October 2025.