How to apply

There are 12 James McCune Smith PhD Scholarships available to begin research in October 2025. They are funded by the University of Glasgow and support research in any discipline. 

How to apply

  1. Look at the research interests of staff at the University of Glasgow so that you can suggest a research area and a supervisor. If you can’t find a supervisor we are happy to help you.
  2. Submit a completed Expression of Interest form so that we can assist you in your application. 
  3. Follow the application process, beginning with contacting potential supervisors. When contacting a potential supervisor, be sure to state that you wish to apply for a James McCune Smith Scholarship as one of the options for funding. The topic of research for a James McCune Smith Scholarship is decided by the applicant in conjunction with their potential supervisor. In those areas in which you are required to submit a research proposal, please follow the Research Proposal Guidance [PDF]. 
  4. Submit your personal statement via our Scholarship Portal. The personal statement should be up to 500 words on your research interest and why you wish to be a James McCune Smith Scholar.
  5. You also need to submit an application on the University’s MyCampus system. Please name the James McCune Smith Scholarship as one of the funding options under Finance in the online full application. The deadline for applications is 31 January 2025 but earlier submission is encouraged.

We are keen to support you through the application process and to help you navigate this. If you need any assistance at all then please email: JMSPhD@glasgow.ac.uk