Scholarship Overview
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Overview
The Jack Hirst Scholarship is a competitive, fully funded award offered by Imperial College London’s Department of Chemistry. It supports one Nigerian national to complete a postgraduate taught or research Master’s degree in Chemistry, covering full overseas tuition fees and providing a living stipend equivalent to the UKRI rate.
This scholarship is specifically designed to strengthen research capacity by enabling talented Nigerian chemists currently based in Nigerian academic institutions to access world-class training at one of the UK’s leading science universities.
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What the Scholarship Covers
The award provides comprehensive financial support:
- Full tuition fees at the Overseas rate for the duration of the Master’s programme
- Annual stipend equivalent to the UKRI rate (the standard UK research council living allowance)
This funding structure ensures recipients can focus entirely on their studies without financial burden. The UKRI stipend rate for 2026/2027 is typically around £18,000-£20,000 annually, though the exact figure for 2027/2028 will be confirmed closer to the award date.
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Eligible Programmes
The scholarship applies to nine specific Chemistry Master’s programmes at Imperial College London:
- MRes in Advanced Molecular Synthesis
- MRes in Biological and Physical Chemistry
- MRes in Catalysis: Chemistry and Engineering
- MRes in Chemical Biology and Bio-Entrepreneurship
- MSc in Digital Chemistry
- MRes in Drug Discovery and Development: Multidisciplinary Science for Next Generation Therapeutics
- MRes in Green Chemistry, Energy and the Environment
- MRes in Nanomaterials
- MRes in Synthetic Cells
All programmes are delivered full-time at Imperial’s South Kensington campus in London.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must meet all of the following criteria:
- Nationality: Nigerian national
- Current status: Actively studying or conducting research in Chemistry at a Nigerian academic institution at the time of application
- Admission: Hold an offer for one of the eligible Chemistry Master’s courses at Imperial College London for 2026 entry
- Student status: New entrant only—continuing students or those already enrolled at Imperial are ineligible
- Mode of study: Full-time
- Fee status: Overseas
The scholarship is not available to students who have already commenced their course. This restriction is strictly enforced.
Application Process
The application requires two sequential steps:
Step 1: Secure Admission
Apply directly to Imperial College London for one of the eligible Chemistry Master’s programmes and receive an offer for 2026 entry. Allow sufficient time for the admissions process, as scholarship consideration requires a confirmed offer.
Step 2: Submit Scholarship Expression of Interest
Email chemres@imperial.ac.uk by 23:59 UK local time on 21 May 2027, clearly stating your wish to be considered for the Jack Hirst Scholarship. Include your full name, application ID, and the specific Master’s programme you have been offered.
The Department notes that a formal application form will be made available “in due course.” Applicants should monitor their email for further instructions after submitting their initial expression of interest.
Selection and Timeline
Only one award is available, making this highly competitive. The Department will review expressions of interest and may request additional documentation once the formal application process opens. Selection likely considers academic excellence, research potential, and alignment with departmental priorities.
The academic year covered is 2027/2028, though successful applicants must hold offers for 2026 entry—this suggests the scholarship may support deferred entry or that the 2026 entry date in the source material refers to a specific admissions cycle.
Contact Information
For all enquiries, contact the Chemistry Department directly:
Email: chemres@imperial.ac.uk
Use this address for both initial scholarship expressions of interest and any follow-up questions.
Strategic Considerations for African Applicants
For applicants from Zimbabwe and other SADC countries, this scholarship highlights a broader pattern: UK institutions increasingly target specific African nations for capacity-building awards. While this particular fund is Nigeria-only, similar Chemistry Department funding may exist for other African nationals.
Nigerian applicants should note the requirement to be physically based in Nigeria at the time of application—those already studying abroad are ineligible. This protects the scholarship’s goal of supporting researchers who will return to strengthen Nigerian institutions.
The 21 May 2027 deadline allows substantial preparation time. Prospective applicants should begin Imperial’s Master’s application process by late 2026 or early 2027 to secure an offer before the scholarship deadline.
Official scholarship page: https://www.imperial.ac.uk/study/fees-and-funding/scholarships-search/jack-hirst-scholarship-20272028.php
You apply directly with the provider. We never charge for applications or ask for payment details. How we verify scholarships
