Deadline: January 31, 2026
The IJURR Foundation Writing-Up Grants 2026 offer crucial financial support to doctoral candidates from low- and middle-income countries who are in the final stages of their PhD journey. Designed to assist scholars who have completed all fieldwork and are now focused on writing their dissertation, this grant aims to elevate research excellence across urban, rural and regional studies globally.
This post breaks down everything you need to know — eligibility, benefits, requirements, and the application deadline — in a clear and SEO-friendly structure to help prospective applicants prepare effectively.
About the IJURR Foundation Writing-Up Grants 2026
The IJURR Foundation provides targeted support for PhD students researching topics in urban, rural and regional studies. The Writing-Up Grants are specifically intended for doctoral candidates who:
- Have completed all PhD fieldwork
- Are currently writing up their dissertation
- Have a confirmed dissertation submission date
These grants are not intended for Master’s students, nor for PhD candidates still conducting field research or data collection.
Who Can Apply?
To qualify for the Writing-Up Grants, applicants must meet the following criteria:
1. Eligible Countries
Applicants must be citizens of low-income or middle-income countries, according to the World Bank’s classification. This includes numerous countries across Africa, Asia, Latin America and beyond.
2. Academic Background
- Applicants should preferably have completed their first degree (BA/BSc, MA/MSc) in their home country or another low- or middle-income country.
- Candidates must be currently registered in a recognised PhD programme with strong supervisory capacity in urban and regional studies.
3. Research Relevance
The applicant’s PhD research must fall within fields such as:
- Urban studies
- Rural studies
- Regional development
- Geography
- Sociology
- Economics
- Anthropology
- History
…or other closely related disciplines.
4. Funding Restrictions
Applicants must not have previously received an IJURR Foundation Studentship. The Writing-Up Grant is a distinct and separate award.
Grant Value and Allowable Costs
Successful applicants may receive up to £6,000. In recent years, awards have ranged between £1,000 and £5,600, depending on individual need and proposed budget.
The grant may be used to support:
- University fees during the writing period
- Accommodation costs
- Essential equipment required for writing up the thesis
- Other critical dissertation-related expenses
Please note: This grant is not meant to fully cover all living costs; rather, it is intended to provide targeted support during the final writing stage.
Application Timeline (2026 Cycle)
- Applications Opened: 3 December 2025
- Application Deadline: 31 January 2026 (midnight GMT)
- Late applications will not be accepted
Applicants are strongly advised to prepare all documents early, as incomplete submissions will not be reviewed.
Application Requirements
A complete application typically includes the following:
✔ Completed Application Form
Containing personal, academic and project-related details.
✔ Two Academic References
Preferably from supervisors or senior faculty members familiar with your research.
✔ Proof of PhD Registration
Showing that you are formally registered in a relevant doctoral programme.
✔ Confirmation of Fieldwork Completion
Evidence that all field research is done and writing is in progress.
✔ Dissertation Submission Schedule
Applicants must have a clear and realistic timeframe for when the thesis will be submitted.
Why This Grant Matters
The writing-up phase is one of the most demanding and financially challenging stages of the PhD journey. Many doctoral candidates from low- and middle-income countries face funding gaps at this final stage. The IJURR Foundation Writing-Up Grants 2026 address this critical need by enabling scholars to focus fully on producing high-quality research that contributes to global knowledge on urban and regional development.
Final Notes for Prospective Applicants
If your research fits within urban or regional studies, and you have completed your fieldwork with a confirmed submission date, the IJURR Foundation Writing-Up Grants 2026 represent an excellent opportunity to obtain financial support during the final and most crucial stage of your doctoral studies.
Apply or Learn More
- Apply Here: [Application Link]
- Read More About the Programme: [Programme Details Link]
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