Christine and Ian Bolt Scholarship stands as one of the most distinguished funding opportunities offered by the University of Kent for aspiring postgraduate scholars.
Christine and Ian Bolt Scholarship was designed to honor the memory of Christine Bolt, Emeritus Professor of History, and funded through the generosity of her late husband, Ian Bolt, the scholarship supports outstanding students whose research has a strong American connection. It not only provides financial assistance but also opens a gateway for a meaningful academic experience in the United States, encouraging scholars to expand the reach of their research and embrace new international perspectives
Scholarship Overview
Christine and Ian Bolt Scholarship is an annual award with a value of up to £10,000. It is specifically targeted at students who have secured or are currently pursuing a postgraduate taught or research degree at the University of Kent and whose academic work includes a significant American element.
Christine and Ian Bolt Scholarship supports a prolonged period of research in the United States, ideally for one academic year, with a possibility of extension in exceptional cases. Up to three scholarships are awarded per cycle, and the recipients are selected based on academic excellence, past achievements, and exceptional communication skills.
Eligibility Criteria
To be considered eligible for the Christine and Ian Bolt Scholarship, applicants must meet the following conditions:
- Hold a bachelor’s degree (1st class or 2:1) or a master’s degree (with merit or distinction).
- Have secured an offer, or be a current full-time or part-time postgraduate student at the University of Kent for the upcoming academic year.
Be enrolled in one of the following academic divisions:
Kent Law School
School of Arts and Architecture
School of Humanities
School of Psychology
The Language Centre
School of Social Sciences
Durrell Institute of Conservation and Ecology within the School of Natural Sciences
- Demonstrate excellent written and oral communication skills, with the ability to articulate their research to a non-specialist audience.
- Exhibit passion and clarity in communicating the broader value of their research.
- Be capable of representing the University of Kent and their subject as an ambassador.
- Preference is given to candidates who have not previously studied or lived in the United States for an extended period.
- Must be available for a video interview via Microsoft Teams in July 2025.
Application Procedures
Applicants must submit the following materials via the Kent Vision portal no later than Monday, 30 June 2025 at 23:59 BST:
- A research proposal (approximately 2000 words).
- A detailed CVA covering letter outlining motivation and reasons for applying
- A proposed budget plan for utilizing the scholarship funds.
Two academic references in English on official headed paper, submitted directly from referees, containing:
- The applicant’s suitability for the scholarship
- The full names and positions of Referees Institutional addresses and contact numbers
- Nature of the referee’s relationship with the applicant
- A specific mention of the Christine and Ian Bolt Scholarship
- All documents must be uploaded in Microsoft Word or PDF format.
- Submissions via Google Docs or SharePoint will not be accepted.
- Applications will not be considered complete until all documents, including references, are submitted by the deadline
Benefits of Christine and Ian Bolt Scholarship
Successful Candidates are entitled to these benefits:
- Financial support of up to £10,000: Funding includes tuition fees and living expenses during research in the USA.
- Opportunity to conduct research in a resource-rich American academic Environment.
- Exposure to new academic networks and interdisciplinary exchange.
- A chance to enhance one’s research profile and CV through international experience.
- Possibility of reapplying for a second year of funding in special cases
Why Choose the University of Kent?
The University of Kent is renowned for its commitment to academic excellence and international research collaborations.
With a vibrant and inclusive community, Kent offers a dynamic platform for postgraduate studies supported by world-class faculty.
The institution encourages innovative research across disciplines and maintains strong connections with leading global institutions.
By choosing Kent, students gain access to a supportive environment, exceptional academic resources, and the opportunity to engage in meaningful international scholarship making it an ideal foundation for academic and professional success.
Application and Deadline
Candidates are strongly advised to begin the application process early to avoid technical issues and to allow sufficient time for referees to submit recommendations.
Deadline: Prospective applicants must ensure that all required documents are uploaded to the Kent Vision portal no later than Monday, 30 June 2025, at 23:59 BST.
Official Scholarship Website: https://www.kent.ac.uk/scholarships/search/FNADCIBOLT01