Foundation Grant
Foundation Grants are designed to help women graduates in the final year of a PhD, DPhil or equivalent research or professional doctorate with their living expenses. We do not provide funds to cover fees. To be eligible you must be registered for study or research at an approved institution of higher education in Great Britain and doing the bulk of your study in Great Britain. Foundation Grants can be up to £6,500 and are awarded in July for the following academic year.
Key facts
- For women graduates in the final year of their PhD, DPhil or equivalent research or professional doctorate
- Helps with living expenses, not fees
- Grants available up to £6,500
Eligibility Criteria
The criteria for awarding Grants are the proven needs of the applicant and her academic calibre. Competition is great, so not all qualifying applicants will receive a Grant. These are offered on a needs basis, therefore, not all grants will be for the maximum sum quoted or requested.
- Women graduates from Great Britain and overseas are eligible to apply.
- They must be registered for study at an institution in Great Britain and resident in Great Britain during their final year of a PhD, DPhil or equivalent research or professional doctorate.
- Any subject or field of study will be considered.
- There is no upper age limit.
- Evidence of ability to pay fees is required.
- Students reading for a part-time PhD or DPhil will be eligible to apply from their third year onwards.
- The Grants will be a contribution towards living expenses for one year’s academic study or research.
- The amount of the Foundation Grant awarded will be decided by FfWG.
- Grant holders must submit a written report at the end of the academic year for which the grant was awarded.
Open for applications from:
28 January 2026
Closing date for applications:
27 March 2026
Results:
July 2026
Applications currently closed.
“Due to some unfortunate unforeseen circumstances, I needed to relocate at short notice in January. This funding helped me afford secure housing in my college which reduced travel time and increased my access to university resources which was critical during the write up of my thesis.”
Danielle Jones
University of Cambridge 2024