How to Get Grants for PhD Programs – A Brief Guide

Taking on post-graduate requires a whole lot of drive and patience. Anyone who has that drive should be able to take their studies to the next level, unfortunately, that’s not always the case because of money. 

For PhD. aspirants, a thesis or dissertation is a vital part of their PhD study and completion. Unlike fellowships and scholarships, grants are commonly tailored to fund a research thesis or dissertation.

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And many students try to get those grants because more often than not, their personal funds just can’t cover the costs of completing a PhD. In this article, four proven tips will be shared to get the financial aid you require.

How to Get Grants for PhD Programs - A Brief Guide

Why Grants Are Important

Grants are non-repayable aids given to students by institutions, agencies, or the government to cover their research. They are not paid back, and that is why they are a great choice to acquire funding. 

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The grants fund everything from buying machinery to building a lab and paying for pieces of equipment needed to complete a project. 

You can also use the money for things like travel expenses and cost of living expenses as required by the student.

Like all student aid, grants are not served on a platter of gold. Several steps need to be taken to get them. Up next we’re going to tell you about 4 things to watch out for.

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Understanding Your Research

It is quite important to understand the type of research you are embarking on. Knowing what it entails will help straighten out what kind of funding would best suit it. 

Some projects just need individual funding; others can be covered by the department or faculty. Some might need funds from fellowships, support programs/agencies, or government grants. 

Projects that require minimum travel within the city and no equipment likely won’t require grants. Projects involving deep research with test subjects, measuring equipment, lab work and more could qualify for grants. 

t seems simple, but some students miss this step and apply for grants when their project does not require a grant at all. There is no sense in wasting your time and the grant’s time by applying if you don’t need the grant. 

Grants That Suits Your Project

There are several grants out there. If your research requires more than an individual funding plan, it can be overwhelming at first. You need to list agencies and how they relate to your field. 

A departmental inquiry is a good way to start. Ask supervisors and colleagues for agencies that can sponsor your research. There are several online databases you can check to help narrow your search too. 

A good example is the Community of Science, which offers several disciplines other than just sciences.

Next, highlight them according to what type of projects they fund. This step will give you an idea of what these agencies require and will help in your grant application process. 

Knowing What to Include in Your Proposal

Now, having understood your research or project, and knowing quite well the agency/body that suits your research, it’s normal to want to check the requirements in the grant application form. 

Read it, understand it carefully, and gather all of the things required. Your proposal should include some key information. First, you need a summary statement and an overview of your institution. 

Next should be the purpose of your grant proposal. Following that is your project objectives, your project design, and process evaluation. Lastly, something to never skip out is your project budget. 

Writing Your Grant Proposal

Having all this mega information at your disposal, it’s time to start writing. Follow all these processes and steps, and writing the PhD proposal itself will become so much easier. 

In all the steps outlined, you should ensure that you explain in detail. Also important is to get straight to the point. 

This will help the grantor trust you and be willing to give funds to support your claims. After writing, edit thoroughly and proofread the whole document before sending your application.

How to Get Grants for PhD Programs - A Brief Guide

Conclusion

Grants are there for people that need them so as long as you meet the requirements, you can apply. But before you get into the application process, do your due diligence so you aren’t applying for grants that you can’t get.

Use our tips above to help you figure out the right approach for applying for PhD grants.