Want to combine a UK postgraduate degree with research in the United States? The Christine and Ian Bolt Scholarship, awarded by the University of Kent, offers up to £10,000 to fund a year of U.S.-based research for students in select graduate programs.
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Below, you’ll find eligibility details, application steps, common mistakes, and links to help you take action.
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Check out our other blogs for more scholarship tips and strategies to maximize your chances. Good Luck!
Why This Scholarship Matters
- Offers up to £10,000, including tuition and living/research costs in the USA
- Exclusively for postgraduate students whose research has a U.S. component or relies on U.S.-based sources GoStudyIn+11University of Kent – University of Kent+11hotcourses.ae+11Opportunity Portal
- Intended for students in specific faculties (like Humanities, Social Sciences, Psychology, Law, Arts & Architecture, Language Centre) studyinuk.com+2University of Kent – University of Kent+2Opportunity Portal+2
- Great resume‑builder: you’ll act as an ambassador for Kent and your field, with interviews and presentation requirements Opportunity Portal+1GoStudyIn+1
Only up to three scholarships are awarded each year, so competition is strong. GoStudyIn+8University of Kent – University of Kent+8studyinuk.com+8
Who Can Apply?
Required:
- A strong academic record (First class or upper second BA; Merit or Distinction at master’s level) Mastersportal+10University of Kent – University of Kent+10studyinuk.com+10
- An offer or current enrolment in full‑ or part‑time postgraduate research or taught study at Kent in one of the eligible schools University of Kent – University of Kent+11University of Kent – University of Kent+11hotcourses.ae+11
- Research must involve U.S. sources, archives, fieldwork, or expertise hotcourses.ae+9University of Kent – University of Kent+9studyinuk.com+9
- Strong written and verbal communication skills — you should be able to explain your project clearly to non‑specialists University of Kent – University of Kent+11University of Kent – University of Kent+11studyinuk.com+11
PREFERRED: Candidates who haven’t lived or studied long-term in the USA — to maximize coverage of new transatlantic research experiences. studyinuk.com+8University of Kent – University of Kent+8Postgraduate Search+8
How to Apply — Step by Step
- Prepare your documents and submit them via the Kent Vision portal by the deadline: 30 June 2025, 23:59 BST GoStudyIn+7Ukscholarships+7Opportunity Portal+7
- Required application materials:
- Research proposal (~2,000 words) detailing your U.S. focus
- Curriculum vitae (CV)
- Covering letter explaining why you want and deserve the scholarship (include two referee names)
- Proposed budget showing how you will use the funding
- Two academic references (on headed paper, with referee details) studyinuk.comstudyinuk.com+5University of Kent – University of Kent+5hotcourses.ae+5
- Expect to attend a video interview via Microsoft Teams in July 2025 — dates will be announced later ScholarshipTab+6University of Kent – University of Kent+6Opportunity Portal+6
Mistakes to Avoid
- Applying after the deadline — it’s strictly enforced
- Writing a generic proposal with no clear U.S. focus
- Submitting under‑prepared referees or forgetting formatting rules (Word or PDF only) ScholarshipTab+4Ukscholarships+4Mastersportal+4
- Applying without confirming you’re studying in one of the eligible departments
- Assuming a scholarship interview is not required — if shortlisted, interviews are mandatory
Real Scholar Insight
“Successful applicants are selected based on academic excellence and communication skills… Up to three awards per year. Applicants must be available for video interviews via Microsoft Teams in July.” studyinuk.com+9University of Kent – University of Kent+9Postgraduate Search+9
Past awardees describe it as transformational—not just financial help, but a platform to broaden U.S.-based academic networks and elevate your profile.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can master’s and PhD students both apply?
Yes — both research and taught postgraduate students are eligible. University of Kent – University of Kentstudyinuk.com
Is living allowance included?
Yes — the award can be used for travel, research, or personal support while in the U.S. for up to one year. Excellence-based selectees may be invited to apply for a second year. University of Kent – University of KentUkscholarships
Do I need to speak American English?
No. But you must clearly articulate your project in written and oral English—not necessarily standard U.S. dialect.
Does it cover tuition at Kent?
Partially—up to £10,000 that may include tuition waiver or research costs. Review award details on Kent’s site. GoStudyIn+9University of Kent – University of Kent+9studyinuk.com+9
📋 Final Checklist Before You Apply
- [ ] First‑ or upper‑second Bachelor’s degree, or Merit‑level master’s
- [ ] Enrolled or accepted into postgrad program at eligible Kent division
- [ ] Clear U.S.-focused research proposal ready
- [ ] CV, covering letter, and budget documents prepped
- [ ] Two academic references lined up
- [ ] Available for July 2025 Teams interview
- [ ] All files in Word or PDF format
Why Act Now
This scholarship combines academic merit with real-world exposure — you’ll research in the U.S., build connections, and return to Kent with fresh insights and enhanced credibility. With up to £10,000—and rare renewal options—it’s a rare chance for motivated postgraduates who want real impact.
👉 Learn more and apply via the University of Kent Visa portal:
Christine and Ian Bolt Scholarship details page on University of Kent website Ukscholarships+6studyinuk.com+6GoStudyIn+6ScholarshipTab+10University of Kent – University of Kent+10Ukscholarships+10
