Berrow Foundation Scholarships – FAQ
Eligibility
- Where can I find detailed information about the eligibility criteria for the Berrow Foundation Scholarships and the Berrow Foundation Lord Florey Scholarship?
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Please consult the Scholarships section on The Berrow Foundation website.
- What are the nationality requirements for Berrow Foundation Scholarships and Berrow Foundation Lord Florey Scholarships
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Berrow Foundation Scholarships and Berrow Foundation Lord Florey Scholarships are only available to Swiss nationals domiciled in Switzerland.
- I am in the process of becoming a Swiss national. Am I eligible?
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Swiss nationality is required by the application deadline. If you are undergoing naturalisation, the final formal decision must have been issued by the application deadline.
- Must I be a Swiss national, or is being domiciled in Switzerland sufficient?
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Eligibility requires both Swiss nationality and domicile within Switzerland.
- I am a Swiss national but currently have temporary domicile abroad. I intend to re-establish my domicile in Switzerland shortly. Am I eligible?
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At the time of the application deadline you must be domiciled in Switzerland. Please contact the Berrow Foundation at info@berrowfoundation.ch to explain your specific circumstances.
- Graduates from which Swiss universities are eligible for which Scholarships (Berrow Foundation Scholarships / Berrow Foundation Lord Florey Scholarships)?
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The list below indicates eligibility for the Berrow Foundation Scholarships (BF) and the Berrow Foundation Lord Florey Scholarships (BFLF) according to the candidate's Swiss university:
- EPFL: BF, BFLF
- ETH Zurich: BFLF
- Università della Svizzera italiana: BFLF
- University of Basel: BFLF
- University of Bern: BF, BFLF
- University of Fribourg: BF, BFLF
- University of Geneva: BF, BFLF
- University of Lausanne: BF, BFLF
- University of Lucerne: BFLF
- University of Neuchâtel: BF, BFLF
- University of St. Gallen: BFLF
- University of Zurich: BFLF
- Are Berrow Foundation Scholarships and Berrow Foundation Lord Florey Scholarships available for post-doctoral research?
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No. Berrow Foundation Scholarships and Berrow Foundation Lord Florey Scholarships are awarded for (post)graduate courses at Oxford University only.
Application Documentation
- What documentation is required as part of my application?
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Please consult the Scholarships section and the application form section on The Berrow Foundation website.
- What type of written work is required for a Berrow Foundation Scholarship or Berrow Foundation Lord Florey Scholarship application?
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Two pieces of written work are required, even if your university application does not require written work. Previously submitted academic essays or laboratory reports are suitable. Candidates often provide excerpts from longer works, such as introductory sections and key chapters.
If you do not have two pieces of written work, a description of an academic project or experience that demonstrates your analytical approach may be acceptable. However, previously submitted work is recommended.
Please note that motivation letters or personal statements do not constitute written work.
You will also be required to provide a simplified overview of each piece of written work on the application form. This is particularly helpful for complex or highly specialised work.
- How long should one piece of written work be?
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A single piece of written work should be around 2,000 words in length (including footnotes).
- Are co-authored works acceptable as written work?
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One of the two pieces of written works may be co-authored, provided you clearly specify your contribution and indicate which parts you worked on and/or wrote. At least one piece must be solely your own work.
- What translation requirements are there for academic documents?
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The Berrow Foundation does not require translations of Swiss diplomas or university transcripts. If your university provides official English versions, these are helpful. Otherwise, submitting copies in the original language (German, French, etc.) is acceptable.
- How long should the “personal statement” in the application form be?
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The personal statement should be no longer than 400 words.
- Is a separate motivation letter or statement of purpose required?
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No. The application form defines all required content. Regarding motivation and purpose, the application form contains a "personal statement" section.
- Can references for the scholarship application be the same as those used for my university application?
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Yes, the references required for the scholarship application may (but need not) be the same as those submitted for your university application.
- May I submit more than two references?
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No.
English Language Proficiency
- I am a native English speaker. Do I need to provide a language proficiency certificate?
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No. If you are a native English speaker, please indicate this in your application form. Should you be shortlisted, you will be invited to an interview held in the English language which will demonstrate your proficiency.
- I am a proficient English speaker. Will the absence of an official English language certificate affect my eligibility for a Scholarship application?
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No. Substantial prior experience in English, such as studying, attending lectures, or conducting research in English, is generally sufficient to meet the Scholarships’ English language requirement, and a formal certificate is not required. If you are shortlisted, you will be invited to an interview, during which you will have the opportunity to demonstrate your English proficiency. Please note that this applies only to the Scholarship application; a formal English language certificate may still be required for your course application, which is independent from the Scholarship application and handled by the relevant Faculty/Department.
Application Process
- Where can I find detailed information about the application process for the Berrow Foundation Scholarships?
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Please consult the Scholarships section on The Berrow Foundation website.
- What is the current deadline for submitting applications?
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Please consult the Scholarships section (under “Application process”) on The Berrow Foundation website for all relevant published dates.
- When should I expect to receive notification regarding my scholarship application outcome?
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Please consult the Scholarships section (under “Application process”) on The Berrow Foundation website for all relevant published dates.
- Are online interviews available if I cannot attend an in-person interview in Geneva?
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In-person interviews are recommended. In very exceptional circumstances an online interview may be arranged.
- Should I wait to submit my course application until I know the outcome of my scholarship application?
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It is recommended and more advantageous to apply to the university faculty with a guaranteed Berrow Foundation Scholarship but this is, of course, your choice.
College choice and accommodation
- What should I do if Lincoln College cannot be selected for my course option?
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Candidates are required to state Lincoln College as their preferred college choice when applying for their chosen course. However, if Lincoln College does not normally offer your course, it cannot be selected and you should name a different college on the application form. Should you then receive an offer from the relevant Faculty/Department and be awarded a Berrow Foundation Scholarship, Lincoln College will contact the college that made the offer and request your release to Lincoln College.
- What should I do if I find conflicting information about whether my course is associated with Lincoln College?
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Please contact Lincoln College directly at admissions@lincoln.ox.ac.uk.
- Is it required that I apply for accommodation at Lincoln College?
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Accommodation at Lincoln College is strongly recommended as it provides an excellent foundation for students to become part of the vibrant Lincoln community.