The Christine and Ian Bolt Scholarship 2026–27 is a postgraduate scholarship offered by the University of Kent to outstanding students undertaking taught or research postgraduate degrees.
The scholarship provides funding of up to £10,000 to support research related to the United States, including research visits or access to U.S.-based digital resources.
Christine and Ian Bolt Scholarship Summary
- Host Country: United Kingdom
- Host Institution: University of Kent
- Study Level: Master’s, PhD
- Eligible Countries: All Countries
- Funding Type: Partially Funded
- Application Deadline: August 9, 2026
About the Christine and Ian Bolt Scholarship
The Christine and Ian Bolt Scholarship was established in memory of Professor Christine Bolt, Emeritus Professor of History at the University of Kent, and is funded by her late husband, Ian Bolt.
The scholarship supports postgraduate students conducting research with a focus on the United States. Funding may be used for research visits to the U.S., tuition fees, or access to American digital archives and research materials where travel is not possible.
Christine and Ian Bolt Scholarship Benefits
Successful applicants will receive:
- Funding of up to £10,000.
- Financial support toward tuition fees.
- Funding for a research visit to the United States for up to one year.
- Support for accessing U.S.-based digital and electronic research resources if travel is not possible.
- Opportunity to apply for an additional year of funding in exceptional circumstances.
- Access to postgraduate research opportunities at a leading UK university.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must:
- Hold a Bachelor’s degree with:
- First-Class Honours; or
- Upper Second-Class Honours (2:1); or
- A Master’s degree with Merit or Distinction.
- Hold an offer for a full-time or part-time postgraduate taught or research programme beginning in September 2026 at the University of Kent, or be a current eligible postgraduate student.
- Be studying within one of the eligible academic schools, including:
- Kent Law School.
- School of Arts and Architecture.
- School of Humanities.
- School of Psychology.
- The Language Centre.
- School of Social Sciences.
- Eligible programmes within the Durrell Institute of Conservation and Ecology.
- Demonstrate excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Clearly explain their research to both specialist and non-specialist audiences.
- Demonstrate enthusiasm for their research and its wider significance.
- Be willing to represent the University of Kent as a scholarship ambassador.
- Be available for an online interview via Microsoft Teams in late August or September 2026.
- Preference will be given to applicants who have not previously lived or studied in the United States for an extended period.
How to Apply
To apply for the Christine and Ian Bolt Scholarship:
- Log in to your Kent Vision portal.
- Complete the scholarship application.
- Upload all required documents, including your research proposal, CV, cover letter, budget, and supporting materials.
- Ensure your referees submit their academic references before the application deadline.
- Review your application carefully before submission.
- Submit your completed application by August 9, 2026.
📋 Required Documents
- Two academic reference letters written in English on official institutional letterhead
- Research proposal (approximately 2,000 words)
- Names and contact details of two referees
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Cover letter explaining their interest in the scholarship
- Proposed budget outlining planned use of the scholarship funds
- All documents must be submitted in Microsoft Word or PDF format