Extended Scholarship Deadline: Wednesday 21 May 2025
1. The Scholarship Award
1.1 The University of Malta (“UM”) is issuing a scholarship, funded through a donation from the ALIVE Charity Foundation to the Research, Innovation and Development Trust (“RIDT”), for Ph.D. students to work on research projects which shall focus on cancer research. The scholarship bears the name of Elton Barry, one of the founding members of the ALIVE Charity Foundation.
1.2 Applications are now open for the scholarship which will cover cancer research within any Faculty/Institute/Centre/
1.3 Applicants must be eligible for Ph.D. studies at UM in terms of the applicable regulations and bye-laws.
1.4 The selected candidate is expected to enrol in Ph.D. studies offered by the UM. The scholarship award (the “Award”) is for a maximum of three years (full-time studies) or a maximum of six years (part-time studies) and can be taken up as from the approved Ph.D. commencement date, as approved by Senate, based on the recommendations received by the relevant F/I/C/S Board and the Doctoral Academic Committee.
1.5 The Award shall provide up to a maximum of EUR 80,000 to cover a basic maintenance allowance, bench fees (where applicable) and costs related to publications and conferences, both in the case of full-time and part-time Ph.D. studies. The Award will not cover the annual enrolment or tuition fees.
1.6 International candidates are advised to familiarise themselves with information available on the website of the International Office when applying, particularly to the sections concerning tuition fees, English Language requirements, visas and e-residence permit conditions and requirements. It is important to note that the Award does not cover all the costs related to studying and living in Malta, and international candidates will need to provide assurance that they have the funds available to cover their stay and studies in Malta.
1.7 Non-EU/EEA nationals can apply for the tuition fee waiver scholarship offered by UM once they commence their studies, which may provide between 40% and 100% of the applicable tuition fee waiver to deserving students. Only applicants who have been accepted unconditionally to read for the Ph.D. are eligible to apply for such tuition fee waiver scholarship. These tuition fee waiver scholarships are not an automatic right for the selected candidate and their award is not guaranteed.
1.8 Applicants should submit their letter of application (including a detailed explanation of the specific cancer research area they would like to pursue) by not later than Wednesday 21 May 2025 by e-mail together with a copy of their curriculum vitae, two letters of reference, and a scanned copy of their certificates. The Award is intended to support students who have clear goals for their future. Applicants are expected to explain how they believe doctoral research will allow them to shape their plans after graduation. Applicants are expected to declare any special attributes and accomplishments that they consider make them deserving of the Award. Late applications will not be considered.
1.9 The selection procedure will consist of the following:
a. Scrutiny of qualifications and experience claimed and supported by testimonials and/or certificates (copies to be included with the application);
b. Shortlisting; and
c. An interview and/or an extended interview.
1.10 The selection panel will make its final decision on the candidate based on demonstration of academic excellence and research potential.
2. Terms and Conditions
2.1 The Award will be suspended in the event of a suspension of studies. The Award will not cover any extension of studies.
2.2 The Award may not be held concurrently with another major scholarship or sponsorship award for the same purpose.
2.3 The Award-holder who opts to pursue their Ph.D. studies at UM for a maximum of three years (i.e., full time studies) may not engage in employment which is likely to interfere with the progress of their research and must seek the permission of Senate - on the recommendation of the F/I/C/S Doctoral Committee, the F/I/C/S Board and the Doctoral Academic Committee - before engaging in any employment.
2.4 The F/I/C/S Doctoral Committee must be kept informed about the nature and extent of the Award-holder’s employment commitments throughout their period of studies.
2.5 The Award-holder shall abide by all applicable regulations and policies of the UM in force during the course of their studies.
2.6 The Award holder will be required to provide progress reports on an annual basis (normally in May each year) to the F/I/C/S Doctoral Committee, as required by University regulations and procedures. At the end of their studies, the Award-holder shall provide a final report, covering what has been achieved.
2.7 The Doctoral School requests that the Award holder acknowledges the assistance of ALIVE Foundation Elton Barry Scholarship and RIDT in any publications arising wholly or partially from the Award.
2.8 Other relevant regulations and policies of the UM shall apply.
The Doctoral School, April 2025
