Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council Studentship
- Entry
- 2024
- Scholarships collections
- Research Council Scholarships
The Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) is the UK’s principal funder of basic and strategic biological research. To deliver its mission, BBSRC supports research and postgraduate training in universities and research centres throughout the UK, including BBSRC-sponsored institutes, and promotes knowledge transfer from research to applications in business, industry and policy, and public engagement in the biosciences.
Funding is awarded in the form of Doctoral Training Grants (DTGs) based on an allocation to the University made every three years. The University of St Andrews offers around seven funded places each year in Biology and linked subject areas such as Psychology, Chemistry or Physics.
To be eligible, you must either have or expect to obtain a first or a 2.1 undergraduate degree and fulfil the residency criteria. Please check the BBSRC eligibility criteria (especially sections 4.1 and 4.2).
Applications are welcome from UK/international students holding a good first degree or equivalent with up to four years funding available via the schools of Biology and Psychology. Additional information on stipend, fees and fieldwork can be found on the BBSRC web pages. Current holders of a BBSRC Studentship can contact our finance advice and support office, (BBSRCfas@st-andrews.ac.uk) for any additional information.
All funding and reporting is carried out by the finance advice and support office within the University so students will be requested to provide project details (title and description) for the BBSRC annual submission via the student research data portal (SRDP).
Value of award (per year)
Home tuition fees at UKRI rate (£4,712 2023/24)
Annual stipend paid monthly at UKRI rates (£18,622 from 1 October 2023/24)
Duration of award
up to 4 years (based on full fee paying years). It does not include periods of leave, write-up, continuation or extension.
At what stage of my course application can I apply for this scholarship?
Please apply after you have submitted your application for an eligible course at the University of St Andrews. You do not need to wait until you have received an offer of a place before applying.
Application restrictions
Study level
Available to students studying at:
Domicile for fee status
Schools
Available to faculty members from:
Application assessment
Available to
Mode of study
Additional criteria
All funding and reporting is via the University, students will be requested to provide project details for the BBSRC annual submission via the student research data portal in October of the first year. Additional information may be requested at any time and any changes in status or the project should be forwarded to the DTG Coordinator.
Any issues with fees or funding should be reported to finschol@st-andrews.ac.uk in the first instance.
Current award holder should refer to the EASTBIO Handbook for full details on RTSG claims, fieldwork expenses, maternity cover and any other LOA’s or extensions likely to affect funding or submission dates. Requests for these should be emailed to Registry and the financial advice and support adviser on BBSRCfas@st-andrews.ac.uk.
If a student is prevented from working by illness for a continuous period of more than two weeks they must inform Registry immediately and send a medical certificate confirming the period unfit to work (regardless as to whether or not the student is suspending studies).
ROs cannot approve extensions to submission dates that are not associated with changes to the funding end date. All requests for submission date extensions not associated with changes to the funding end date must be referred to BBSRC via the financial advice and support adviser (BBSRCfas@st-andrews.ac.uk).
Current students can contact the School Postgraduate Secretary, Registry or Finance Advice & Support for any additional information regarding BBSRC or University terms and conditions.
Limited awards may be available for International applicants. Please check the full UKRI eligibility criteria.
How to apply
Apply to an eligible BBSRC course at the University of St Andrews by completing the research application form. Prior to applying, you must make contact with a potential supervisor.
Full details of the internal application process can be obtained from the postgraduate office in your prospective Academic School: https://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/about/schools/
There is a two stage process for applications whereby any prospective applicant must first apply through the University of St Andrews and if successful will then be invited to apply through EASTBIO directly. Please see the EASTBIO website for more information.
Terms and conditions
Please read the University of St Andrews scholarships terms and conditions
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- Contact
bbsrcfas@st-andrews.ac.uk