Foundation for Urban and Regional Studies Scholarships for International Students, UK

Foundation for Urban and Regional Studies (FURS) is concerned to promote urban and regional research and within this broad field it is particularly keen to encourage an understanding of the interconnection between social, economic and political processes and of the broader causes and effects of these processes. This means for example that research which examines policies critically and focuses on their unintended as well as intended consequences is more likely to be supported than research on managerially defined questions. Conversely research which takes a 'technical' approach to urban and regional questions and does not place them within wider contexts of understanding is unlikely to be given priority. Although these concerns are likely to lead to social scientists such as sociologists, political scientists, geographers, economists and town planners predominating among applicants, others such as lawyers, cultural theorists, anthropologists and historians should not be discouraged from applying. 

Studentships are intended to permit students, generally from low and middle income countries, to pursue postgraduate research degrees.

Eligibility: From 2005, only applicants from countries in Groups B and C of the World Bank classification will be eligible to apply. For details see http://www.isa-sociology.org/table_c.htm

The value of the studentships will normally be up to £9,300 per annum and they will be for one or two years' duration (subject to satisfactory progress). The Trustees have the discretion to increase this in the light of special circumstances or hardship. No support can be given towards travel expenses. A third year extension may be granted subject to a further application. The studentship can be spent on living expenses or fees but is not intended to cover the full costs of being a student, and applicants will need to apply to other sources of funding.

Students who wish to apply for a one year grant only (e.g. because they have already completed part of their degree) are encouraged to do so.

FURS studentships may be held in any department where the Trustees are satisfied with supervisory arrangements for research on urban and regional subjects. In general, these will be departments with a tradition of supervision in these areas, but if you wish to study in a department where this is not the case, you will need to supply evidence regarding the appropriateness of the department.

All studentships are conditional on acceptance by the university department. If an offer of a place has been received by the time of application this should be included. Successful candidates will be asked to provide a copy of a letter of acceptance from their chosen institution before the award of a studentship can be confirmed and any monies dispensed.

The Trustees regret that no correspondence can be entered into in relation to their decision, which must be taken as final. However, unsuccessful candidates may apply one more time in a future year.
Once a studentship has been awarded, all correspondence in connection with it must be made with the Secretary at the address below from whom additional copies of the application forms and further particulars can be obtained.

The Foundation for Urban and Regional Studies is a Charitable Trust directly linked to the Company which produces the International Journal for Urban and Regional Research. The Trust is managed by a group of Trustees who are, in turn, responsible to the British Charities Commission for the appropriate use and allocation of its funds.

Applications must be received by 31 January each year. Late applications will not be considered under any circumstances and no correspondence will be entered into. Each application will be acknowledged and successful applicants will be informed by 1 May. 

Website: http://www.ijurr.org/furs/home.html  
Email: sally.pepperall@ouce.ox.ac.uk

Tel: (+44) 1865 285066
Fax (+44) 1865 275885

Address:
Foundation for Urban and Regional Studies Limited
School of Geography and the Environment
Oxford University Centre for the Environment
Dyson Perrins Building
South Parks Rd
Oxford OX1 3QY

For further information, please visit the official website at http://www.kent.ac.uk/scholarships/postgraduate/international/FURS.html