Call for Applications: Ph.D. scholarship on the theme of Early Leaving from Education and Training (ELET)

Centre for Resilience and Socio-Emotional Health

1. The Scholarship Award

1. The University of Malta (“UM”) is issuing a scholarship, funded through an agreement with the Ministry for Education, Sport, Youth, Research and Innovation (“MEYR”) for Ph.D. students to work on research projects which shall focus on the promotion and protection of the wellbeing and mental health of school students, particularly students at risk of disengagement, early school leaving and mental health issues.
   
   
2. Applications are now open for the scholarship which will cover research within the Centre for Resilience and Socio-Emotional Health (the “Centre”)
   
   
3. Applicants shall be eligible for Ph.D. studies at UM in terms of the applicable regulations and the Centre’s bye-laws. Preference will be given to graduates in education or social sciences and with proficient knowledge of the Maltese language.
   
   
4. The selected candidate is expected to enroll in Ph.D. studies offered by the Centre. The scholarship award (the “Award” is for a maximum of six years (part-time studies) and can be taken up as from the approved Ph.D. commencement date, as approved by Senate, based on the recommendations made by the Centre Doctoral Committee, the Centre Board and the Doctoral Academic Committee.
   
   
5. This Award shall cover the annual tuition fees up to the amount of €1,350 per annum for a maximum of 6 years.
   
   
6. International candidates are advised to familiarize themselves with information available on the website of the International Office when applying, particularly to the sections concerning tuition fees, English Language requirements, visas and e-residence permit conditions and requirements. It is important to note that the Award does not cover all the costs related to studying and living in Malta, and international candidates will need to provide assurance that they have the funds available to cover their stay and studies in Malta.
   
   
7. Non-EU/EEA nationals can apply for the tuition fee waiver scholarship offered by UM once they commence their studies, which may provide between 40% and 100% of the applicable tuition fee waiver to deserving students. Only applicants who have been accepted unconditionally to read for the Ph.D. are eligible to apply for such tuition fee waiver scholarship. Fee waivers are not an automatic right for the selected candidate and their award is not guaranteed.
   
   
8. Applicants should submit their letter of application by not later than 10 December 2025 by email together with a copy of their curriculum vitae, and a scanned copy of their certificates. The scholarship is intended to support students who have clear goals for their future. Applicants are expected to explain how they believe doctoral research will allow them to shape their plans after graduation. Applicants are expected to declare any special attributes and accomplishments that they consider make them deserving of the scholarship. Late applications will not be considered.
   
   
9. The selection procedure will consist of the following:
   1. scrutiny of qualifications and experience claimed and supported by testimonials and/or certificates (copies to be included with the application)
   2. shortlisting; and
   3. an interview and/or an extended interview.

The selection panel will make its final decision on the successful candidate based on demonstration of academic excellence and research potential. 

2. Terms and conditions

1. The Award will be suspended in the event of a suspension of studies. The Award will also not cover any extension of studies.
   
   
2. The Award may not be held concurrently with another major scholarship or sponsorship award for the same purpose.
   
   
3. The Centre Doctoral Committee must be kept informed about the nature and extent of the Award-holder’s employment commitments throughout their period of study.
   
   
4. The Award-holder shall abide by all applicable regulations and policies of the UM in force during the course of their studies.
   
   
5. The Award-holder will be required to provide progress reports on an annual basis (normally in May each year) to the Centre Doctoral Committee, as required by University regulations and procedures. At the end of their studies, the Award-holder shall provide a final report, covering what has been achieved.
   
   
6. The Doctoral School requests that the award holder acknowledges the assistance of the supervisors and funding by the Ministry for Education, Sport, Youth, Research and Innovation in any publications arising wholly or partially from the award.
   
   
7.  Other relevant regulations and policies of the UM shall apply.

The Doctoral School, November 2025