Scholarship Overview
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Overview
The Jack Hirst Scholarship is a prestigious, fully funded award for Nigerian nationals pursuing postgraduate Chemistry studies at Imperial College London. Named in honor of a distinguished figure in chemical research, this scholarship removes financial barriers for talented Nigerian chemists seeking world-class training in one of the UK’s leading science institutions.
For the 2027/2028 academic year, the scholarship covers full tuition fees at the overseas rate plus a living stipend equivalent to the annual UKRI rate. Only one award is available, making this a highly competitive opportunity for exceptional candidates.
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What the Scholarship Covers
The Jack Hirst Scholarship is comprehensive in its financial support:
- Full tuition fees at the overseas/international rate for the duration of the Master’s programme
- Annual stipend equivalent to the UKRI (UK Research and Innovation) standard rate, providing living expenses support
This combination ensures recipients can focus entirely on their studies without financial strain. The UKRI stipend rate is typically reviewed annually and provides sufficient support for accommodation, food, and other living costs in London.
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Eligible Master’s 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
These programmes span traditional chemistry, interdisciplinary research, and emerging fields like digital chemistry and sustainable energy—reflecting Imperial’s cutting-edge research priorities.
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—students already enrolled in the course are ineligible
- Mode of study: Full-time
- Fee status: Overseas/international
The scholarship specifically targets candidates who are embedded in Nigerian academic institutions, ensuring the award benefits those with established ties to the country’s research and education ecosystem.
Application Process
The application process involves two sequential steps:
Step 1: Secure Admission to Imperial
Apply for one of the eligible Chemistry Master’s programmes through Imperial College London’s standard admissions process. You must receive an offer for 2026 entry before you can be considered for the scholarship.
Step 2: Submit Scholarship Expression of Interest
Once you have an offer, email the Chemistry Department at chemres@imperial.ac.uk by 23:59 UK local time on 21 May 2027. Your email must clearly state that you wish to be considered for the Jack Hirst Scholarship.
The department notes that a formal application form will be made available “in due course.” Applicants who submit the initial expression of interest will likely receive further instructions on additional documentation requirements.
Important Dates
| Milestone | Date |
|---|---|
| Scholarship expression of interest deadline | 21 May 2027 |
| Academic year | 2027/2028 |
| Entry year | 2026 |
Note the apparent discrepancy: the scholarship is for 2027/2028 academic year but requires 2026 entry. Applicants should verify their specific programme start date with the department.
Contact Information
For all inquiries, contact:
Email: chemres@imperial.ac.uk
This is the same address used for scholarship expressions of interest, so ensure your initial email is clearly labeled as a scholarship inquiry to receive appropriate routing.
Strategic Considerations for African Applicants
For applicants from Zimbabwe and other SADC countries, this scholarship is not directly available—it is restricted to Nigerian nationals. However, understanding this opportunity is valuable for several reasons:
- It demonstrates Imperial College London’s commitment to African scientific capacity building, suggesting similar targeted schemes may emerge for other regions
- The eligible Master’s programmes are open to international applicants generally, and Imperial offers other funding streams for non-Nigerian African students
- The research areas covered—particularly green chemistry, energy, and drug discovery—align with pressing SADC regional priorities
Zimbabwean and SADC chemistry students should explore Imperial’s general postgraduate scholarships, Commonwealth Shared Scholarships, and Chevening Awards as alternative pathways.
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
