DHPA applications: FAQs - students
How do I apply for a DHPA?
There are no set application forms or deadlines for DHPA - application procedures will vary between universities, and each university will have its own processes and deadlines. However, in general, most universities will expect you to apply (and subsequently be accepted) for a PhD place at the university before you can be considered for DHPA funding. In other words, applying for DHPA funding is in additionto the need to apply for your PhD place.
Students wishing to be considered for DHPAs should apply to the universities directly, rather than applying to either EPSRC or RCUK. Each recipient university will receive a grant, with funds for the number of DHPAs that it has been awarded.
Each recipient university has identified a point of contact, (either a bespoke URL or e-mail address) which will allow you to access further details about applying for DHPA funding at that particular university.
Can I apply to more than one university for a DHPA?
Yes - you are not restricted to applying to only one university. You can apply to any of the universities given in the list of recipient universities.
Why isn't there an application form on the RCUK website?
DHPA applications must be made directly to recipient universities, rather than to either EPSRC or RCUK. Each university will follow its own application and recruitment procedures.
What's the deadline for reciept of applications?
Since recipient universities will follow their own application and recruitment procedures, any deadline imposed will be a matter for the universities, rather than for either EPSRC or RCUK.
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Quick links:
Eligibility issues | Timing issues | Sponsor involvement | Funding issues and financial arrangements
Eligibility Issues
I studied for my first degree in the UK. Am I still eligible to apply for a DHPA?
Yes - you must be a national of one of the eligible countries, but there is no restriction on where you carried out your first degree.
I've already started my PhD. Am I still eligible to apply for a DHPA?
DHPA is aimed at supporting new PhD students, and the majority of students applying for DHPA funding are expected not to have started their PhD studies. However, it is recognised that some students may start their PhD studies with the intention of applying for scholarships and funding for the start of the following session.
In cases such as this (where a student has registered since the previous scholarship application deadline), universities may choose to consider this student for DHPA funding, provided that they had not been registered before that previous deadline had passed. However, please note that some universities may choose to restrict their competition to new applicants only.
Students already registered prior to the previous scholarship application deadline will not be eligible to be considered for DHPA funding.
I'd like to study for an MSc or MA. Can I apply for a DHPA?
No - the awards are only available for students who will be studying for a PhD or equivalent doctoral-level award.
What is meant by "an equivalent doctoral-level award"?
During the scheme's pilot, the question was raised regarding the eligibility of other doctoral awards (for example, professional doctorates such as the DrPH) for DHPA funding. A doctoral award such as this may be carried out by a DHPA scholar, provided that the DHPA scholar is trained in research, and developed as a researcher, to a level at least equivalent to that of a PhD.
I'm a national of a country not given on the list of eligible countries - Can I still apply for a DHPA?
No - you must be a national of one of the listed countries. For a full list of eligible countries please go to the OECD website. The eligible countries are all those in Part I of the list, plus Russia and Hong Kong. With the exception of Russia and Hong Kong, none of the countries in Part II of the list are eligible.
Will I need to take an English Language proficiency test?
Proficiency in English will need to be in line with each recipient university's own procedures and requirements. You should discuss this with the university at which you intend to study.
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Quick links:
Eligibility issues | Timing issues | Sponsor involvement | Funding issues and financial arrangements
Timing Issues
I've applied to my university for a DHPA. What happens next?
Your university will tell you whether you have been successful and what procedures you must follow. Your award will be explicitly connected to one of the UK Research Councils and one participating private sector sponsor. Those organisations may choose to contact you before you commence your PhD, or during the course of your studies.
Does my PhD project have to be of 3 years' duration?
Not necessarily - the university may agree a different period, depending on individual circumstances and the needs of the project.
If I receive a DHPA, do I have to begin my PhD studies in October 2008?
No - recipient universities have been given flexibility so that later starts can be supported.
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Quick links:
Eligibility issues | Timing issues | Sponsor involvement | Funding issues and financial arrangements
Sponsor Involvement
How does my DHPA relate to the Research Council sponsor?
Each DHPA is jointly sponsored by both a Research Council partner and a private sector partner.
The PhD project for a DHPA must be within the remit of the associated Research Council. The list of recipient universities also gives an indication of which sponsors (public and private sector) are associated with DHPAs at each recipient university.
I'm not sure whether or not my proposed project comes under the remit of the Research Council sponsor. What should I do?
Initially, you should discuss your proposed project with the university. You may also look for information on that Research Council's website if necessary.
Does the area of study for my DHPA project have to relate to the core business of its industrial sponsor?
Not necessarily - the key feature of DHPAs is excellence, both of the DHPA scholar and the research environment. However, in certain cases, sponsors have been specific about which departments or groups their awards should be placed.
It is anticipated that individual universities and sponsor companies may wish to discuss potential projects in further detail.
Will I be expected to spend time working for the industrial sponsor of my DHPA, as part of my PhD studies?
No - although DHPAs are co-funded by industrial sponsors, the awards are not intended to be collaborative. However, should this arrangement be acceptable to all parties (university, student, supervisor, sponsor), then a placement with the industrial sponsor is not precluded.
Each sponsor will be provided with information about their DHPA scholars and the projects that they are carrying out, and may wish to enter into correspondence with them.
Some sponsors may also wish to contact scholars who have been awarded DHPAs prior to the commencement of their PhD studies. To allow this to happen, universities have been asked to forward the details of students who have accepted DHPAs directly to the relevant sponsors (with copies to EPSRC), as soon as these details are known. Potential applicants should be aware that applying for DHPA funding means that their contact details will be sent directly to sponsors if their application is successful.
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Quick links:
Eligibility issues | Timing issues | Sponsor involvement | Funding issues and financial arrangements
Funding Issues and Financial Arrangements
Can a student in receipt of ORS funding also receive a DHPA? No - students in receipt of DHPAs are not eligible to receive ORS funding. Therefore, students may not be supported using both DHPA and ORS funds.
What stipend (maintainence grant) can I expect to receive?
DHPA scholars should receive at least the minimum PhD stipend. For the academic year 2008/09 this is £12,940.
What other funding is covered by the DHPA award?
In addition to your stipend, overseas fees will be paid for your PhD. Once the fees and the minimum stipend have been accounted for, any remaining funds in a university's DHPA grant can be used (for appropriate costs) at the discretion of the university. For example, a university may decide to include a contribution to research/travel costs. It could also decide to use the money to provide enhanced stipends.
Should the overall value of a university's DHPA grant be insufficient to fully support its DHPA scholars, the university will be expected to cover any shortfall, rather than this cost being passed on to the DHPA scholars.
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