In a first, CU launches research grants for PhD, MPhil, Master’s students

For the first time in its history, Chittagong University will start giving out research scholarships for PhD, MPhil and Master’s (thesis) students every month.

CU Pro-Vice Chancellor (Academic) Shamim Uddin Khan confirmed the development to The Daily Star today.

According to sources at CU Central Students’ Union and the university administration, under the new initiative, four-year PhD researchers will receive Tk 40,000, two-year MPhil researchers Tk 20,000, and six-month Master’s (thesis) researchers Tk 15,000.

The scholarship will be awarded based on the July-June academic year, and only full-time students will be eligible.

"All students whose applications are approved will receive the scholarship.

“However, students receiving multiple scholarships from other sources will not be eligible for this one,” the pro-VC said.

Students enrolled in the 2024-25 and 2025-26 academic sessions in PhD, MPhil and Master’s (thesis) programmes will be eligible to apply for the scholarship.

PhD and MPhil students will have to apply for annual renewal by meeting specific conditions. Renewal will require a satisfactory evaluation from the supervisor and recommendation from the academic committee. Failure to apply within the stipulated timeframe will result in cancellation of renewal.

Under the policy, PhD researchers must publish at least one peer-reviewed article each in their third and fourth years, while MPhil students must publish at least one peer-reviewed paper during their programme. Failure to meet these requirements will require repayment of the scholarship amount.

Applications will be approved based on recommendations from a selection committee formed by the university’s Research and Publication Office.

The policy also states that recipients must complete their degrees within the stipulated timeframe. Otherwise, they will have to return the scholarship money. However, an extension of up to one year may be granted on acceptable grounds such as illness, accidents, natural disasters or pandemics.

The scholarship funds can only be spent on research-related purposes and not on any other expenses.

CU Central Students’ Union (Cucsu) Secretary for Research and Innovation Tanvir Anjum Shovon hailed the initiative.

“Previously, support was limited to transportation and other ancillary costs for students. This is the first time a dedicated research scholarship is being introduced,” said Shovon.

He added that in the case of Master’s thesis students, only top-performing students of the university will be brought under the scheme, and recipients will have to submit detailed expenditure reports showing how the funds were utilised.