Am I eligible to apply?
If the answer is yes to all the questions below you will be eligible:
- Are you working in the field of HIV?
- Are you in your early to mid career?
- Are you employed by an institution within a low-income and lower-middle-income country?
- Are you proposing to start your programme in the year for which the HIV Research Trust scholarship programme is intended?
- Does the intended programme benefit your career and also build on the capacity of the home institution?
How do I know if you support candidates from my home country?
The HIV Research Trust supports candidates from low-income and lower-middle-income countries. When considering if support can be granted, the HIV Research Trust uses information provided by both the
World Bank.
I am a full-time student, can I still apply?
Students can apply providing that they are employed by an institution in a low-income and lower-middle-income country. This is to ensure that the skills are utilised by the employing unit upon return.
When should my proposed programme start and finish?
The programme must start in the year that the scholarship is advertised for, for example, applications made in autumn 2016 are for scholarships that commence in 2017. However, the scholarship does not need to end in that same year but must have already started before the start of the following year.
I want to do a distance learning course that will last 1 year, would that be considered for a scholarship?
As a general rule the HIV Research Trust offers support for up to six months, however, there are sometimes instances where longer programmes are admissible. Full details of why the programme must be longer than the usual period offered must be provided in your application.
Does the HIV Research Trust have a list of institutions that I can visit to undertake my programme?
No, each programme is different so the applicant must consult with their supervisor in order to identify the best institution to undertake their chosen programme. Although applications that include travel within the same continent are looked upon more favourably, as they generally offer better value for money, travel to other areas will be considered if the justification is given in the application.
Can more than one person in my team apply?
Yes, but each individual must submit their own application and they should be for different programmes. Applications including more than one person will be rejected.
Can I apply for funding if my programme has already started?
No, the funding provided is for the year following the application. Scholarships must start in that calendar year, any awards made that do not start in that period will be withdrawn.
Is it possible to undertake a programme at the HIV Research Trust?
The HIV Research Trust is a charitable organisation. It does not have facilities or resources for individuals to undertake training. All programmes must be undertaken at an institution identified by the applicant and his/her supervisor.
I have a programme that amounts to more than the maximum award of £8,000 mentioned in your Guidance Notes, does that mean I'm unable apply?
Applications for programmes that are over £8,000 are considered but the maximum sum that the HIV Research Trust will support is £8,000. It must be made clear on your application how the additional funding will be supported; for example an employer, a scholarship from another institution. Applications received that are over the maximum sum and indicate no means of obtaining further support will be rejected.
How much detail do I need to give in relation to financial aspects?
Please provide as much detail as you possibly can. You should thoroughly research the cost of flights, accommodation, subsistence, etc. Although internet searches may be able to help with some of these details, it is also advisable to speak to the host institution who can often offer more advice on reasonable accommodation options and budgeting for day-to-day living expenses. A major cause for rejection of an application is that there is inadequate detail.
I was provided a scholarship some years ago, can I apply again?
We do not have the financial resources to fund the same individual twice. However, we appreciate support from our previous scholars in promoting our programme to other early to mid-career investigators who require support.
Must I have published papers before I can apply?
Since we encourage applications from individuals in their early to mid-career, we do not expect that they will have published papers but it is very helpful to include these in your CV when submitting an application if you have published or presented work.
What are the most common reasons for applications being rejected?
- Application remains incomplete. A completed application form, a CV including list of publications; a signed letter of support from your supervisor and the Head of Department at the home institution; and a signed letter of acceptance by the host institution must all be provided by the deadline date.
- There are insufficient details of programme/statement of purpose.
- The host institution where you wish to carry out your programme is not detailed.
- The financial aspect is incomplete or unjustified.
- The financial breakdown of costs far exceeds that which is available under the scholarship programme.
- The application is for more than one individual.
Are there any job opportunities to work with the HIV Research Trust?
We are a small charity organisation of Trustees and do not have employees working for us. The charity is run by unpaid Trustees, supported by administrative staff.