0

I am applying for a PhD at a new university. But my grade is a little off to the scholarship line. The student service told me that I may get a scholarship, but not for sure. Now I have found two potential supervisors now. I have been working with one for years but he doesn't have much power in the university. However, another one, who he is working for and will be my main supervisor, weight a lot in the faculty. I am not familiar with the latter. Just met him once through the Skype interview. Is it polite that I ask for their help? How should I ask for the help? I am in Australia, but an international student.

Improve this question
1
  • Everyone asks for scholarships. I can't imagine someone hurting their chances by asking politely. On the other hand if you repeatedly send the same email when you don't get a response you may make yourself look like a pest they wound't want around.
    – A Simple Algorithm
    Commented Apr 6, 2019 at 21:08

2 Answers 2

Reset to default
2

It might be a bit risky and it is impossible to know what the reaction would be. However, if you actually need the scholarship in order to be able to accept any bid, then it would be appropriate for the supervisors to be told that.

If they really, really, want to accept you then it would be to your advantage that they know that you have financial constraints. However, if they are a bit ambivalent toward your acceptance, then it might be easier for them to invite someone else.

But, since you know one of them, and think he would support you, you could ask him to make your needs known to the other, rather than doing it directly yourself.

And it does no-one any good for you to hide the fact of your need.

Improve this answer
1
  • Thank you. I will discuss this with my supervisor. If I tell them that I have no financial constraints, but I still eagerly want a scholarship. Would that be a disadvantage for me?
    – hidemyname
    Commented Apr 6, 2019 at 12:13
1

I have only a little experience with Australian universities, but I doubt that the supervisor or your financial need is going to have much influence over whether you get a scholarship (as opposed to funding through a grant). Australian unis really want international students to pay themselves, although they do set aside a little money for international students with unusually strong research records and credentials.

To answer your question, there's nothing wrong with asking your potential supervisor, but they will probably not be able to do much to help.

Improve this answer

You must log in to answer this question.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged .