Academia, Translated is proud to sponsor
One fully funded Full thesis review and mock viva, awarded each year to a first-generation doctoral scholar preparing to defend their thesis at a UK institution.
Eligibility ↓ · How to apply ↓ · What I weigh in selection ↓ · How to stand out ↓
My paid services are open to every scholar, regardless of background. The Open Door Scholarship is different: it's reserved specifically for first-generation scholars, because that's where one fully funded place a year can make the most meaningful difference.
This scholarship exists because I was one of them. My own studies were only possible because someone, somewhere, funded a place for me. You're always going to be a little nervous hitting submit on your thesis and walking into your viva, but you can walk in with clarity, confidence, and preparation that's been properly crafted.
It's my way of making sure that's true for scholars who need it most, even when they can't pay for it themselves.
Each award is one Full thesis review and one Mock viva, the same services offered individually under Clarity and Confidence, fully funded, at no cost to the scholar. It runs in two rounds: round 1 is the thesis review and its written report, and round 2 is the mock viva and its written report. Eligible applications are shortlisted, and shortlisted candidates are invited to a short virtual interview before a final decision is made.
The Scholar and the First Laureate each receive a personalised certificate by email as a PDF, with the option to also receive a physical certificate by post.
Only one place is awarded each year, but I don't want that to mean the story ends there for everyone else who applies. The First Laureate from each year's interview round is offered a 25% discount on any paid service, whatever stage of the process they're actually at, whether that's a chapter deep-dive now or post-viva corrections later, valid for 12 months after date of award.
It's a small thing next to full funding, but it means the door doesn't close on you just because it opened for someone else first.
Shortlisted candidates are anticipated to be invited to interview by 1 June, with a view to the successful candidate beginning their support by 1 July.
Send an academic CV and a short cover letter (max. 500 words) covering:
Applications open 1 February and close 1 May, 23:59 British Summer Time, each year. I aim to notify those selected for interview within 4 weeks of the closing date.
How to submit:
Applying for, and accepting, this scholarship is subject to the full Terms & Conditions, including the scholarship-specific commitments set out there.
All eligible applicants are first-generation scholars, so selection isn't about narrowing by that alone. I'm looking for original, rigorous research, particularly where it's been achieved with limited institutional support, and a clear, confident command of your own research narrative. Alongside that, these factors count:
You don't need to fit one of these categories to apply. They're additional context that strengthens an application, not a checklist you must tick.