The Charles Wallace India Trust Scholarships aims to provide opportunities for Indian professionals, artists, scholars, and researchers in the early to mid stages of their careers to gain exposure and experience in the UK and contribute to their fields upon their return to India.
This empowering and prestigious scholarship supports talented individuals, promotes educational and cultural exchange, and contributes to the development of individuals from diverse backgrounds. It encourages the sharing of ideas and fosters long-lasting connections. Let's find out more.
Who was Charles Wallace?
The Charles Wallace India Trust and its associated grants are named after Charles Wallace, an English art collector and philanthropist. Born in Calcutta in 1855, Charles Wallace developed a deep appreciation for Indian art and culture during his time in India. He was strongly interested in promoting cultural understanding and exchanges between India and the United Kingdom.
What does the Trust do?
The Charles Wallace India Trust, established in 1981 as a registered charity and in association with the British Council, recognizes the importance of fostering cultural dialogue and supporting talented individuals. It provides financial support, covering expenses like travel, accommodation, living costs, and project-related expenses.
What fields of study do Charles Wallace India Trust Scholarships cover?
Arts
- Visual Arts
- Performance (such as Dance, Drama, and Music)
- Film (Script Writing and Direction)
- Photography
- Design (excluding Architecture)
- Curating
Heritage Conservation
- Conservation Architecture
- Management of heritage projects or sites, museums and collections
- Conservation of materials such as timber, stone and metal
- Conservation of landscape
Charles Wallace India Trust Scholarships Eligibility and Exclusions
Eligibility
Applicants should:
- Be Indian citizens residing in the country
- Have not received any CWIT grant over the last five years.
- Meet the age and field criteria of the individual grants as specified
- Have a valid IELTS certificate
Exclusions
Some general exclusions from the grants are travel costs within India, UK visa costs, and obtaining a valid IELTS certificate.
Grants Offered
Long-Term Grants
The CWIT offers up to two long-term awards each year. These highly competitive scholarships are available to artists from various disciplines.
What does it cover?
The scholarships typically cover up to 10 months of accommodation and living costs in the UK. Additionally, recipients receive a contribution of £700 towards their international travel expenses.
Eligibility
Apart from the above-mentioned general criteria for this grant, applicants also should:
- Be aged between 28 and 38
- Have a first degree, diploma or professional qualification in their specialisation. CWIT does favour applicants with relevant working experience
Field of Study
- Arts and Heritage Conservation
Procedure To Apply
Applicants undergo a shortlisting process and are invited to the British Council in New Delhi for an interview. The interview panels, chaired by CWIT, consist of Indian experts, and the results are usually announced in early April.
Documents Needed
- A clearly defined Statement of Purpose indicating the course selected, objectives in the UK, and plans to apply the experiences in India.
- Portfolio submission, where applicable, by providing online links or uploading relevant pictures or documents.
- Evidence of unconditional acceptance on the course
Short Term Grants
15-20 grants are awarded annually for short-term research, open to academic scholars and arts and heritage conservation professionals.
What does it cover?
The CWIT provides £1,500 towards the costs of staying in the UK, usually enough for about three weeks. It also offers small grants (£600) to fill funding gaps for Indian students in the final stages of their doctorates. Applicants with plans to stay longer in the UK need to supplement the CWIT grant with other funding and be able to show evidence of the same.
Eligibility
Apart from the above-mentioned general criteria for this grant, applicants also should:
- Be between 25 and 45
- Have completed their studies and have 4 or more years of research or experience, or be in the final stages of their doctorate
Field of Study
Performing and Creative Arts, History, Archaeology, Literature etc.
Procedure To Apply & Documents Needed
Applicants need to submit a research proposal and include the following:
- Brief CV including your e-mail ID, postal address and recent photo
- A clear SOP including goals in the UK and sources to consult if going for research.
- An indication of how much time you wish to spend in the UK and plans when back
- Names and addresses of two referees familiar with your work.
Detailed guidelines on how to write the proposal are available on the website, along with other details.
Visiting Fellowships
The Visiting Fellowships grant offered by the Charles Wallace India Trust allows academics, writers, translators, and professionals to spend up to three months at a designated host university in the UK. CWIT also supports two artists’ residencies (visual arts) at Gasworks and the Delfina Foundation.
Eligibility
Apart from the above-mentioned general criteria for this grant, applicants also should:
- Be aged between 25 and 45 (no upper age limit for translator fellowships)
- Possess either postgraduate qualifications or at least 5 years of professional or academic experience.
- Submit a proposal outlining their objectives at the host institution and demonstrating how they intend to use the experience gained upon returning to India.
Fields of Study and Fellowships
This fellowship is available for historians, social scientists, writers, translators, and others. These are available at many prestigious Universities, including Edinburgh University, Cambridge University, University of Stirling and many more.
Applying
Universities advertise fellowship opportunities on their websites, and deadlines vary for all. Fellows and artists are selected through agreements between the host university, CWIT, and Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation (for artist residencies). For the most up-to-date information regarding the eligibility criteria, contact SI-UK India today.
Charles Wallace India Trust Scholarships FAQ
Q. Who is eligible for the Charles Wallace Scholarship?
The scholarship is generally open to Indian citizens living in India who have demonstrated outstanding talent or potential in their respective fields. The scholarships are usually awarded in various areas, including arts and heritage conservation.
Q. How do you apply for the Charles Wallace Fellowship?
To apply for a Charles Wallace Fellowship, follow the application process outlined by the respective trust or organisation offering the fellowship. The application process usually involves submitting an application form, providing supporting documents (such as a CV/resume, academic transcripts, and letters of recommendation), and possibly attending an interview or providing a project proposal.
Q. What is the Charles Wallace short-term grant?
The Charles Wallace short-term grant is a financial support programme provided by the Charles Wallace India Trust. This grant is typically awarded to individuals who wish to pursue short-term professional development opportunities or projects in the UK. It aims to support research, collaboration, training, or attending conferences or workshops. The grant covers travel, accommodation, and living expenses during the approved period.
Q. Why is Charles Wallace important?
Charles Wallace is important because of the philanthropic efforts associated with his name. Charles Wallace was a British writer and philanthropist who lived in India. He left a significant sum upon his death to establish the Charles Wallace India Trust. This trust promotes mutual understanding and cooperation between India and the United Kingdom through various cultural and educational exchanges.
Q. How do I get the Charles Wallace scholarship?
To be considered for a Charles Wallace scholarship, you must research and identify the specific scholarship that aligns with your field of interest and eligibility criteria. Once you have identified a suitable scholarship, you will typically need to complete an application form, which can be obtained from the official website of the Charles Wallace India Trust or other relevant organisations.
Q. Do I need particular qualifications to apply for the Charles Wallace India Trust scholarships?
The qualifications required to apply for the Charles Wallace India Trust scholarships depend on the individual scholarships offered. Each scholarship programme may have eligibility criteria, including academic qualifications, professional experience, and talent in a particular field. Some scholarships may target individuals at specific career stages, such as early-career professionals, mid-career professionals, or established artists.
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