Apply

Who we give to

Applicants for SIET grants are as individual as their own personal talents and ambitions. Most are Scots by birth or formation. They will have already shown they have the potential for excellence in their chosen field. Generally this is evidenced by a good first degree or an equivalent qualification. We give priority to postgraduate students working for a higher degree or similar qualification, especially where the applicant will gain international exposure and experience, or the course proposed does not qualify or the applicant is not eligible for assistance from public funds (i.e. a Research Council). That said, academic qualifications alone do not guarantee the kind of excellence we’re searching for. Those with ambitions involving non-academic activities that marry with the aims of the Trust may be funded.

The ability to bring credit to Scotland and strengthen our connections with the wider world is another vital selection criteria that enables us choose the real gems.

What we look for

Letters after a person’s name may provide proof of an individual’s talents on paper. But if today’s applicants are to become tomorrow’s winners they’ll need some extra qualities in their locker. Above all we want to be inspired. You only have to look at the examples of award-holders here to see how high the bar is set. They are all authors of their own success stories, drawing on personal resources that run deeper than academic prowess alone. Not only have they done well for themselves. When they shine, Scotland shines. That ability to bring credit to Scotland is another vital selection criteria that enables us choose the real gems.

In your own words

There is no formal application form for a SIET award. Applying is not a box ticking exercise; it’s about who you are and what you can achieve with a little extra financial help. So first and foremost your written application is about you and your aims; the course or activity you want to pursue, your purpose and what you plan to do afterwards. Secondly we need some practical details, which we’ve listed below.

First and foremost your written application is about you and your aims; the course or activity you want to pursue, your purpose, and what you plan to do afterwards.

Making an application

The information that we need from you: a completed Information Form and an Application in your own words. The Information Form is here. Your Application should include all of the following elements. Your CV. This can be in your own format, but it should in any case include all of the following items: * Name *Date of birth *Place of birth *Country of permanent residence for tax purposes (please note that this will not affect your chances of success, provided the other criteria are met) *Address for correspondence *Telephone number *Email address *Summary of your secondary education: School(s) attended, with dates; and Certificates obtained, with grades *Summary of your higher education: Universities or colleges attended, with dates; Degrees or diplomas awarded, with class of degree *If you finished your education more than a year ago, details of employment or other relevant activities since graduating. The details of the course or activity for which you are seeking assistance should, as minimum, include the title, a brief description of the course/ activity, the university or institution and location at which it will be taken, the start date for the course/ activity, and its duration. A statement of your aims. What is your purpose in taking this course and what are your career aims thereafter?
Tell us the amount of the grant you are seeking. You should bid for a specific sum, which may be linked to a specific purpose - e.g. tuition fees, books and materials, travel - and in any case should not exceed £3,000. Grants above that level are made only rarely. However, in the case of a course or activity lasting more than one year, grants may be repeated but usually only for one succeeding year. In support of your application you should give us both your estimated costs of the course, including fees and an outline of how you aim to finance it - other than by a grant from this Trust. The Trust takes relative need, as well as academic excellence and other factors, into account when assessing applications. We therefore need to know what other sources you may be able to call on to help fund your course, for example other bursaries or scholarships (give us details of other applications you intend to make or have pending), income from employment, savings, loans, parental support. Referees - You may need to supply details for two referees whom the Trust will contact. This information is requested on the Information Form. If you are submitting an application close to a deadline it is in your interests to ensure that your referees are in a position to respond to the Trust promptly.

How to submit

Attach your documents to the Information Form and submit online. Contact email: contact@siet.org.uk

When to apply

You may submit an application at any point. Your application will be assessed and if you do not pass the initial assessment you will be advised as soon as possible. Trustees meet for assessments of applications in late March and early September. Papers for each meeting are drawn up about a month beforehand, so if the timing is critical you should aim to get an application in as soon as possible and in any event not later than 7th February (for the March meeting) or 7th August (for the September meeting).
Applications submitted after these dates may not be submitted to the full board of Trustees until the next six monthly meeting is held.