Russell Trust Awards (Postgraduate Research)

The Fife-based Russell Trust was founded in memory of Captain Pat Russell, an alumnus of the University of St Andrews who was killed in the Second World War. The Trust has been a supporter of the University for many years, providing generous contributions to fund scholarships, and provide resources for Library computer clusters, MUSA and underwater archaeological research.

For the 2025-2026 academic year, up to £10,000 of funding will be made available by the Russell Trust to postgraduate research students who require funds to travel in order to further a project connected with their studies. The maximum amount that can be awarded to any one student is £1,500.

Eligibility

To be considered for an award applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Be registered for a PhD programme at the University(Full-time or part-time). Students registered for taught masters, Masters by Research programmes (Postgraduate Diploma, MSc, MRes and MLitt) are not eligible to apply.
• Funds are awarded to active research projects only; applications to assist with attendance  at meetings/participation  or costs associated with attending  conferences or traning will not be considered.
• Former recipients of the Russell Trust Awards (Postgraduate) are not eligible to apply.
• Applicants must have approval for their travel from the travel office and completed any relevant risk assessments.  This must be uploaded as part of the application for the award.  Applications without this will not be considered. 
• Applicants must have ethics approval for their travel, which must also be included in the application. Applications without this will not be considered. 

Terms and Conditions

• Awards are made for the costs of travel only, not to assist with the payment of tuition fees, accommodation or any other expenses incurred during the trip.
• Projects must have the support of the applicant’s supervisor.
• Applications should relate to travel which takes place  between 1 September 2025 and 31 August 2026.
• Please be aware that any application for funding may be partially awarded.
• Awards cannot be made to students who have previously received the Russell Trust Award.
• Successful applicants are required to submit a report for the Russell Trust outlining the use of funds and how their trip has benefitted their studies. The Development Stewardship team will  request the report during semester 2 and will issue guidelines.

Application Process

• This scholarship is available through the Russell Trust Awards (Postgraduate Research) application in the Scholarships and Funding catalogue, in the Scholarships and Funding section in MySaint. E-mail applications will not be accepted
• Applications for  close on 14 June 2026. 
• Applicants will be required to upload an budget outline, as well as a reference from the applicant’s research supervisor.
• In the even that a referee prefers to submit their reference directly, they should do so via email to: [email protected]. Applicants must then upload a document in the reference section of the portal stating who the referee is and noting that the reference has been sent directly.
• All applicants will be notified of the outcome of their application via email.
• Any questions or queries should be directed to the St Leonard’s College Coordinator – [email protected]