Funding for international applicants can be competitive, however, there are a variety of options available. The information below sets out some of the types of funding available to International applicants, mainly the DFID Shared Scholarship Scheme and taught MSc funding available through the School: ie the Schools of History and Anthropology; School of Maths and Physics; and Queen's University Management School scholarships. Please click on the links below.
There may be scholarships available in other Schools not listed here so it is recommended that you check the School websites directly. There are other external funding sources detailed below which can give applicants an idea of who to contact and what might be available.
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DFID Shared Scholarship Scheme - competition for 2013-14 entry now open
The aim of the scheme is to assist students of excellent academic calibre from developing Commonwealth countries who would benefit from higher education in the United Kingdom, to the developmental advantage of their home countries, but who, for financial reasons, are unable to study in Britain and are outside the scope of other British Government Support Schemes.
DFID awards include air fares to and from Belfast, tuition fees and a maintenance allowance. Queen's University will assist award-holders in finding accommodation, but students are responsible for covering this out of their maintenance allowance.
Some Schools in Queen's may have studentships / bursaries available outside the centrally allocated awards. Below are details of some, but not all, of the current funding available from Schools. Applicants should ensure that they check the Schools websites for details of available School funding.
British Chevening Awards
The aim of these awards is to bring to the UK present and future leaders, decision-makers and opinion-formers, including particularly able students from countries with which the UK’s economic relations are expected to develop. Preference is given to candidates already established in a career. Awards are given annually to students from a wide variety of countries and can cover all or part of the cost. You must be resident in your home country when you apply for an award.
Some of the awards are jointly funded with private companies, universities, trusts, foundations and other grant-making organisations. These are usually advertised locally in those countries where the awards are offered.
Contact the International Office, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast BT7 1NN (e.mail international@qub.ac.uk)
Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan
You may be eligible for these awards if you are a citizen of either a Commonwealth country or a British dependent territory. The awards are for postgraduate study or postgraduate research. Awards are from one to three years and usually cover the cost of travel, tuition and living expenses. In some cases additional allowances may be available for help with books or clothes. An allowance may be paid to help you with the cost of maintaining your spouse.
To apply, contact the Commonwealth Scholarship Agency in your own country. (Addresses of Agencies are listed in the Commonwealth Universities Yearbook, Appendix II) If you are already in the UK contact the Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU), John Foster House, 36 Gordon Square, London, WC1H 0PF for general information and advice on where to get an application form.
British Council Fellowship Programmes
These awards are for postgraduate study or postgraduate research and range from short attachments to research leading to a PhD. The awards vary in size from small grants to fellowships which will cover tuition fees and living expenses.
The British Council Director in your own country decides the subject areas that will be eligible for an award and selects the candidates. You must apply to the British Council office in your own country for an award and you usually need to be a national and resident of the country where you are applying. If you are considered for a grant, you will be interviewed in your own country.
To apply, contact the British Council Office.
SOURCES OF FUNDING FOR SPECIFIED NATIONALS
George J. Mitchell Scholarships - US Citizens
The US-Ireland Alliance has established a prestigious, competitive, national scholarship to enable American university students to study at universities on the island of Ireland. The George J. Mitchell Scholarships, named in honour of the former Senator's pivotal contribution to the Northern Ireland peace process, are intended to interest and involve the next generation of America's leaders in the US-Ireland relationship. These Scholarships will allow Americans to pursue one year of post-graduate study at institutions of higher learning in Ireland and Northern Ireland.
The Scholarships will be awarded to students who have shown both academic distinction and the potential for leadership. There are no restrictions as to academic field of study.
The brochure and application for these scholarships can be obtained at www.us-irelandalliance.org/scholarships.html
British Marshall Scholarships - US Citizens
The Scheme was set up as a practical expression of the British people's appreciation of the aid given by the USA under the Marshall Plan. Up to 40 new awards are made each year.
The awards are open to US citizens under 26 years old who are graduates of US universities, to undertake study in any subject leading to a degree at a UK university. Awards are made on a competitive basis and are for two years in the first instance, renewable for a third year in certain circumstances. The awards cover air fares, tuition fees, maintenance, book, thesis and travel allowances.
Application forms are obtainable from US universities and colleges, or from British Consulates General in the USA, or British Information Services, 845 Third Avenue, New York, NY 10022, USA.
If you are already in the UK, contact Marshall Aid Commemoration Commission, John Foster House, 36 Gordon Square, London, WC1H 0PF or visit www.mashallscholarship.org or contact 1 800 488 2235 or email: marshall.scholar@us.britishcouncil.org
Fulbright Scholarships - US Citizens
American citizens with a minimum of 3.5 GPA in their Bachelors degree should apply for Fulbright awards for study in the UK. Some awards are subject specific, e.g. MBA’s, Pharmaceutical Studies, Fashion Design and Teaching English as a Foreign Language. Details and application forms are available on www.fulbright.co.uk/awards/index.html from The Institute of International Education, 809 United Nations Plaza, New York, NY 10017-3580, USA. Telephone (212) 984 5330. Closing date for applications is in October of the preceding year of study. Information is also available on www.fulbright.co.uk/
Mary McNeill Scholarship - US and Canadian Citizens
One scholarship worth £3,000 is available for students who have applied for and been accepted on to the MA in Irish Studies.The closing date for return of completed application forms is 31 May in the year of proposed entry. Full details and application form are available from the Institute's website at the following link:
http://www.qub.ac.uk/schools/IrishStudiesGateway/ProspectiveStudents/MADiplomaIrishStudies/Sourcesoffunding/
US Federal Loans
Many US students who are unable to secure a scholarship opt to finance their studies at Queen's through US Federal Loans. Queen's is approved by the US Department of Education for participation in the William D Ford Federal Direct Loan Programme.
Graduate students may apply for Stafford and Graduate Plus loans to cover the full cost of attendance at Queen's, including tuition, housing, personal expenses, airfare, etc.
For further guidance on applying for Stafford and Plus loans, please see the University’s Federal Loan guidelines or contact usloans@qub.ac.uk.
Savings and Discounts
As an international student, you are eligible to work part-time (up to 20 hours per week) during term-time and full-time (up to 40 hours per week) during vacations. In addition, shorter courses, free health care through the national health services and student discounts also help to keep costs low.
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China
Applicants should enquire about the Sino-British Friendship Scholarship Scheme by contacting the Cultural Section of the British Embassy or the British Council.
Japan
Applicants should enquire about the Daiwa Education Foundation from the Educational Counselling Service, the British Council.
Hong Kong
Applicants should enquire about Hong Kong scholarships from the Hong Kong Management Association.
Turkey
Applicants should enquire about British Scholarships from the Assistant Representative of the Office of the Counsellor for Cultural and British Council Affairs.
Africa, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) countries
Applicants should apply through their own governments for European Community ACP Awards. Enquiries should be addressed to Directorate-General VIII, Commission of the European Communities.
European Community Schemes
The European Commission makes some awards to students from developing countries. For further information, contact the European Commission office in your own country, or write to the European Commission, Directorate Generale III, Rue de la Loi 200, B-1049 Brussels, Belgium.
International Agencies
Some international organisations such as UNESCO and WHO operate schemes, usually for developing countries. Details should be available from your own government's ministry of education.
