Call for Applications: The Hili Ventures Research Fund Ph.D. scholarship in Health and Wellbeing of Children and their Families

The Scholarship Award

The University of Malta (“UM”) is issuing a scholarship, funded through an agreement with Hili Ventures Ltd and facilitated by the RIDT, for Ph.D. students to work on research projects which shall focus on the health and well-being of children and their families and family-centred care practice; this to explore ways of working with families, both formally and informally, across service systems - including the health system - to enhance parents’ capacity to care for and protect their children.
Applications are now open for a scholarship (the third in this series) which will cover research within any Faculty/Institute/Centre/School at UM (the “FICS”).
Applicants shall be eligible for Ph.D. studies at UM in terms of the applicable regulations and bye-laws.
The selected candidate is expected to enroll in Ph.D. studies offered by UM. The scholarship award (the “Award”) is for a maximum of three years (full-time studies) and can be taken up as from the approved Ph.D. commencement date, as approved by Senate, based on the recommendations received by the relevant FICS Doctoral Committee, FICS Board and the Doctoral Academic Committee.
This Award shall cover a basic maintenance allowance of €12,000 per annum for a maximum of 3 years and shall also provide a maximum of €4,000 to cover publications and conferences. The Award will not cover the annual enrollment fee, nor any applicable bench fees
International candidates are advised to familiarise 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.
Non-EU/EEA nationals can apply for the tuition fee waiver scholarship offered by UM within one month of receipt of the unconditional letter of acceptance, and prior to commencement of studies. The tuition fee waiver scholarship 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. More information is available on the International Office website.
Applicants should submit their letter of application by not later than 23 March 2026 by e-mail to scholarships.doctoralschool@um.edu.mt together with a copy of their curriculum vitae, and a scanned copy of their certificates. The Award 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.
The selection procedure will consist of the following:

scrutiny of qualifications and experience claimed and supported by testimonials and/or certificates (copies to be included with the application);
shortlisting; and
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.

Terms and conditions

The Award will be suspended in the event of a suspension of studies. The Award will also not cover any extension of studies.
The Award may not be held concurrently with another major scholarship or sponsorship award for the same purpose.
The Award-holder may not engage in employment which is likely to interfere with the progress of their research and must seek the permission of Senate - on a recommendation of the FICS Doctoral Committee, the Board and the Doctoral Academic Committee - before engaging in any employment.
The FICS Doctoral Committee must be kept informed about the nature and extent of the Award-holder’s employment commitments throughout their period of study.
The Award-holder shall abide by all applicable regulations and policies of the UM in force during the course of their studies.
The Award-holder will be required to provide progress reports on an annual basis (normally in May each year) to the FICS 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.
The Doctoral School requests that the award holder acknowledges the assistance of The Hili Ventures Research Fund and the Research Innovation and Development Trust of the University of Malta (RIDT) in any publications arising wholly or partially from the award.
Other terms and conditions apply.

About Hili Ventures Ltd:

Hili Ventures is the holding company of a diversified group with a deep-rooted entrepreneurial heritage dating back to 1923. Through its various subsidiaries, Hili Ventures is engaged in food service and retail, real estate and hospitality, and shipping, engineering & technology in 10 countries across Europe and North Africa, with a team of 12,000+ people.

From its headquarters in Malta, Hili Ventures steers its subsidiaries towards continued growth in selected sectors and markets and is a proud partner of Apple, McDonald’s, Konecranes, Microsoft, NCR, Six Senses, and many other global brands.

The Doctoral School, February 2026