Thanks to the continued support of our sponsors, SUISS is able to offer scholarships for applicants who are from specific countries, including the UK, who specialise in certain subjects, or for exceptional literature students who would be unable to attend SUISS without financial assistance. Please note that we offer full and partial scholarships. Successful applicants are responsible for their own travel arrangements and spending money.
When making your application, please indicate for which scholarship you are applying on page 4 of the regular application form (there is no separate application for scholarships). Be sure to include a letter explaining why you wish to be considered. One of your referees should also support your scholarship application in his/her letter of reference.
Awards are made on the basis of genuine financial need, academic merit and the contribution which the candidate seems likely to make to the general life of the School. Recipients are chosen by a panel of academics from our affiliated universities, who specialise in a relevant subject such as Scottish Literature. The application deadline is 27th March 2026.
Please visit the following links to see which scholarships you are eligible to apply for. Any queries regarding scholarships should be addressed to the SUISS Administrator at suiss@ed.ac.uk.
The Amy Shypailo Scholarship for Women Abroad
This scholarship is a need-based award for U.S. students applying to either the four-week SUISS Creative Writing programme or the Text and Context programme. It is awarded annually in memory of Amy Shypailo, a 2007 SUISS alumna who cherished her summer in Edinburgh. This scholarship honours her legacy by supporting deserving students in accessing the transformative experience of studying abroad.
The award will cover course fees—either partially or in full, depending on financial need—for participation in Creative Writing or Text and Context course of choice.
Applications are invited from U.S. undergraduate students who identify as women and have a GPA of 3.5 or higher.
The Edwin Morgan Scholarship
Supported by the Edwin Morgan Trust through The Second Life Awards and by our affiliated universities, SUISS is pleased to offer scholarships for scholars and early-career academics from both the UK and abroad. Eligible applicants include those who:
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currently teach, or have departmental approval to establish, a course in Scottish Literature, or
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are doctoral candidates in the later stages of a PhD on an aspect of Scottish Literature.
In addition, scholarships are available to both UK-based and international PhD students who can demonstrate a genuine interest in Scottish Literature but do not have access to relevant courses or departments at their home institution.
An important element of these scholarships is exchange and collaboration. Recipients are required to present a paper at a mini-conference hosted by the University of Edinburgh, open to the public, where they have the opportunity to connect with UK academics and students. Many participants go on to collaborate on future projects.
The scholarship covers the course and accommodation fees for the two-week Scottish Literature course, including most meals.
ESU SUISS TLab Scholarships
The English-Speaking Union has partnered with SUISS to provide a variety of courses ideally suited for US secondary school teachers. Information on these scholarships, including how to apply, and funding options, can be found at the following link.
The David Daiches Scholarship
SUISS honours the life and vision of our founder through a dedicated scholarship in his name. This award covers the full cost of the Summer School’s course and standard accommodation fees, including tuition, housing, most meals, access to a rich social and cultural programme, and full use of the University of Edinburgh’s library facilities.
The successful candidate will receive a free place on the Text and Context course. The duration of the award—whether for one or multiple terms—will be determined at the discretion of the selection committee. Please note that the scholarship does not cover travel expenses, visa fees, or personal spending.
Applications are now invited from undergraduate and postgraduate students specialising in British and/or Irish Literature.
The Gavin Wallace Translation Fellowship
With the support of Creative Scotland, SUISS is pleased to offer two fully funded places on the four-week Contemporary and Scottish Literature courses. These fellowships are open to professional translators of commercial literature with a strong interest in contemporary Scottish writing.
The programme is designed to foster collaboration among translators and to promote Scottish literature—particularly to international audiences.
Please note that these fellowships are available exclusively for the residential course and cover both the course fee and standard accommodation costs.
The Greek Scholarship
We are delighted to announce a two-week residential scholarship for a student from Greece. This award is intended to support a talented literature student who would otherwise be unable to attend the School for financial reasons. Selection will be based on both academic merit and financial need.
The scholarship covers the Summer School’s course and standard accommodation fees, including tuition, housing, most meals, participation in our social and cultural programme, and full access to the University of Edinburgh library. The successful candidate will be offered a free place on the two-week term of their choice—Modernism, Contemporary Literature, or Scottish Literature—within the Text and Context course. Please note that the scholarship does not cover travel expenses or personal spending.
Applications are now invited from Greek undergraduate or postgraduate students specialising in British and/or Irish Literature.
The John McGrath and Elizabeth MacLennan Scholarships
The John McGrath Scholarship, established by SUISS in 2002, celebrates the life and work of John McGrath—playwright, theatre director, and long-time friend of the School. This award covers the full course and standard accommodation fees for the Theatre and Performance course, and is offered to one theatre student or playwright.
The Elizabeth MacLennan Scholarship, created in 2016 in honour of John McGrath’s late widow, supports one actor or performer by covering the course and standard accommodation fees for the Theatre and Performance course.
Applications are now invited from undergraduate and postgraduate students in theatre studies and drama, as well as from playwrights and theatre professionals.
The Middle Eastern Scholarship
We are delighted to announce a residential scholarship for a student from the Middle East to attend the Scottish Universities’ International Summer School (SUISS).
This award is intended to support a talented literature student who would otherwise be unable to participate for financial reasons. Selection will be based on both academic merit and financial need.
The scholarship covers the Summer School’s course and standard accommodation fees, including tuition, housing, most meals, access to the social and cultural programme, and full use of the University of Edinburgh library. The successful candidate will be offered a free place on either the Creative Writing course, Theatre & Performance course, or the Text & Context course of their choice. Please note that the scholarship does not cover travel expenses, visa fees, or personal spending.
Applications are now invited from Middle Eastern undergraduate or postgraduate students specialising in British and/or Irish Literature, Creative Writing or Drama.
Partial SUISS Scholarships
Unsuccessful scholarship applicants, or students who are not eligible for any of our other scholarship opportunities, can be considered for a SUISS scholarship of up to £500 off the course fee. Please be sure to mention on page 4 of the application form whether or not you would like to be considered for a SUISS Scholarship, and if so, the projected amount you will require.
Other Discounts
- Friends and Family Alumni Discount: a 15% discount off the course fee to all returning students… AND their friends and family. Simply mention the alumni’s name on the application form.
- Domestic Student Discount: a 30% discount off the course fee for students from, or resident in, the UK or Ireland.
Our Sponsors
Our scholarship programme is supported, in part, by:
The Friends and Family of Amy Shypailo
The Friends and Family of Professor David Daiches
The Friends of John McGrath
The Zachs-Adam Family Fund