You must be studying your undergraduate degree in the UK or Republic of Ireland. Examples of relevant subjects include science (e.g. biomedical, natural, computing or physical sciences), medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine, engineering, mathematics and psychology.
You will be in your penultimate year of study of your undergraduate degree course, about to start your final year in September 2023.
These awards are intended to provide students with new experiences with the aim of encouraging them to consider a career in research and those who have not yet undertaken a substantial period of research. If you are in this group, we encourage you to apply. We particularly encourage eligible students to apply for these scholarships who are from at least one of the eleven groups described below that are currently under-represented in postgraduate research.
It is recognised nationally that that financial, socio-economic and other life circumstances can make it difficult for some to continue studying beyond an undergraduate degree. Where a scholarship is oversubscribed, preference will be given to those who meet one or more of the following criteria:
- Students who grew up in an area (POLAR Quintile 1 or 2) where not many people from that area went on to Higher Education, also known as students from low participation neighbourhoods. POLAR Quintile 1 or 2 may be checked on the Office for Students website. This is not the address you currently live at university, unless you live at the same address that you also grew up in.
- Black, Asian or Ethnic Minority students.
- Mature students. Students aged 21 or over when starting their undergraduate studies, with no previous university experience.
- Students with a disability, including people with specific learning difficulties and mental health problems as defined by UCAS.
- Students who have previously been in local authority care ('care leaver').
- Young adult carers (aged 16-25) - Young adult carers have caring responsibilities for a family member with any type of illness, disability or addiction, who cannot manage without the young adult carer's support.
- Estranged students - Students who are irreconcilably estranged from their parents, meaning that they have not had verbal or written contact with any living biological or adoptive parents for a significant period, usually 12 months or more.
- Refugee and asylum seekers. Students with refugee status, and those seeking sanctuary.
- Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities.
- Students attending alternative or therapeutic education provision.
- Students eligible for Free School Meals (FSM) within last 5 years.
Please note, you are ineligible to apply if you:
- are currently undertaking or have completed an intercalated year.
- have completed or currently undertaking a one-year placement in research as part of their degree (e.g. a sandwich year)
- are a graduate-entry medical student who has completed a previous undergraduate degree in a science-related subject.
- are enrolled on a course outside the UK or the Republic of Ireland.
- have previously undertaken a vacation scholarship from Wellcome Trust or another funding body
Funding and Support
The Biomedical Vacation Scholarship is for six to eight weeks. It provides a salary at the real Living Wage and, where necessary, subsidised travel and accommodation (of up to £1500).
The host research group will be provided with £500 towards the cost of materials and consumables for the project.
- Support from experienced researchers.
- Opportunities to regularly reflect on your work.
- Be fully supported by their supervisor and host research group.
- Scholarship holders may be asked to attend short workshops around reflective learning during their studentship.
- Scholarship holders will be expected to present their findings as part of a mini conference hosted at UEA in September 2023.
