Queens University Belfast FORESIGHTERS Scholarship in the UK
Queens University Belfast is offering a significant opportunity for aspiring doctoral researchers through its FORESIGHTERS Scholarship program. This fully funded scholarship aims to support early-stage researchers in pursuing advanced studies in the United Kingdom. The program focuses on developing future research leaders with skills in anticipating change and using foresight to drive innovation.
Understanding the FORESIGHTERS Doctoral Programme
The FORESIGHTERS Doctoral Programme at Queen’s University Belfast is a Horizon Europe MSCA COFUND initiative. It is designed to provide comprehensive doctoral training for 20 early-stage researchers. The program is funded by the European Union and the Northern Ireland Department for the Economy. It emphasizes interdisciplinary research and collaboration with non-academic partners.
The core of the FORESIGHTERS program is to equip researchers with advanced skills in foresight, innovation, and governance. This training is intended to help them tackle complex challenges in areas such as health, technology, energy, cities, and creativity. Beyond academic training, the program focuses on developing resilience, creativity, and the ability to use future scenarios for informed decision-making.
Eligibility Requirements for the Scholarship
To be considered for the Queens University Belfast FORESIGHTERS Scholarship, candidates must meet specific academic and residency criteria. Applicants should hold a degree equivalent to a UK Upper Second-Class Honours Bachelor’s degree or a Master’s degree. Strong motivation and exceptional potential for futures research are also key requirements.
Crucially, candidates must not already hold a doctoral degree by the application deadline of June 29, 2026. Furthermore, applicants must not have lived or worked in the United Kingdom for more than 12 months within the 36 months prior to the application deadline. Finally, successful candidates will need to have the necessary permission to live and work in the United Kingdom before starting their employment contract with MSCA and QUB.
Benefits of the FORESIGHTERS Scholarship
Successful applicants will receive a comprehensive package designed to support their doctoral studies and living expenses. This includes a 42-month full-time employment contract with standard staff benefits. The scholarship covers full tuition fees, ensuring that financial barriers to education are removed.
A monthly living allowance is provided, equivalent to €3655, to support daily expenses. Eligible researchers can also receive a monthly family allowance of €660. The program offers a competitive salary package, with a basic salary of £37,734 without pension contributions or £31,185 with pension contributions. In addition to the salary and allowances, scholars will have access to a high-quality work environment, including a personal computer, scientific equipment, and access to library and research facilities. A dedicated budget for research and travel expenses, including conference attendance, is also provided.
Required Documents for Application
Prospective candidates must prepare a set of documents for their application. These include a completed application form, a two-page curriculum vitae (CV), and a research proposal. Recommendation letters are also required to support the application. Applicants will need to submit a personal statement outlining their motivations and suitability for the program. Academic transcripts demonstrating their educational background are also essential.
Application Process for the Scholarship
The application process for the Queens University Belfast FORESIGHTERS Scholarship is straightforward. Interested and qualified candidates should visit the official scholarship website to begin. The first step involves completing the online application form and uploading all required documents and relevant details.
Following the initial submission, a Recruitment Committee will review applications and aim to shortlist between six and eight qualified candidates. These shortlisted applicants will then be invited for an individual online interview. After the interviews, shortlisted candidates may be asked to prepare a more detailed research proposal. The Recruitment Committee will convene to review all assessments and ratify the final decisions to select the successful candidates. The deadline for applications is June 29, 2026.
