Masters Research Grants

Background

MRG Program Update

Eligibility

Research Topics

Constraints

Past Recipients

Background

In 2019, the Foundation launched its TIRF Masters Research Grants (MRG) program. Via this initiative, TIRF considered masters-level research proposals about English language teaching and learning from individuals enrolled in masters-level programs at universities in Chinese-speaking contexts, including individuals living in mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan. Funding was intended to support worthy applicants who have had their MA thesis proposals accepted by a supervisor or supervisory committee. Award levels for each grant ranged between RMB 5,000 and RMB 15,000.

There were two levels of Masters Research Grants (MRGs) that will be offered in 2020:

Level One: The first level targets students who had been admitted to MA programs and had their MA thesis research proposals approved by their supervisor or supervisory committee.
Level Two: The second level targeted MA students who received a Level-One MRG, finished their studies, and wished to disseminate their results at well-known conferences internationally and in Chinese-speaking contexts.

Please note that TIRF capped the first 100 viable proposals it received before the application deadline. A “viable proposal” included the application and the supervisor’s letter of support.

MRG Program Update

MRG Program Closed

The MRG program closed due to budget constraints related to the COVID-19 pandemic. We hope to offer the MRG program again in the future and will keep our supporters updated should changes be made. We encourage you to sign up to receive our monthly newsletter to stay abreast of future updates to the program.

We remain thankful to Words Up Your Way for their previous support of the MRG program.

Eligibility

Overview of Eligibility

The following points are only an overview of eligibility to apply for a MRG. Successful applicants will read the call for proposals and carefully follow the instructions. Applicants must:

Be enrolled in a legitimate masters program;
Have had a research plan approved by a a supervisor or supervisory committee;
Write a proposal which is clearly related to one or more of TIRF’s research topics (see below);
Follow specific instructions located in the call for proposals; and
Have their research supervisor submit an official letter of support attesting to the applicant’s readiness to complete the masters research.

Research Topics

Research Topics for MRG Applicants

The list of four research topics MRG applicants’ studies may relate to are listed below. Please click on a topic to read more about it.

Constraints

Possible Constraints on Awards

Please note that the ability for TIRF to make payments for a grant, prize, or other purpose may be restricted. Although TIRF is an independent foundation, it remains subject to the laws governing the United States of America (where TIRF is registered), including governmental sanctions that are in force and may limit doing business with individuals or organizations in/from certain countries.

Past Recipients