Student Bursaries

Guidelines for Bursaries and Hardship Funds for Postgraduate and Undergraduate Students

Bursaries

• All applicants must be members or student subscribers of the British Psychological Society and studying psychology at a Welsh institution or Welsh branch of a National Institution.
  

• Each application will be considered on its own merit. However there will be a limited budget for bursaries each year, this is agreed annually by the committee. The maximum amount for an individual bursary currently stands at £200.
  

• Bursaries will be awarded to contribute to the cost of conferences, workshops, courses or visits that are pertinent to the student's studies, especially their dissertation/research interests, or are concerned with research design techniques or data analysis. A report on the conference will be required for possible publication in The Psychologist in Wales. Preferences will be given to students who are presenting at a meeting, or can demonstrate direct relevance to their work.
  

• Applicants should be able to show that all other reasonable efforts to obtain financial support (e.g. from his/her department) have been made. Postgraduates supported by the Research Councils who have financial aid to attend conferences would not normally be candidates for bursaries.
  

• The procedure for applying for a bursary is for the applicant to complete the BPS Welsh Branch Bursary form. Applications MUST be supported by TWO members of staff from the relevant institution, they are required to be members of The British Psychological Society. The applicant must also send a supporting letter to the the Welsh Branch Office:
  

• Stating details of the conference/workshop/visit including costs
  

• Explaining how attendance at the meeting is related to their studies
  

• Indicating what other sources of funding are available.
  

• Agreeing to provide receipts to the Branch treasurer.
  

Hardship Funds

• In exceptional circumstances the committee will consider applications for 'hardship' bursaries. Such applications MUST be supported by TWO members of staff from the relevant institution, they are required to be members of The British Psychological Society. Applications will only be considered if the student can clearly demonstrate that the bursary will make a substantial difference to the ability of that student to complete their studies. The ‘Hardship’ fund form should be completed and sent with a supporting letter to the Welsh Branch Office;
  

• Outlining the purpose of the request for financial support
  

• Indicating how the bursary will allow the student to complete their studies
  

• Indicating what other sources of funding have been sought
  

• And providing any additional information which may assist the claim