Pre-Graduate Scholarships: Medical Sciences (Fall)

Deadline: 09-Sep-2026

The Pre-Graduate Scholarships Programme supports talented Bachelor’s (BA) and Master’s (MA) students who want to conduct scientific research and develop interest in pursuing a research career. The programme provides funding of up to DKK 150,000 for research projects lasting 6–12 months, covering student scholarships and eligible research-related operating expenses.

About the Pre-Graduate Scholarships Programme

The Pre-Graduate Scholarships programme provides financial support to promising BA and MA students who wish to gain research experience before completing their studies.

The programme aims to encourage talented students to continue toward scientific careers by allowing them to participate in structured research projects under academic supervision.

The scholarship supports students who are in the later stages of their education and want to complete a research project connected to their academic field.

Purpose of the Programme

The programme aims to:

Encourage students to pursue scientific careers.
Provide early research experience.
Support independent academic development.
Strengthen research skills among future researchers.
Create opportunities for students to work closely with experienced supervisors.

Funding Details

Successful applicants can receive:

Maximum grant amount: DKK 150,000
Project duration: 6–12 months
Funding type: Scholarship support and research-related operating expenses
Overhead: Excluded

The grant supports both:

Student scholarship funding.
Necessary operating costs related to the research project.

Eligible Research Projects

Supported projects must:

Involve scientific research activities.
Be completed before the student finishes their education.
Provide meaningful research experience.
Be conducted under academic supervision.

The research should help students develop skills required for future scientific work.

Who Is Eligible?

The programme is open to:

Bachelor’s (BA) students.
Master’s (MA) students.

Students must:

Have completed at least two years of their education.
Have completed an evaluated part of their programme.
Be enrolled in a programme where the master’s thesis can be completed within no more than six months.
Complete the research project before finishing their degree.

Student Requirements

Eligible students must undertake a research project that:

Runs for two consecutive semesters.
Includes a dedicated research period.
Is integrated into their academic programme.

Students should have sufficient time to focus on research activities during the scholarship period.

Research Project Duration Requirements

Projects normally last across two semesters:

First Semester

Expected to be teaching-free or require the student to take academic leave.
Allows the student to focus on research preparation and development.

Second Semester

Should mainly focus on research activities.
Should provide sufficient time for completing the research project.

In exceptional situations where leave cannot be taken, applicants must explain the circumstances in the application.

Projects Without a Research Semester

Students enrolled in programmes without a designated research semester may still apply.

Requirements include:

Taking leave for one semester.
Completing the research project during the approved period.

Projects normally take place over two semesters but may extend to three semesters if justified and approved.

Role of the Academic Supervisor

Applications must be submitted by the student’s academic supervisor.

The supervisor should:

Hold a PhD degree or equivalent qualification.
Have an independent research profile.
Provide academic guidance throughout the project.
Have sufficient time available for supervision.

The supervisor plays an important role in ensuring research quality and successful project completion.

Budget Requirements

Applicants must complete the budget using the mandatory template available through the e-grant system.

The budget must clearly explain:

Student scholarship amount.
Research operating expenses.
Distribution of funding.
Purpose of each expense.

Scholarship and Operating Expenses

The student scholarship must be included as an operating expense rather than a salary.

Applications should clearly separate:

Amount allocated directly to the student scholarship.
Amount allocated for research-related costs.

The council gives priority to applications that include both:

Student scholarship support.
Necessary operating expenses.

Applications requesting only operating expenses may receive lower priority.

How to Apply

The application process includes:

Identify an eligible BA or MA student.
Develop a scientific research project.
Secure an academic supervisor.
Prepare the project description.
Complete the required budget template.
Submit the application through the e-grant system.

Required Application Information

Applications should include:

Research project description.
Student information.
Supervisor details.
Research plan.
Project timeline.
Detailed budget.
Explanation of scholarship and operating expenses.

Why This Scholarship Matters

Early research opportunities help students develop the skills needed for future academic careers.

The programme supports students by providing:

Practical research experience.
Academic mentorship.
Financial support.
Exposure to scientific methods.
Preparation for future research careers.

Benefits for Students

Selected students can gain:

Experience conducting scientific research.
Stronger academic skills.
Professional research networks.
Guidance from experienced researchers.
Improved preparation for doctoral studies.

Tips for a Strong Application

Applicants should:

Clearly define the research question.
Explain the scientific importance of the project.
Present a realistic timeline.
Demonstrate student commitment.
Provide a detailed and justified budget.
Explain the role of the supervisor.
Show how the project supports the student’s future career.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Applicants should avoid:

Submitting projects unrelated to scientific research.
Failing to explain the student’s role.
Providing unclear budgets.
Requesting only operating expenses without scholarship support.
Missing supervisor qualifications.
Extending the project timeline without justification.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the Pre-Graduate Scholarships Programme?

It is a funding programme that supports BA and MA students in conducting scientific research projects before completing their education.

How much funding is available?

The programme provides up to DKK 150,000 excluding overhead costs.

Who can apply for the scholarship?

Applications must be submitted by the student’s academic supervisor on behalf of eligible BA and MA students.

How long can research projects last?

Projects can last between 6 and 12 months and normally cover two consecutive semesters.

Can students without a research semester apply?

Yes. Students without a designated research semester can apply if they take leave for one semester.

What expenses can the grant cover?

The grant can support student scholarships and eligible research-related operating expenses.

What qualifications must supervisors have?

Supervisors should normally hold a PhD or equivalent qualification, have an independent research profile, and be able to provide adequate guidance.

Conclusion

The Pre-Graduate Scholarships Programme provides valuable support for BA and MA students who want to develop scientific research skills and explore future research careers. By combining financial assistance, academic supervision, and practical research experience, the programme helps prepare the next generation of researchers.

For more information, visit DFF.