Applications are now open for the 2026 intake of the Carnegie Trust for the Universities of Scotland (CTUS) Vacation Scholarship scheme. 

This gives students the chance to complete a self-led research project with living costs funded. 

Previous projects have investigated whether face emojis help readers detect sarcasm in Chinese, worked to improve the longevity of batteries in electric vehicles and targeted enhancements to make the production of ammonia fertilizer less energy intensive.  

It is a brilliant opportunity to learn in-demand research skills and gain invaluable experience without the pressure of term-time obligations. 

Those looking to progress to a postgraduate degree in future will find it a particularly useful opportunity to structure and deliver an independent, impactful project. 

The scheme is open to undergraduates who are Scottish-domiciled and from a low-income household. 

Applications from mature and/or care-experienced students are welcome. 

More information about eligibility criteria can be found on the application page: 

https://carnegie-trust.org/award-schemes/vacation-scholarships/ 

As part of a complete application, students are asked to submit a two-page project proposal and source a potential supervisor. To find out more about how to apply, click the link below: