research proposal for scholarship sample

How to Write Research Proposal For Scholarship Applications? With Examples September 22, 2023 by Digital Vaults Editorial Team

If you’re lucky enough to have the chance to apply for a scholarship, it’s essential to consider that you will likely need to write a study proposal. While this can feel daunting, it’s not that difficult, so long as you know where to start and what you hope to achieve!

Why is a Research Proposal for a Scholarship Important?

Before we go any further, it’s worth considering why you’re putting effort into the study proposal. Indeed, knowing the value or weighting of a task often makes it much easier to stick to!

So, what’s the importance of a research proposal? A good research proposal demonstrates why your project and approach would fit the requirements well.

Invariably, an organization costs much money to provide a funded scholarship . As such, your study proposal allows you to demonstrate the value you’ll bring to the business. In other words, it’s a way of showing the scholarship provider that you are a valuable asset to their work.

As such, your study proposal drastically boosts the strength and appeal of your scholarship application. Remember: going for a scholarship is hugely competitive. As a result, making your application stand out is essential. This is where your study proposal can help.

So, don’t leave things to chance if you want to boost your study proposal.

Key Things to Include In Your Study Proposal Scholarship

By now, we’ve looked at what a study proposal is and why it is essential for your application. But what are some critical things you should include in your study proposal?

Generally, the key things you will need to include in your study proposal include the following points.

#1 Introductory Information

The most obvious thing your study proposal should include is introductory information. Indeed, introductory information (e.g., the title of your research proposal, the primary goals you’re hoping to achieve, etc.) is critical. This shows the reviewer of the study proposal how the research might relate to the company’s goals.

#2 Your Background

You need more than just the topics you intend to study for your scholarship. In your study proposal, you should also cover why you’re a good fit for the role – in other words, what is your background? What is your understanding of the topic, and how does this relate to your proposed topic? Considering this will directly influence your application, demonstrating that you are qualified and knowledgeable to approach the subject.

#3 Key Questions

As well as introducing the topic, it’s vital to ensure that your study proposal addresses any key questions relating to your topic. In other words, what problems are you addressing? How will looking at these issues help solve and improve social or economic aspects?

#4 Time Frames

As well as answering the critical questions of your study, your study proposal should indicate expected timelines and deadlines for the work. This helps ensure that the research proposal reviewer can see when you’ll aim to deliver the work and whether this comfortably meets the timeframe for the scholarship.

When planning your time frames, it’s essential to consider that a full-time study offer will usually have a four-year timeline to completion. This includes writing up your research in the third year. Meanwhile, for part-time study, you will likely have around six years to study and two more years to write up your results.

Make sure your proposed time frames fit into this comfortably. This ensures you’ve demonstrated that you will be a good candidate for the scholarship. After all, why would a business want to accept a scholarship applicant who couldn’t complete the study on time?

Steps to Write a Study Proposal Scholarship

At this point, we have outlined some of the main things you need to know about what is included in a study proposal. However, that doesn’t directly help with writing the scholarship. The following outline should help create an effective, reliable, and valuable study proposal.

Make a Summary of Key Points

Before you begin writing your scholarship study proposal, summarize the key points we mentioned before. These key points need to be included in your study proposal. Outlining them is very important to ensure a clear focus on how the study proposal should look.

Start with your Cover Page

A cover page is a surprisingly important part of your research proposal. Indeed, the cover page provides a simple introduction to the proposal, shows that you can work professionally, and shows an additional level of determination above the bare minimum. Remember: the institution will use your study proposal to assess whether you’re a responsible, hard-working fit for the scholarship.

Create an Introduction

Don’t try to jump immediately into the body of the study proposal. Take things one step at a time by starting with the introduction.

Your introduction needs to cover all of the basics of your study research. As such, it should outline the main points, such as the title of your project and the main research problem. However, it should also briefly hint at your experience and inspiration for the project. However, be brief here, as this will be addressed further in the later sections.

It’s essential to ensure the introduction also covers your main research objectives. Failing to express these could result in your application holding less merit and strength than others.

As a key tip: keep the title of your research proposal simple. Your chosen title should be simultaneously informative and straightforward to understand. This will help the reader understand quickly the exact niche you will focus on and how this could benefit the institution’s goals.

Complete a Literature Review

Once you’ve outlined the main points behind your research proposal and introduced the concept, you can begin your literature review.

A literature review offers a straightforward yet highly effective way to show the current understanding surrounding the topic. With this thought in mind, try to go relatively in-depth with your analysis here. Of course, this only requires a partial analysis of the topic. You don’t have an unlimited word count to work with (yet), and you’ll want to leave some of that for the main body of your research!

However, presenting a thorough, well-researched overview of the available literature should be enough. Try to find research from within your country and internationally to present diverse viewpoints. You don’t need to expand on these, but summarize the key findings of each of the addressed studies. You could also mention their strengths and weaknesses.

Once you have done so, completing the literature review becomes very easy! The literature review should highlight any well-established knowledge. It should also highlight where knowledge is lacking or missing and how this relates to what you will address in your research.

Present the Research Methodology

Once you have determined what you intend to research and how this relates to the literature review, you can outline your methodology. Summarizing the key things you intend to address makes this much more accessible.

While you won’t necessarily need to present every little detail, your research methodology should be thorough enough to cover all the main points. Try to dedicate half a page to a full page on this section. Make sure you also mention the strengths and weaknesses of your methodology. Be sure also to explain why you can’t address the weaknesses directly.

In the methodology section, adding a timeline can be incredibly helpful. This will demonstrate how you intend to complete the research.

It also shows when you will complete each section and so on. In addition, dividing your work into stages can make it easier to stick to the schedule if you achieve the scholarship. So, this is well worth paying attention to.

Don’t be overly ambitious; set realistic deadlines you can meet rather than speedy deadlines you’ll struggle to keep up with. Missing deadlines look terrible on your research and can be disheartening. This will make a vicious cycle where you only get more and more behind.

Outline Funding Requirements

Unfortunately, conducting thorough research isn’t free! With this thought in mind, you’ll need to outline funding requirements for the research. In other words, how much will you need for the scholarship?

Be sure to calculate this section very carefully. If you ask for less funding, the scholarship institution will likely look for someone else who can do the work more affordably. However, you may need to ask for more to make ends meet. Indeed, getting more funding can often be very hard once a price has been agreed upon for the scholarship. So, the importance of calculating this carefully is vital.

Bibliography

Throughout your research proposal, including a diverse range of references can back up your application and show how much work you’ve done towards it. However, it’s essential to remember that you’ll need to include a bibliography at the end of your research to give full credit to any authors you’ve referenced.

Be sure to check which referencing style your institution expects before getting started. If your institution expects a specific referencing style to be used, now’s the perfect time to demonstrate your skills and how you could bring value to the project.

How Long Should my Research Proposal Be?

You may now be wondering how long your research proposal should be. Well, this entirely depends on how you write, how much you must cover in the proposal, etc. However, your research proposal should be between 2500 and 3500 words.

As such, a specific aim for your research paper will be around five to seven pages. However, this final figure will depend on how you write and the font or formatting you choose.

If you still need to hit the 2500 words mark, take the opportunity to expand your proposal further. Remember, a lot is riding on this! But, you should be good if your research paper is already at 2500 words or more.

If you go over 3500 words, remember that the reader may begin to lose interest. Condensing an excessively long study proposal can make it much easier for the reader to take in.

Final Thoughts

If you have been wondering about how to write a study proposal for a scholarship , there are several vital things in this regard that you should consider. Fortunately, there are numerous ways you can boost your results by writing a study proposal for a scholarship. Today’s essential tips may have helped here.

After all, while no simple solution will immediately create the perfect study proposal for your scholarship, you can take many excellent steps. These help you find suitable options to boost your application.

Good luck – but with an excellent study proposal, you won’t need it so much anyway!

You can find full list of documents required for scholarship here.

Related Posts:

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Digital Commons Data adheres to FAIR principles of Findability, Accessibility, Interoperability, and Reuse. All data is "archived in perpetuity for long-term availability, with Data Archiving and​ Networked Services" ( https://www.elsevier.com/solutions/digital-commons/data ). To support open data, all published datasets will have a clear license and a DOI for ease of citation.

Digital Commons Data is a module of Digital Commons, an institutional repository system used by the USF Libraries. In use since 2007, the USF Libraries has supported persistent access and preservation to scholarly works and datasets created at USF with Digital Commons. The datasets created as a result of this project align with key library research collections, notably the Florida Environment and Natural History Collections Initiative ( https://lib.usf.edu/library-administration/innovative-research-collections/ ).

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Scholarship Proposal

There is no doubt that education is costly, particularly now, the costs of most institutions continue to climb year after year. Because of such, many business owners, schools, and companies want to offer scholarships . However, they are not aware of where to start and how to write a winning scholarship proposal. It will be impossible to determine what distinguishes all scholarship applications. Each will provide a unique glimpse into the author’s history and future ambitions. Also, the distinct style utilized by the author.

To give you more idea about scholarship proposal, here are sample templates and tips that can help:

6+ Scholarship Proposal Examples

1. university scholarship proposal template.

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2. Scholarship Project Proposal Format

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3. Undergraduate Scholarship Proposal

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4. Graduate Scholarship Proposal

Size: 414 KB

5. Sample Scholarship Proposal

Size: 477 KB

6. Rural Scholarship Proposal for Dental Students

Size: 536 KB

7. Scholarship Committee Proposal

Size: 276 KB

What Is a Scholarship Proposal? 

A scholarship proposa l is a written paper that asks donors to include a financial budget, financing, or expenditure. This plan paper must be correct and concise since the investors would use it to determine whether or not to approve the fund offer. A competent academic proposal plan should include the project’s priorities, information about the agency, and the amount needed.

Scholarship review boards have a variety of information to consider before determining who should get a scholarship. In certain circumstances, the decision is created based on intellectual merit or economic considerations.

How to Write a Scholarship Proposal?

Many company owners are inexperienced when it comes to drafting a scholarship proposal. Although you haven’t learned the process in school, it does not means that it should be a difficult job. In fact, you can do some research about it. By that, you can have an idea of the factors that you will need to consider during the process.

To make your proposal as quick and reliable as possible, follow these steps.

Step 1: Project Summary 

In the project summary , make sure to include a one-page overview of the plan, outlining the initiative’s intent, priorities, and anticipated effects. After that, prepare the conclusion. Don’t forget to read everything before you proceed. 

Step 2: Table of Contents 

The table of contents is also one of the proposal’s final bits. For short plans, there is no need for a table of contents. You can only set aside two or three pages for this section. However, you can add another sheet, depending on your proposal. 

Step 3: Project Narrative 

The highlight of the scholarship proposal’s is the project plot, which usually includes the following elements:  

• Background Information  
• Objectives  
• Activities  
• Timeline of Activities  
• Evaluation Plan

Step 4: Budget Requirements 

Make a list of the project’s financial conditions. Group line items accordingly and make sure to include all the information needed. Present the budget for next year if you are doing a multi-year project.

How to ask for a scholarship?

Many people are confused about where to ask for a scholarship. Actually, it’s easy. You can only send an email to the school’s admissions office to seek further scholarship funds. But make sure to personalize the message to avoid making a negative impact on the letter’s recipient. It’s critical to make a great first impression, whether they’re from the admissions office or another  business .

Can you negotiate a scholarship offer?

There is no danger of trying to discuss your scholarship bid, regardless of how you go about it. Since you asked for more funding, a college would not revoke your admission or remove the money they have provided.

What is the procedure for requesting a tuition reduction?

To inquire about additional  financial assistance  and tuition discounts, contact your school’s financial assistance office or bursar office and ask for their preferred method. They can assist with this concern. So, don’t hesitate to ask them.

Although seeking a scholarship may seem easy, drafting a scholarship application is a difficult task. As a result, you must remember the steps above. There are also scholarship proposal templates available to make your job easier, smoother, and more successful. Download them now!

Proposal Maker

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Compose a proposal for a school field trip to a science museum.

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Undergraduate Research & Scholarships

Haas scholars program, proposal format, haas scholars program: guidelines for your project proposal.

Please review these guidelines and policies before beginning to write your Haas Scholars proposal.  We recommended using this research proposal worksheet to prepare your proposal. For more suggestions on how to approach each section, visit the proposal-writing resources page on the OURS website and/or attend a “How to Write a Proposal” workshop (times/dates here ). You may also review a video recording of the Research Proposal Workshop linked here . Note: you will need to be signed into you BMail account (@berkeley.edu) in order to access the linked resources above.

Your proposal should contain the following five sections:

• Research Statement (Project Summary)
• Background and Rationale
• Research Plan (Methodologies and Timeline)
• Qualifications and Affiliations
• Bibliography

Note : You will need to number any supplementary materials (graphics, images, charts) that you refer to in your application and upload them as a single PDF.

Research Statement (Project Summary) (max. 1,000 characters, approx. 175 words)

Provide an overview of your project, addressing the following questions:

• What specific question does your research ask. and why is it important?
• How will your project potentially contribute new knowledge to the field?

A good research statement acts as an abstract of your project – it is your sales pitch. It should:

• Provide a hook or snapshot of your specific topic
• Introduce a hypothesis or intervention in the field, stating your research question
• Briefly contextualize your proposal in current conversations in the field
• Describe the potential impact or implication(s) of the project
• Make a claim about how this project is relevant
• Convince the reader that this project is exciting, innovative, and meaningful!

Background and Rationale (max. 4,000 characters, approx. 750 words)

Contextualize your research project within existing literature and make a case for why this research matters. Although you may use in-text citations to refer to sources that have informed your research, full citations of these sources should be included in the bibliography section. Be sure to address the following questions:

• What is already known about the research topic you will be working on?
• How does your project align with or depart from the existing scholarship?
• How will this research contribute to the wider field?

This section builds on the project overview you provided in the Research Statement section. In it, you will situate your research project within existing literature. This is where you will cite the sources included in the bibliography!

• Situate your research question within the broader field, summarizing the key findings of scholarship that shaped your thinking
• Indicate how your project will contribute new knowledge
• Identify questions your research will answer

Research Plan (Methodologies and Timeline) (max. 3,000 characters, approx. 500 words)

Describe your research plan. Provide an account of the methodologies that will inform your process and outline the timeline of your project. Be sure to address the following questions:

• Describe your summer research plan in chronological order, using either a week-by-week timeline or phases approach. Each week/phase should specify goals, action items, and methods.
• How are your chosen research methods appropriate for addressing these issues?
• Are there constraints or anticipated challenges associated with any particular elements of your research process?

This section details the how, when, where, and what of your project, describing how you will tackle the research objectives. It should identify the components of this research and your organizational approach. Be clear about the nature of your research (e.g., bibliographic, labwork, experiments, interviews, documentation). Describe your project as a process that can be broken down into rational, discrete phases:

• What will your first step be?  What is entailed in this step? What will your questioning look like? How long will it take?
• How does step 1 prepare you for step 2? How does step 2 prepare you for step 3? etc.
• Are there benchmarks that will define your process?

Qualifications and Affiliations (max. 1,200 characters, approx. 200 words)

Describe your qualifications to conduct this research. Reference not only any relevant coursework and germane research experience but also personal experiences that make the project meaningful to you. If your research requires an external affiliation or permission to access particular resources, provide evidence that you have secured these. Be sure to address the following:

• What academic and personal experiences have prepared you to carry out this research project?
• Does your project depend on access to people and/or institutions or particular resources (i.e., interviewing subjects, partnering with institutions, traveling to archives or museums)? If so, please describe the affiliations, permissions, and agreements you have established.

In this section, you are convincing the committee that you are prepared to undertake this research. You are providing a personal statement about why this research matters to you. Here’s what to include:  

• A narrative account of what you learned
• Previous research experience
• Planned training in the coming semester or early summer
• Any external affiliations secured (archives, labs, community groups)
• Relevant leadership or extracurricular activities
• Demonstration of passion for the proposed project

Bibliography (max. 4,000 characters)

Provide a short bibliography that has informed your thinking. Include full citations of any sources you mentioned elsewhere in this proposal.

• Ten most important sources
• e.g., Chicago, MLA, APA, etc.

Previously Successful Research Proposals

To view examples of research proposals, you can visit the SURF L&S Resources page linked here .

Note: The proposals will be listed by Major(s), Fellow, and Title of Project. To access the files linked, you must be logged into a valid UC Berkeley email address.

How To Write A Research Proposal

A Straightforward How-To Guide (With Examples)

By: Derek Jansen (MBA) | Reviewed By: Dr. Eunice Rautenbach | August 2019 (Updated April 2023)

Writing up a strong research proposal for a dissertation or thesis is much like a marriage proposal. It’s a task that calls on you to win somebody over and persuade them that what you’re planning is a great idea. An idea they’re happy to say ‘yes’ to. This means that your dissertation proposal needs to be   persuasive ,   attractive   and well-planned. In this post, I’ll show you how to write a winning dissertation proposal, from scratch.

Before you start:

– Understand exactly what a research proposal is – Ask yourself these 4 questions

The 5 essential ingredients:

• The title/topic
• The introduction chapter
• The scope/delimitations
• Preliminary literature review
• Design/ methodology
• Practical considerations and risks 

What Is A Research Proposal?

The research proposal is literally that: a written document that communicates what you propose to research, in a concise format. It’s where you put all that stuff that’s spinning around in your head down on to paper, in a logical, convincing fashion.

Convincing   is the keyword here, as your research proposal needs to convince the assessor that your research is   clearly articulated   (i.e., a clear research question) ,   worth doing   (i.e., is unique and valuable enough to justify the effort), and   doable   within the restrictions you’ll face (time limits, budget, skill limits, etc.). If your proposal does not address these three criteria, your research won’t be approved, no matter how “exciting” the research idea might be.

PS – if you’re completely new to proposal writing, we’ve got a detailed walkthrough video covering two successful research proposals here . 

How do I know I’m ready?

Before starting the writing process, you need to   ask yourself 4 important questions .  If you can’t answer them succinctly and confidently, you’re not ready – you need to go back and think more deeply about your dissertation topic .

You should be able to answer the following 4 questions before starting your dissertation or thesis research proposal:

• WHAT is my main research question? (the topic)
• WHO cares and why is this important? (the justification)
• WHAT data would I need to answer this question, and how will I analyse it? (the research design)
• HOW will I manage the completion of this research, within the given timelines? (project and risk management)

If you can’t answer these questions clearly and concisely,   you’re not yet ready   to write your research proposal – revisit our   post on choosing a topic .

If you can, that’s great – it’s time to start writing up your dissertation proposal. Next, I’ll discuss what needs to go into your research proposal, and how to structure it all into an intuitive, convincing document with a linear narrative.

The 5 Essential Ingredients

Research proposals can vary in style between institutions and disciplines, but here I’ll share with you a   handy 5-section structure   you can use. These 5 sections directly address the core questions we spoke about earlier, ensuring that you present a convincing proposal. If your institution already provides a proposal template, there will likely be substantial overlap with this, so you’ll still get value from reading on.

For each section discussed below, make sure you use headers and sub-headers (ideally, numbered headers) to help the reader navigate through your document, and to support them when they need to revisit a previous section. Don’t just present an endless wall of text, paragraph after paragraph after paragraph…

Top Tip:   Use MS Word Styles to format headings. This will allow you to be clear about whether a sub-heading is level 2, 3, or 4. Additionally, you can view your document in ‘outline view’ which will show you only your headings. This makes it much easier to check your structure, shift things around and make decisions about where a section needs to sit. You can also generate a 100% accurate table of contents using Word’s automatic functionality.

Ingredient #1 – Topic/Title Header

Your research proposal’s title should be your main research question in its simplest form, possibly with a sub-heading providing basic details on the specifics of the study. For example:

“Compliance with equality legislation in the charity sector: a study of the ‘reasonable adjustments’ made in three London care homes”

As you can see, this title provides a clear indication of what the research is about, in broad terms. It paints a high-level picture for the first-time reader, which gives them a taste of what to expect.   Always aim for a clear, concise title . Don’t feel the need to capture every detail of your research in your title – your proposal will fill in the gaps.

Need a helping hand?

Ingredient #2 – Introduction

In this section of your research proposal, you’ll expand on what you’ve communicated in the title, by providing a few paragraphs which offer more detail about your research topic. Importantly, the focus here is the   topic   – what will you research and why is that worth researching? This is not the place to discuss methodology, practicalities, etc. – you’ll do that later.

You should cover the following:

• An overview of the   broad area   you’ll be researching – introduce the reader to key concepts and language
• An explanation of the   specific (narrower) area   you’ll be focusing, and why you’ll be focusing there
• Your research   aims   and   objectives
• Your   research question (s) and sub-questions (if applicable)

Importantly, you should aim to use short sentences and plain language – don’t babble on with extensive jargon, acronyms and complex language. Assume that the reader is an intelligent layman – not a subject area specialist (even if they are). Remember that the   best writing is writing that can be easily understood   and digested. Keep it simple.

Note that some universities may want some extra bits and pieces in your introduction section. For example, personal development objectives, a structural outline, etc. Check your brief to see if there are any other details they expect in your proposal, and make sure you find a place for these.

Ingredient #3 – Scope

Next, you’ll need to specify what the scope of your research will be – this is also known as the delimitations . In other words, you need to make it clear what you will be covering and, more importantly, what you won’t be covering in your research. Simply put, this is about ring fencing your research topic so that you have a laser-sharp focus.

All too often, students feel the need to go broad and try to address as many issues as possible, in the interest of producing comprehensive research. Whilst this is admirable, it’s a mistake. By tightly refining your scope, you’ll enable yourself to   go deep   with your research, which is what you need to earn good marks. If your scope is too broad, you’re likely going to land up with superficial research (which won’t earn marks), so don’t be afraid to narrow things down.

Ingredient #4 – Literature Review

In this section of your research proposal, you need to provide a (relatively) brief discussion of the existing literature. Naturally, this will not be as comprehensive as the literature review in your actual dissertation, but it will lay the foundation for that. In fact, if you put in the effort at this stage, you’ll make your life a lot easier when it’s time to write your actual literature review chapter.

There are a few things you need to achieve in this section:

• Demonstrate that you’ve done your reading and are   familiar with the current state of the research   in your topic area.
• Show that   there’s a clear gap   for your specific research – i.e., show that your topic is sufficiently unique and will add value to the existing research.
• Show how the existing research has shaped your thinking regarding   research design . For example, you might use scales or questionnaires from previous studies.

When you write up your literature review, keep these three objectives front of mind, especially number two (revealing the gap in the literature), so that your literature review has a   clear purpose and direction . Everything you write should be contributing towards one (or more) of these objectives in some way. If it doesn’t, you need to ask yourself whether it’s truly needed.

Top Tip:  Don’t fall into the trap of just describing the main pieces of literature, for example, “A says this, B says that, C also says that…” and so on. Merely describing the literature provides no value. Instead, you need to   synthesise   it, and use it to address the three objectives above.

Ingredient #5 – Research Methodology

Now that you’ve clearly explained both your intended research topic (in the introduction) and the existing research it will draw on (in the literature review section), it’s time to get practical and explain exactly how you’ll be carrying out your own research. In other words, your research methodology.

In this section, you’ll need to   answer two critical questions :

• How   will you design your research? I.e., what research methodology will you adopt, what will your sample be, how will you collect data, etc.
• Why   have you chosen this design? I.e., why does this approach suit your specific research aims, objectives and questions?

In other words, this is not just about explaining WHAT you’ll be doing, it’s also about explaining WHY. In fact, the   justification is the most important part , because that justification is how you demonstrate a good understanding of research design (which is what assessors want to see).

Some essential design choices you need to cover in your research proposal include:

• Your intended research philosophy (e.g., positivism, interpretivism or pragmatism )
• What methodological approach you’ll be taking (e.g., qualitative , quantitative or mixed )
• The details of your sample (e.g., sample size, who they are, who they represent, etc.)
• What data you plan to collect (i.e. data about what, in what form?)
• How you plan to collect it (e.g., surveys , interviews , focus groups, etc.)
• How you plan to analyse it (e.g., regression analysis, thematic analysis , etc.)
• Ethical adherence (i.e., does this research satisfy all ethical requirements of your institution, or does it need further approval?)

This list is not exhaustive – these are just some core attributes of research design. Check with your institution what level of detail they expect. The “ research onion ” by Saunders et al (2009) provides a good summary of the various design choices you ultimately need to make – you can   read more about that here .

Don’t forget the practicalities…

In addition to the technical aspects, you will need to address the   practical   side of the project. In other words, you need to explain   what resources you’ll need   (e.g., time, money, access to equipment or software, etc.) and how you intend to secure these resources. You need to show that your project is feasible, so any “make or break” type resources need to already be secured. The success or failure of your project cannot depend on some resource which you’re not yet sure you have access to.

Another part of the practicalities discussion is   project and risk management . In other words, you need to show that you have a clear project plan to tackle your research with. Some key questions to address:

• What are the timelines for each phase of your project?
• Are the time allocations reasonable?
• What happens if something takes longer than anticipated (risk management)?
• What happens if you don’t get the response rate you expect?

A good way to demonstrate that you’ve thought this through is to include a Gantt chart and a risk register (in the appendix if word count is a problem). With these two tools, you can show that you’ve got a clear, feasible plan, and you’ve thought about and accounted for the potential risks.

Tip – Be honest about the potential difficulties – but show that you are anticipating solutions and workarounds. This is much more impressive to an assessor than an unrealistically optimistic proposal which does not anticipate any challenges whatsoever.

Final Touches: Read And Simplify

The final step is to edit and proofread your proposal – very carefully. It sounds obvious, but all too often poor editing and proofreading ruin a good proposal. Nothing is more off-putting for an assessor than a poorly edited, typo-strewn document. It sends the message that you either do not pay attention to detail, or just don’t care. Neither of these are good messages. Put the effort into editing and proofreading your proposal (or pay someone to do it for you) – it will pay dividends.

When you’re editing, watch out for ‘academese’. Many students can speak simply, passionately and clearly about their dissertation topic – but become incomprehensible the moment they turn the laptop on. You are not required to write in any kind of special, formal, complex language when you write academic work. Sure, there may be technical terms, jargon specific to your discipline, shorthand terms and so on. But, apart from those,   keep your written language very close to natural spoken language   – just as you would speak in the classroom. Imagine that you are explaining your project plans to your classmates or a family member. Remember, write for the intelligent layman, not the subject matter experts. Plain-language, concise writing is what wins hearts and minds – and marks!

Let’s Recap: Research Proposal 101

And there you have it – how to write your dissertation or thesis research proposal, from the title page to the final proof. Here’s a quick recap of the key takeaways:

• The purpose of the research proposal is to   convince   – therefore, you need to make a clear, concise argument of why your research is both worth doing and doable.
• Make sure you can ask the critical what, who, and how questions of your research   before   you put pen to paper.
• Title – provides the first taste of your research, in broad terms
• Introduction – explains what you’ll be researching in more detail
• Scope – explains the boundaries of your research
• Literature review – explains how your research fits into the existing research and why it’s unique and valuable
• Research methodology – explains and justifies how you will carry out your own research

Hopefully, this post has helped you better understand how to write up a winning research proposal. If you enjoyed it, be sure to check out the rest of the Grad Coach Blog . If your university doesn’t provide any template for your proposal, you might want to try out our free research proposal template .

Psst… there’s more!

This post is an extract from our bestselling short course, Research Proposal Bootcamp . If you want to work smart, you don't want to miss this .

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30 Comments

Thank you so much for the valuable insight that you have given, especially on the research proposal. That is what I have managed to cover. I still need to go back to the other parts as I got disturbed while still listening to Derek’s audio on you-tube. I am inspired. I will definitely continue with Grad-coach guidance on You-tube.

Thanks for the kind words :). All the best with your proposal.

First of all, thanks a lot for making such a wonderful presentation. The video was really useful and gave me a very clear insight of how a research proposal has to be written. I shall try implementing these ideas in my RP.

Once again, I thank you for this content.

I found reading your outline on writing research proposal very beneficial. I wish there was a way of submitting my draft proposal to you guys for critiquing before I submit to the institution.

Hi Bonginkosi

Thank you for the kind words. Yes, we do provide a review service. The best starting point is to have a chat with one of our coaches here: https://gradcoach.com/book/new/ .

Hello team GRADCOACH, may God bless you so much. I was totally green in research. Am so happy for your free superb tutorials and resources. Once again thank you so much Derek and his team.

You’re welcome, Erick. Good luck with your research proposal 🙂

thank you for the information. its precise and on point.

Really a remarkable piece of writing and great source of guidance for the researchers. GOD BLESS YOU for your guidance. Regards

Thanks so much for your guidance. It is easy and comprehensive the way you explain the steps for a winning research proposal.

Thank you guys so much for the rich post. I enjoyed and learn from every word in it. My problem now is how to get into your platform wherein I can always seek help on things related to my research work ? Secondly, I wish to find out if there is a way I can send my tentative proposal to you guys for examination before I take to my supervisor Once again thanks very much for the insights

Thanks for your kind words, Desire.

If you are based in a country where Grad Coach’s paid services are available, you can book a consultation by clicking the “Book” button in the top right.

Best of luck with your studies.

May God bless you team for the wonderful work you are doing,

If I have a topic, Can I submit it to you so that you can draft a proposal for me?? As I am expecting to go for masters degree in the near future.

Thanks for your comment. We definitely cannot draft a proposal for you, as that would constitute academic misconduct. The proposal needs to be your own work. We can coach you through the process, but it needs to be your own work and your own writing.

Best of luck with your research!

I found a lot of many essential concepts from your material. it is real a road map to write a research proposal. so thanks a lot. If there is any update material on your hand on MBA please forward to me.

GradCoach is a professional website that presents support and helps for MBA student like me through the useful online information on the page and with my 1-on-1 online coaching with the amazing and professional PhD Kerryen.

Thank you Kerryen so much for the support and help 🙂

I really recommend dealing with such a reliable services provider like Gradcoah and a coach like Kerryen.

Hi, Am happy for your service and effort to help students and researchers, Please, i have been given an assignment on research for strategic development, the task one is to formulate a research proposal to support the strategic development of a business area, my issue here is how to go about it, especially the topic or title and introduction. Please, i would like to know if you could help me and how much is the charge.

This content is practical, valuable, and just great!

Thank you very much!

Hi Derek, Thank you for the valuable presentation. It is very helpful especially for beginners like me. I am just starting my PhD.

This is quite instructive and research proposal made simple. Can I have a research proposal template?

Great! Thanks for rescuing me, because I had no former knowledge in this topic. But with this piece of information, I am now secured. Thank you once more.

I enjoyed listening to your video on how to write a proposal. I think I will be able to write a winning proposal with your advice. I wish you were to be my supervisor.

Dear Derek Jansen,

Thank you for your great content. I couldn’t learn these topics in MBA, but now I learned from GradCoach. Really appreciate your efforts….

From Afghanistan!

I have got very essential inputs for startup of my dissertation proposal. Well organized properly communicated with video presentation. Thank you for the presentation.

Wow, this is absolutely amazing guys. Thank you so much for the fruitful presentation, you’ve made my research much easier.

this helps me a lot. thank you all so much for impacting in us. may god richly bless you all

How I wish I’d learn about Grad Coach earlier. I’ve been stumbling around writing and rewriting! Now I have concise clear directions on how to put this thing together. Thank you!

Fantastic!! Thank You for this very concise yet comprehensive guidance.

Even if I am poor in English I would like to thank you very much.

Thank you very much, this is very insightful.

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How to Write a Research Proposal

How to write a research proposal for phd & masters | guidelines.

A research proposal is one of the core documents (writing samples) that you submit to the admission committee for a Master’s by research or PhD. Knowing how to write beautifully could be the deciding factor in your acceptance to your preferred university. This post will provide an overview of How to Write a Research Proposal for PhD & Masters Degree Program. You should follow the instructions below whether you are applying for a self-funded or studentship. However, it is critical to understand what a Research Proposal is.

Furthermore, a research proposal is a concise and coherent summary of the research you intend to conduct and It outlines the main issues or questions you intend to address. Also, It describes the general field of study in which your research falls, referring to current knowledge and any recent debates on the subject. It also shows the uniqueness of your proposed research.

The proposal, along with the Recommendation Letter and Motivation Letter, is the most important required document for the Scholarship that you submit as part of the application process. It allows you to demonstrate your aptitude for graduate-level research, for example, by demonstrating your ability to communicate complex ideas clearly, concisely, and critically. The proposal also assists us in matching your research interests with a suitable supervisor. You may also check: Personal Statement for Scholarship .

How long a Research Proposal should be?

A research proposal for PhD and Masters degree should be between 2,000 and 3,500 words (4 to 7 pages).

How to Write a Research Proposal?

Whether you are applying for an MPhil or a Ph.D. programme, your research proposal should typically include the following information:

• A short bibliography identifying the most relevant works for your topic should be included in the proposal.
• The proposal should typically be between 2,500 and 3500 words long. It is important to remember that different funding bodies may have different word limits.
• It should be 2,500-3,500 words long (4-7 pages).
• What should the research proposal include?
• Your proposal should include the following components given below.

Research Proposal Components(How to Write a Research Proposal)

The main components of a research proposal(How to Write a Research Proposal) are:

• Background.
• Proposed Method.
• Aims and Objectives.
• Research Significance.
• Research Questions.
• Bibliography.

Your title should clearly state your proposed research approach or key question.

2. Background

You should Include the following information:

• the background and issues of your proposed research.
• Determine your discipline.
• a brief review of the literature
• a synopsis of major debates and developments in the field

3. Proposed Method

Describe your proposed research method. Which may be closely related to your discipline and is where you will describe the style or format of your research, such as data, field research, composition, written work, social performance, and mixed media, among other things.

This is not required for scientific research, but your research supervisor can advise you on discipline-specific requirements.

4. Aims and Objectives

What are you hoping to accomplish with your research? What is the goal? This section should explain why you want to pursue a research degree. Are you filling a gap in current research? Do you want to investigate a theory further and put it to the test? Is there anything you want to prove or disprove? To help you clarify this, consider the possible outcome of your research if you were successful – that is your goal. Make sure this is a specific statement.

Also, your objectives will be a breakdown of your goal – the steps to achieving the desired outcome and they are the smaller proof points that will support the purpose of your research. Be logical in how you present these so that each succeeds the previous, i.e. if you need to achieve ‘a’ before ‘b’ before ‘c’, then order your objectives a, b, c.

5. Research Significance

The proposal should demonstrate the uniqueness of your proposed research. As a result, you should explain why your research is important (for example, by explaining how your research builds on and adds to the current state of knowledge in the field or by setting out reasons why it is timely to research your proposed topic).

6. Research Questions

Similarly, the proposal should outline the main goals and research questions that will guide your research. Take some time before writing your proposal to think about the key questions you want to answer. Many research proposals are too broad, so thinking about your key research questions is a good way to ensure that your project is narrow enough and feasible (i.e. one that is likely to be completed within the normal period for an MPhil or Ph.D. degree).

You should formulate these clearly, explaining what problems and issues will be investigated and why they are important.

7. Synopsis

A concise summary of your research topic. It outlines the key aspects of your investigation as well as the expected results. Also, It summarises the what, why, and how of your research and a good way to see if you’ve written an effective synopsis is to have someone read it without reading the rest of your research proposal. Would they be aware of the nature of your research?

8. Work plan

A work plan is an important part of your research proposal because it indicates the feasibility of completion within the timeframe and helps you achieve your goals throughout your degree.

So, consider the goals you want to accomplish at each stage of your research. A PhD or master’s degree in research can be completed in two to four years of full-time study. It might be useful to provide year one in detail and the subsequent years in broader terms. Finally, you must demonstrate that your research is likely to be both original and completed – and that you understand the time commitment.

9. Bibliography

You should include the following:

• a bibliography of key articles and texts discussed in your research proposal.
• a collection of sources relevant to the proposed research.

Conclusion (How to Write a Research Proposal)

Lastly, a research proposal should clearly and concisely present your idea or question, as well as the expected outcomes – the what. It should also explain why your question is important and what value it will add to your discipline – the why. What it should not do is answer the question; your research will do that.

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What Is a Research Proposal?

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• Writing the Research Paper
• Presenting the Research Paper

When applying for a research grant or scholarship, or, just before you start a major research project, you may be asked to write a preliminary document that includes basic information about your future research. This is the information that is usually needed in your proposal:

• The topic and goal of the research project.
• The kind of result expected from the research.
• The theory or framework in which the research will be done and presented.
• What kind of methods will be used (statistical, empirical, etc.).
• Short reference on the preliminary scholarship and why your research project is needed; how will it continue/justify/disprove the previous scholarship.
• How much will the research project cost; how will it be budgeted (what for the money will be spent).
• Why is it you who can do this research and not somebody else.

Most agencies that offer scholarships or grants provide information about the required format of the proposal. It may include filling out templates, types of information they need, suggested/maximum length of the proposal, etc.

Research proposal formats vary depending on the size of the planned research, the number of participants, the discipline, the characteristics of the research, etc. The following outline assumes an individual researcher. This is just a SAMPLE; several other ways are equally good and can be successful. If possible, discuss your research proposal with an expert in writing, a professor, your colleague, another student who already wrote successful proposals, etc.

Author, author's affiliation

Introduction:

• Explain the topic and why you chose it. If possible explain your goal/outcome of the research . How much time you need to complete the research?

Previous scholarship:

• Give a brief summary of previous scholarship and explain why your topic and goals are important.
• Relate your planned research to previous scholarship. What will your research add to our knowledge of the topic.

Specific issues to be investigated:

• Break down the main topic into smaller research questions. List them one by one and explain why these questions need to be investigated. Relate them to previous scholarship.
• Include your hypothesis into the descriptions of the detailed research issues if you have one. Explain why it is important to justify your hypothesis.

Methodology:

• This part depends of the methods conducted in the research process. List the methods; explain how the results will be presented; how they will be assessed.
• Explain what kind of results will justify or  disprove your hypothesis. 
• Explain how much money you need.
• Explain the details of the budget (how much you want to spend for what).

Conclusion:

• Describe why your research is important.

References:

• List the sources you have used for writing the research proposal, including a few main citations of the preliminary scholarship.

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How to write a research proposal

What is a research proposal.

A research proposal should present your idea or question and expected outcomes with clarity and definition – the what.

It should also make a case for why your question is significant and what value it will bring to your discipline – the why. 

What it shouldn't do is answer the question – that's what your research will do.

Why is it important?

Research proposals are significant because Another reason why it formally outlines your intended research. Which means you need to provide details on how you will go about your research, including:

• your approach and methodology
• timeline and feasibility
• all other considerations needed to progress your research, such as resources.

Think of it as a tool that will help you clarify your idea and make conducting your research easier.

How long should it be?

Usually no more than 2000 words, but check the requirements of your degree, and your supervisor or research coordinator.

Presenting your idea clearly and concisely demonstrates that you can write this way – an attribute of a potential research candidate that is valued by assessors.

What should it include?

Project title.

Your title should clearly indicate what your proposed research is about.

Research supervisor

State the name, department and faculty or school of the academic who has agreed to supervise you. Rest assured, your research supervisor will work with you to refine your research proposal ahead of submission to ensure it meets the needs of your discipline.

Proposed mode of research

Describe your proposed mode of research. Which may be closely linked to your discipline, and is where you will describe the style or format of your research, e.g. data, field research, composition, written work, social performance and mixed media etc. 

This is not required for research in the sciences, but your research supervisor will be able to guide you on discipline-specific requirements.

Aims and objectives

What are you trying to achieve with your research? What is the purpose? This section should reference why you're applying for a research degree. Are you addressing a gap in the current research? Do you want to look at a theory more closely and test it out? Is there something you're trying to prove or disprove? To help you clarify this, think about the potential outcome of your research if you were successful – that is your aim. Make sure that this is a focused statement.

Your objectives will be your aim broken down – the steps to achieving the intended outcome. They are the smaller proof points that will underpin your research's purpose. Be logical in the order of how you present these so that each succeeds the previous, i.e. if you need to achieve 'a' before 'b' before 'c', then make sure you order your objectives a, b, c.

A concise summary of what your research is about. It outlines the key aspects of what you will investigate as well as the expected outcomes. It briefly covers the what, why and how of your research. 

A good way to evaluate if you have written a strong synopsis, is to get somebody to read it without reading the rest of your research proposal. Would they know what your research is about?

Now that you have your question clarified, it is time to explain the why. Here, you need to demonstrate an understanding of the current research climate in your area of interest.

Providing context around your research topic through a literature review will show the assessor that you understand current dialogue around your research, and what is published.

Demonstrate you have a strong understanding of the key topics, significant studies and notable researchers in your area of research and how these have contributed to the current landscape.

Expected research contribution

In this section, you should consider the following:

• Why is your research question or hypothesis worth asking?
• How is the current research lacking or falling short?
• What impact will your research have on the discipline?
• Will you be extending an area of knowledge, applying it to new contexts, solving a problem, testing a theory, or challenging an existing one?
• Establish why your research is important by convincing your audience there is a gap.
• What will be the outcome of your research contribution?
• Demonstrate both your current level of knowledge and how the pursuit of your question or hypothesis will create a new understanding and generate new information.
• Show how your research is innovative and original.

Draw links between your research and the faculty or school you are applying at, and explain why you have chosen your supervisor, and what research have they or their school done to reinforce and support your own work. Cite these reasons to demonstrate how your research will benefit and contribute to the current body of knowledge.

Proposed methodology

Provide an overview of the methodology and techniques you will use to conduct your research. Cover what materials and equipment you will use, what theoretical frameworks will you draw on, and how will you collect data.

Highlight why you have chosen this particular methodology, but also why others may not have been as suitable. You need to demonstrate that you have put thought into your approach and why it's the most appropriate way to carry out your research. 

It should also highlight potential limitations you anticipate, feasibility within time and other constraints, ethical considerations and how you will address these, as well as general resources.

A work plan is a critical component of your research proposal because it indicates the feasibility of completion within the timeframe and supports you in achieving your objectives throughout your degree.

Consider the milestones you aim to achieve at each stage of your research. A PhD or master's degree by research can take two to four years of full-time study to complete. It might be helpful to offer year one in detail and the following years in broader terms. Ultimately you have to show that your research is likely to be both original and finished – and that you understand the time involved.

Provide details of the resources you will need to carry out your research project. Consider equipment, fieldwork expenses, travel and a proposed budget, to indicate how realistic your research proposal is in terms of financial requirements and whether any adjustments are needed.

Bibliography

Provide a list of references that you've made throughout your research proposal. 

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Research Proposal for CSC Scholarship Application: Research Proposal for Chinese Scholarships

Writing a research proposal for scholarship.

You need an impressively written Research Proposal for CSC Scholarship application submission purposes. There are over 200 Chinese Universities that opened admissions for international students and all of them ask for one common thing from scholarship candidates, and that is a well-written research proposal! In this article, we will guide you on how to write an impressive research proposal for your Chinese Scholarship Application Submission.

The research proposal is known as a clear and concise summary of your intended research work. It consists up of the central objectives or primary questions that you wish to address. It describes the field of study within which your work lies, and refers to the current condition of literature, or any recent studies or debates in the field. It highlights the originality of your ideas and work.

Research proposal for Chinese Scholarships:

A research proposal provides you with an opportunity to showcase your abilities for a graduate-level research work and convince the admission authority for your selection, such as it gives you a chance to demonstrate that you have the skills to communicate your ideas effectively, and critically.

How to write a research proposal for a Scholarship?

This is one of the most crucial parts of your application. An outstanding research proposal will:

• Examine if you’re a suitable candidate for graduate-level research work
• Determine if your research is original and up-to-date
• Evaluate if your proposed area of study can be supported or not
• Select the ideal supervisor for you

Your research proposal may differ depending upon the field of your study. Usually, a research proposal for arts or social sciences will have different requirements as compared to a research proposal for engineering or health sciences.

Your proposal may differ from the actual work you’ll undertake during the timeframe of your degree. In any case, you’re required to have a comprehension of the complications related to conducting research, and the importance of designing research in order to address particular questions.

Research proposal outline

A successful research proposal must:

• Define your proposed topic
• Showcase that you have a grasp on your area of research
• Demonstrate that you’ve developed original research questions
• Indicate that you know how to conduct good research
• Look professional
• Make sure that your proposal is legible and clear
• Have no spelling grammatical mistakes
• Define quality, and not quantity

However, a research proposal can consist up of 1000 to 3000 words.

Writing an Outline of Research Proposal for CSC Scholarship:

No matter if you’re applying for an MPhil program study or a Ph.D. program research , your research proposal should generally incorporate the following sections:

This is only a title for your proposed research. In case you’re admitted, you may be able to change, or revise your research title.

This portion must consist up of a 100-word statement of your proposed research. It may include the problem you’re trying to examine or the primary questions that you want to address.

• Research Context

In this portion, describe the background against which you intend to conduct your proposed research. Include a comprehensive overview of the area of study. Summarize current literature in the field or any recent debates.

This will provide you with the ability to communicate concisely, yet clearly.

• Research Questions

This portion must contain your central objective and the questions around which you’re going to conduct your research. Before you start writing your research proposal, take some time out to reflect on certain critical questions that you’re keen to answer.

A lot of research proposals are broad. This is why it is necessary to narrow down your proposal by completing your homework in the form of reflecting on your key questions.

Also, ensure that your research is feasible (such as; you’re able to complete in the given timeframe).

Furthermore, you may prioritize a couple of primary questions and then derive a couple more secondary questions.

You must also highlight the strategy you’ll utilize to answer the research questions (For example; Is your research empirical? Or theoretical?)

• · Research Methods

This portion must outline and explain the methods you’ve used to carry out your research. Your research methods may incorporate fieldwork, visiting certain libraries or bookstores, sampling, or interviews.

The majority of the research is usually library-based. In case your research is library-based, you should describe the location (Westlaw library, etc.) of your key resources (such as journal articles or law reports).

In case you’re planning to gather empirical data or conduct fieldwork, you must give appropriate details regarding this (such as where are you going to conduct your research? Who will you interview? How many interviews are you looking forward to conducting? Will you face any complications? etc.)

This portion must also include the ways by which you’re going to analyze the findings of your research.

• Significance of Research

This portion must express the originality of your ideas, and ultimately your research work. This is why you must describe why exactly is your research work significant (such as by describing the way in which your work adds to or develops the already available literature in the field or by pointing out why is this the time to carry out your suggested research)

• Bibliography

This portion must include a brief bibliography recognizing the most significant works regarding your research.

How long should a research proposal be?

A well-written research proposal must address the following questions:

• What do you plan to achieve?
• Why do you want to achieve it?
• How are you going to achieve it?

Generally, a research proposal consists up of approximately 2500 words, however, there are no upper or lower limits to this particular range.

While preparing a research proposal format , determine what is it that you actually want to learn more about. Whatever you want to research must be viable as a project, and must lead to the development of new information, or understanding.

What is the research proposal for?

A research proposal is for: (1) Potential supervisors, (2) Admission tutors, or (3) Financial lenders, since it helps them determine the standard and originality of your thoughts, your ideas, your skills, and the feasibility of your research work.

Please, keep in mind that Ph.D. programs in the U.K. are prepared in such a way that they’re required to complete in: (1) Three years (if you’re a full-time student), or (2) Six years (if you’re a part-time student).

Carefully determine the scope of your research work, and prepare yourself to explain how you’ll be able to accomplish the objectives of your research within the given timeframe.

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Research Proposal Example

Ph.D Research Proposal Format, Outline, and Sample

17 Research Proposal Examples

A research proposal systematically and transparently outlines a proposed research project.

The purpose of a research proposal is to demonstrate a project’s viability and the researcher’s preparedness to conduct an academic study. It serves as a roadmap for the researcher.

The process holds value both externally (for accountability purposes and often as a requirement for a grant application) and intrinsic value (for helping the researcher to clarify the mechanics, purpose, and potential signficance of the study).

Key sections of a research proposal include: the title, abstract, introduction, literature review, research design and methods, timeline, budget, outcomes and implications, references, and appendix. Each is briefly explained below.

Watch my Guide: How to Write a Research Proposal

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Research Proposal Sample Structure

Title: The title should present a concise and descriptive statement that clearly conveys the core idea of the research projects. Make it as specific as possible. The reader should immediately be able to grasp the core idea of the intended research project. Often, the title is left too vague and does not help give an understanding of what exactly the study looks at.

Abstract: Abstracts are usually around 250-300 words and provide an overview of what is to follow – including the research problem , objectives, methods, expected outcomes, and significance of the study. Use it as a roadmap and ensure that, if the abstract is the only thing someone reads, they’ll get a good fly-by of what will be discussed in the peice.

Introduction: Introductions are all about contextualization. They often set the background information with a statement of the problem. At the end of the introduction, the reader should understand what the rationale for the study truly is. I like to see the research questions or hypotheses included in the introduction and I like to get a good understanding of what the significance of the research will be. It’s often easiest to write the introduction last

Literature Review: The literature review dives deep into the existing literature on the topic, demosntrating your thorough understanding of the existing literature including themes, strengths, weaknesses, and gaps in the literature. It serves both to demonstrate your knowledge of the field and, to demonstrate how the proposed study will fit alongside the literature on the topic. A good literature review concludes by clearly demonstrating how your research will contribute something new and innovative to the conversation in the literature.

Research Design and Methods: This section needs to clearly demonstrate how the data will be gathered and analyzed in a systematic and academically sound manner. Here, you need to demonstrate that the conclusions of your research will be both valid and reliable. Common points discussed in the research design and methods section include highlighting the research paradigm, methodologies, intended population or sample to be studied, data collection techniques, and data analysis procedures . Toward the end of this section, you are encouraged to also address ethical considerations and limitations of the research process , but also to explain why you chose your research design and how you are mitigating the identified risks and limitations.

Timeline: Provide an outline of the anticipated timeline for the study. Break it down into its various stages (including data collection, data analysis, and report writing). The goal of this section is firstly to establish a reasonable breakdown of steps for you to follow and secondly to demonstrate to the assessors that your project is practicable and feasible.

Budget: Estimate the costs associated with the research project and include evidence for your estimations. Typical costs include staffing costs, equipment, travel, and data collection tools. When applying for a scholarship, the budget should demonstrate that you are being responsible with your expensive and that your funding application is reasonable.

Expected Outcomes and Implications: A discussion of the anticipated findings or results of the research, as well as the potential contributions to the existing knowledge, theory, or practice in the field. This section should also address the potential impact of the research on relevant stakeholders and any broader implications for policy or practice.

References: A complete list of all the sources cited in the research proposal, formatted according to the required citation style. This demonstrates the researcher’s familiarity with the relevant literature and ensures proper attribution of ideas and information.

Appendices (if applicable): Any additional materials, such as questionnaires, interview guides, or consent forms, that provide further information or support for the research proposal. These materials should be included as appendices at the end of the document.

Research Proposal Examples

Research proposals often extend anywhere between 2,000 and 15,000 words in length. The following snippets are samples designed to briefly demonstrate what might be discussed in each section.

1. Education Studies Research Proposals

See some real sample pieces:

• Assessment of the perceptions of teachers towards a new grading system
• Does ICT use in secondary classrooms help or hinder student learning?
• Digital technologies in focus project
• Urban Middle School Teachers’ Experiences of the Implementation of
• Restorative Justice Practices
• Experiences of students of color in service learning

Consider this hypothetical education research proposal:

The Impact of Game-Based Learning on Student Engagement and Academic Performance in Middle School Mathematics

Abstract: The proposed study will explore multiplayer game-based learning techniques in middle school mathematics curricula and their effects on student engagement. The study aims to contribute to the current literature on game-based learning by examining the effects of multiplayer gaming in learning.

Introduction: Digital game-based learning has long been shunned within mathematics education for fears that it may distract students or lower the academic integrity of the classrooms. However, there is emerging evidence that digital games in math have emerging benefits not only for engagement but also academic skill development. Contributing to this discourse, this study seeks to explore the potential benefits of multiplayer digital game-based learning by examining its impact on middle school students’ engagement and academic performance in a mathematics class.

Literature Review: The literature review has identified gaps in the current knowledge, namely, while game-based learning has been extensively explored, the role of multiplayer games in supporting learning has not been studied.

Research Design and Methods: This study will employ a mixed-methods research design based upon action research in the classroom. A quasi-experimental pre-test/post-test control group design will first be used to compare the academic performance and engagement of middle school students exposed to game-based learning techniques with those in a control group receiving instruction without the aid of technology. Students will also be observed and interviewed in regard to the effect of communication and collaboration during gameplay on their learning.

Timeline: The study will take place across the second term of the school year with a pre-test taking place on the first day of the term and the post-test taking place on Wednesday in Week 10.

Budget: The key budgetary requirements will be the technologies required, including the subscription cost for the identified games and computers.

Expected Outcomes and Implications: It is expected that the findings will contribute to the current literature on game-based learning and inform educational practices, providing educators and policymakers with insights into how to better support student achievement in mathematics.

2. Psychology Research Proposals

See some real examples:

• A situational analysis of shared leadership in a self-managing team
• The effect of musical preference on running performance
• Relationship between self-esteem and disordered eating amongst adolescent females

Consider this hypothetical psychology research proposal:

The Effects of Mindfulness-Based Interventions on Stress Reduction in College Students

Abstract: This research proposal examines the impact of mindfulness-based interventions on stress reduction among college students, using a pre-test/post-test experimental design with both quantitative and qualitative data collection methods .

Introduction: College students face heightened stress levels during exam weeks. This can affect both mental health and test performance. This study explores the potential benefits of mindfulness-based interventions such as meditation as a way to mediate stress levels in the weeks leading up to exam time.

Literature Review: Existing research on mindfulness-based meditation has shown the ability for mindfulness to increase metacognition, decrease anxiety levels, and decrease stress. Existing literature has looked at workplace, high school and general college-level applications. This study will contribute to the corpus of literature by exploring the effects of mindfulness directly in the context of exam weeks.

Research Design and Methods: Participants ( n= 234 ) will be randomly assigned to either an experimental group, receiving 5 days per week of 10-minute mindfulness-based interventions, or a control group, receiving no intervention. Data will be collected through self-report questionnaires, measuring stress levels, semi-structured interviews exploring participants’ experiences, and students’ test scores.

Timeline: The study will begin three weeks before the students’ exam week and conclude after each student’s final exam. Data collection will occur at the beginning (pre-test of self-reported stress levels) and end (post-test) of the three weeks.

Expected Outcomes and Implications: The study aims to provide evidence supporting the effectiveness of mindfulness-based interventions in reducing stress among college students in the lead up to exams, with potential implications for mental health support and stress management programs on college campuses.

3. Sociology Research Proposals

• Understanding emerging social movements: A case study of ‘Jersey in Transition’
• The interaction of health, education and employment in Western China
• Can we preserve lower-income affordable neighbourhoods in the face of rising costs?

Consider this hypothetical sociology research proposal:

The Impact of Social Media Usage on Interpersonal Relationships among Young Adults

Abstract: This research proposal investigates the effects of social media usage on interpersonal relationships among young adults, using a longitudinal mixed-methods approach with ongoing semi-structured interviews to collect qualitative data.

Introduction: Social media platforms have become a key medium for the development of interpersonal relationships, particularly for young adults. This study examines the potential positive and negative effects of social media usage on young adults’ relationships and development over time.

Literature Review: A preliminary review of relevant literature has demonstrated that social media usage is central to development of a personal identity and relationships with others with similar subcultural interests. However, it has also been accompanied by data on mental health deline and deteriorating off-screen relationships. The literature is to-date lacking important longitudinal data on these topics.

Research Design and Methods: Participants ( n = 454 ) will be young adults aged 18-24. Ongoing self-report surveys will assess participants’ social media usage, relationship satisfaction, and communication patterns. A subset of participants will be selected for longitudinal in-depth interviews starting at age 18 and continuing for 5 years.

Timeline: The study will be conducted over a period of five years, including recruitment, data collection, analysis, and report writing.

Expected Outcomes and Implications: This study aims to provide insights into the complex relationship between social media usage and interpersonal relationships among young adults, potentially informing social policies and mental health support related to social media use.

4. Nursing Research Proposals

• Does Orthopaedic Pre-assessment clinic prepare the patient for admission to hospital?
• Nurses’ perceptions and experiences of providing psychological care to burns patients
• Registered psychiatric nurse’s practice with mentally ill parents and their children

Consider this hypothetical nursing research proposal:

The Influence of Nurse-Patient Communication on Patient Satisfaction and Health Outcomes following Emergency Cesarians

Abstract: This research will examines the impact of effective nurse-patient communication on patient satisfaction and health outcomes for women following c-sections, utilizing a mixed-methods approach with patient surveys and semi-structured interviews.

Introduction: It has long been known that effective communication between nurses and patients is crucial for quality care. However, additional complications arise following emergency c-sections due to the interaction between new mother’s changing roles and recovery from surgery.

Literature Review: A review of the literature demonstrates the importance of nurse-patient communication, its impact on patient satisfaction, and potential links to health outcomes. However, communication between nurses and new mothers is less examined, and the specific experiences of those who have given birth via emergency c-section are to date unexamined.

Research Design and Methods: Participants will be patients in a hospital setting who have recently had an emergency c-section. A self-report survey will assess their satisfaction with nurse-patient communication and perceived health outcomes. A subset of participants will be selected for in-depth interviews to explore their experiences and perceptions of the communication with their nurses.

Timeline: The study will be conducted over a period of six months, including rolling recruitment, data collection, analysis, and report writing within the hospital.

Expected Outcomes and Implications: This study aims to provide evidence for the significance of nurse-patient communication in supporting new mothers who have had an emergency c-section. Recommendations will be presented for supporting nurses and midwives in improving outcomes for new mothers who had complications during birth.

5. Social Work Research Proposals

• Experiences of negotiating employment and caring responsibilities of fathers post-divorce
• Exploring kinship care in the north region of British Columbia

Consider this hypothetical social work research proposal:

The Role of a Family-Centered Intervention in Preventing Homelessness Among At-Risk Youthin a working-class town in Northern England

Abstract: This research proposal investigates the effectiveness of a family-centered intervention provided by a local council area in preventing homelessness among at-risk youth. This case study will use a mixed-methods approach with program evaluation data and semi-structured interviews to collect quantitative and qualitative data .

Introduction: Homelessness among youth remains a significant social issue. This study aims to assess the effectiveness of family-centered interventions in addressing this problem and identify factors that contribute to successful prevention strategies.

Literature Review: A review of the literature has demonstrated several key factors contributing to youth homelessness including lack of parental support, lack of social support, and low levels of family involvement. It also demonstrates the important role of family-centered interventions in addressing this issue. Drawing on current evidence, this study explores the effectiveness of one such intervention in preventing homelessness among at-risk youth in a working-class town in Northern England.

Research Design and Methods: The study will evaluate a new family-centered intervention program targeting at-risk youth and their families. Quantitative data on program outcomes, including housing stability and family functioning, will be collected through program records and evaluation reports. Semi-structured interviews with program staff, participants, and relevant stakeholders will provide qualitative insights into the factors contributing to program success or failure.

Timeline: The study will be conducted over a period of six months, including recruitment, data collection, analysis, and report writing.

Budget: Expenses include access to program evaluation data, interview materials, data analysis software, and any related travel costs for in-person interviews.

Expected Outcomes and Implications: This study aims to provide evidence for the effectiveness of family-centered interventions in preventing youth homelessness, potentially informing the expansion of or necessary changes to social work practices in Northern England.

Research Proposal Template

Get your Detailed Template for Writing your Research Proposal Here (With AI Prompts!)

This is a template for a 2500-word research proposal. You may find it difficult to squeeze everything into this wordcount, but it’s a common wordcount for Honors and MA-level dissertations.

Your research proposal is where you really get going with your study. I’d strongly recommend working closely with your teacher in developing a research proposal that’s consistent with the requirements and culture of your institution, as in my experience it varies considerably. The above template is from my own courses that walk students through research proposals in a British School of Education.

Chris Drew (PhD)

Dr. Chris Drew is the founder of the Helpful Professor. He holds a PhD in education and has published over 20 articles in scholarly journals. He is the former editor of the Journal of Learning Development in Higher Education. [Image Descriptor: Photo of Chris]

• Chris Drew (PhD) https://helpfulprofessor.com/author/chris-drew-phd/ Social-Emotional Learning (Definition, Examples, Pros & Cons)
• Chris Drew (PhD) https://helpfulprofessor.com/author/chris-drew-phd/ What is Educational Psychology?
• Chris Drew (PhD) https://helpfulprofessor.com/author/chris-drew-phd/ What is IQ? (Intelligence Quotient)
• Chris Drew (PhD) https://helpfulprofessor.com/author/chris-drew-phd/ 5 Top Tips for Succeeding at University

8 thoughts on “17 Research Proposal Examples”

Very excellent research proposals

very helpful

Very helpful

Dear Sir, I need some help to write an educational research proposal. Thank you.

Hi Levi, use the site search bar to ask a question and I’ll likely have a guide already written for your specific question. Thanks for reading!

very good research proposal

Thank you so much sir! ❤️

Very helpful 👌

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• Sample Proposals

FREE 10+ Scholarship Proposal Samples [ Project, Grant, Sponsorship ]

Most of us dream to be able to go to school, enter a college of our choice and finish a degree of our liking. But studying entails a lot of cost and not everyone is able to afford it. This is why most schools offer a scholarship program to help academically inclined students with financial aid. Scholarships are not simply given to anyone as this involves number of requirements. But before this could be carried out schools and other relevant organizations often draft scholarship proposals to present to the board of directors or stakeholders in order to fully utilize and implement an effective and well defined scholarship program. Read more about scholarship proposal in our article today and for free templates you may want to check out our scholarship proposal samples below:

Scholarship Proposal

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A scholarship proposal is an document that seeks sponsorship from schools or learning institutions for academic scholarship for certain individuals. Depending on the scope on which the scholarship is inclined to support, this may be either of potential students with disabilities, the underprivileged, those who are displaced and etc. Proposals is a sort of a marketing document in which you cultivate an initial professional relationship between an organization and a donor over a project to be implemented. The proposal outlines the sample plan of the implementing organization about the project, giving extensive information about the intention, for implementing it, the ways to manage it and the results to be delivered from it.

Scholarships are often a big help to students since it gives an opportunity for them to learn education. Without assistance from an outside source, students may have trouble paying for the degree. Since not all students have the capacity nor resources to study in a school or pursue higher education, organizations at times create scholarship proposals to implement a scholarship program following a certain criteria on which it aims to support. Scholarships are not limited to those students who apply directly on the sample program , often times schools can also offer these to others in a certain bracket or eligibility. Let’s learn more on how to write a scholarship proposal with the following elements:

Define the purpose of the proposal scholarship program. Like most proposals this would address a certain problem, in this case for certain eligible students who will be rewarded with this scholarship. A sample brief overview of the requirements intended for the scholarship to be implemented and perhaps any exclusions if applicable. Basically this section is all about the proposal’s objectives, methodology, anticipated outcomes and financial necessities. Providing information on the benefits that the grantee, community, government, or client will see for their investment.

If you are writing as an individual or as an organization, it is best to give a formal introduction in your proposal letter . Share as much relevant information as you can about your infrastructure, history, mission, experience, etc. Here you include a biography of key staff, organization’s goals, and philosophy; essentially highlight your expertise.

The problem statement will heavily rely on quantitative data and a research in this case of eligible students who can take the scholarship. Check on the history of the underlying problem, previous solutions that were implemented and potentially failed, and explain why your solution will make a difference.

State how a scholarship program can solve a problem with a certain criteria or scope of work you intend to direct the scholarship to. For example of students with disabilities, how this can help make their lives better and pave way for their future. Include arguments in favor of your solution and some hints as to how to implement the solution.

You will need to define the method how scholarships are awarded to certain individuals and the requirements needed to choose eligible students. This has to be narrowed down to several steps and procedures note .

Since this is a scholarship proposal the benefits are highly recognizable as this will be of great help to students regardless of social standing, race, physical attributes and gender preference. State the different benefits and positive effects of your proposal in terms sheet of sustainability and support it can deliver to students who are eligible.

This is the section when you go into detail about exactly how you’ll be using the resources from an operational plan standpoint. Do your research in order to get the right figures to be presented to the board or donor.

Scholarships are awarded based upon various criteria, such as academic merit, diversity and inclusion, athletic skill, financial need, among others or some combination of these criteria. Scholarship criteria usually reflect the values and goals statement of the donor or founder of the award.

A scholarship application is entails several procedures such as completing requirements, and if you pass the first step additional requirements is required by the school board such as to submit an essay or a video. Some scholarships also require you to submit certain documents like a transcript or a letter of recommendation.

Since scholarships are given for free and is tagged as an award to deserving students, there is no need   to repay grants or scholarships, which are considered gift aid. Grants are typically awarded by the federal government, states or colleges and are usually based on financial report need. Scholarships are typically awarded for merit, athletic talent or other student achievements and characteristics.

Scholarships has been of big help to numerous students across the world. Some of the greatest minds are scholars from from schools and universities. The aid scholarships has given helped shaped the minds of students of all walks of life, giving them a chance to learn and secure their future.

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TranSenz: MEXT Scholarship and Visa Information for Moving to Japan

Sample mext scholarship field of study and research program plan with analysis.

What does a successful Field of Study and Research Program Plan look like? Check out this example!

You can find his story below, followed by his Field of Study and Research Program Plan. I have also included my own section-by-section commentary on the FSRPP. Thank you James!

Creating the Field of Study and Research Program Plan: James’ Story

Introduction.

I am a 2021-2022 MEXT scholarship recipient from the United States currently attending Nagoya University’s Graduate School of International Development. This article includes my Field of Study and Research Program Plan (FSRPP) and my advice for future applicants.

Most of the advice below is in Travis’ books and website, which I relied on during the application process. Hopefully, my FSRPP can be a practical example of a successful application!

Choosing a Field of Study

When choosing your field of study, you must consider your experience and goals. Selected candidates are qualified to study in their field but need further education to reach their goals.

Key Point: Great example of finding a degree program when there isn’t an exact match in the field name.

To separate yourself from the competition, you should discuss more than a degree in your application. This can be an internship, work experience, a thesis, or something else. For me, it was one year as an intern at a think-tank that specialized in U.S.- Mexico relations. This experience exposed me to international relations and improved my research skills.

Key Point: You must show why you need more education in Japan in order to accomplish your goals!

At this point, my narrative connects my past, present, and future to international development and the MEXT scholarship.

Choosing a Research Topic

Choosing a research topic was the most challenging part of the application for me. My approach was to find the intersection of all the work I had already done:

• Since my goal was to work in government, my research would be on government international development projects.  
• Since I wanted to understand Japan’s approach to international development, I chose Japanese and U.S. projects.  
• Since I studied Mexico, I chose to research international development projects in Mexico.

My final proposal was to do a case study comparing USAID (United States Agency for International Development) and JICA (Japan International Cooperation Agency) projects in Mexico. After research, I found projects by the United States and Japan suitable for the study.

University Placement

Remember that after passing your interview, you will have to be accepted by a Japanese university. My understanding is that applicants who pass the interview almost always find a school. But, I was rejected by one of the two schools I applied to.

Commentary: Mentioning a specific university in your application as a target is risky, since it can hurt your chances with other universities.

Additionally, I prioritized Nagoya University, even mentioning them in my application. This was a risky move I felt was worth it because Nagoya was my first choice, but I would not do it if I were to apply again.

Key Point: Your FSRPP is not final and it should change later. After all, that’s part of the point of your studies and working with your advisor!

Unless you are a PhD applicant, MEXT is looking for someone who will be a great researcher when they graduate. It is important that your FSRP shows effort and consistency. So enrolling in a Japanese class, learning basic research protocols in your field, and being able to answer questions about your background is more important than having a revolutionary topic.

Writing the FSRPP itself, I used Travis’ articles and books religiously. I would recommend following his advice once you have chosen your topic. In particular, his book, How to Write a Scholarship-Winning Field of Study and Research Program Plan , is worth buying if you are able. I followed his advice down to the details. The fact that you are reading this blog right now is a great sign for you!

James’ Field of Study and Research Program Plan

Here is James’ research proposal. After each section, I have added my comments in italics about the strong and weak points. Of course, this was a successful research proposal , so I don’t mean to be critical, but even the best research proposal has room for improvement and I know you want your proposal to be the best it can be. If James had brought this proposal to me for a review through my coaching service, these are some of the suggestions I would have made. (Although compared to most of my reviews, I had very few weak points to highlight or suggestions to make!)

1. Past and present field of study

I graduated Summa Cum Laude from Barrett, The Honors College at Arizona State University with a B.A. in Sustainability with an international development track, a minor in Spanish, and a certificate in Latin American Studies. As an undergraduate, I studied sustainable development in Latin America. My thesis, supervised by Dr. Marco Janssen, researched the impact Latin American coffee cooperatives have on community economic development through the lens of dependency theory. My research with Dr. Janssen led me to Kenichi Ohno and Izumi Ohno’s 1998 article, Japanese Views on Economic Development: Diverse Paths to the Market, which inspired me to study Japanese development theory. I am currently involved with Spanish language day to day research activities and research projects that involve Latin America and economic development through my work at the Wilson Center’s Mexico Institute.

TranSenz Commentary

Strong Points:

• Every detail about his undergraduate study and current work is directly related to his research proposal.  
• He describes his thesis topic concisely while displaying knowledge/experience in the theories used in the field of study he is applying for.  
• He gives a clear example of how his previous research led to his interest in Japan.  
• He demonstrates his proficiency in conducting research in a foreign language, which also helps reviewers see that he can adapt to new cultures and work outside of his own linguistic background.

Weak Points:

• He does not describe what problem he wants to address in his future research or why it is significant. Although he covers this later in the FSRPP, I typically recommend bringing it up in the Past and Present Field of Study section so that the reviewers, particularly at the embassy level, will have a clear understanding of the potential impact from the very beginning.  
• I would have suggested mentioning a specific research project related to his proposed field in Japan in the reference to the Wilson Center, to give a little more continuity and strengthen the overall impact.

2-1. Research Theme

JICA and USAID in Mexico: The impact of development theory on the Mexican automotive industry This study investigates how ideological differences between Japanese and American approaches to international development impact United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) initiatives through the example of workforce development projects in the Mexican automotive sector by way of a document review and in‐depth surveys in order to fill the knowledge gap concerning the Japanese development theory in the United States.

• The title clearly shows the field of study and the specific focus area, which would attract the attention of reviewers.  
• The theme paragraph builds well on the title to explain his field and specific research target/sample data, as well as the methods that he will use.
• The title doesn’t quite make it clear that he will be comparing the ideologies of the two organizations and their impacts, so I would have suggested rewording it to include the word “comparison” or “comparative” in there.  
• The title could have been more specific about workforce development projects being the focus.  
• He mentions he wants to research how differences “impact. . . initiatives”, but I would have suggested being more clear about whether he is analyzing the difference in the agencies’ choices in which initiatives to pursue or the difference in the effectiveness (or both). That would help reviewers better understand how the data collection he describes could answer his research question. He actually answers this in the next section, but I would have recommended moving it forward to this part.  
• When describing the research methods (document review and surveys), I would have suggested being more specific about the target data for each. As with the comment above, he mentions this in the next section, but I think the level of detail in that section would have been more appropriate here.  
• He does not explain how he will analyze the identified data sources or how the information will answer his question. This could be addressed by briefly mentioning the analysis method or the results he expected from each source.  
• I would have suggested describing the expected outcomes and importance at the end of this section.

Most of the issues I identified as “weak points” could have been solved by essentially moving some of the details from the first paragraph of his “research goals” section to this paragraph, so it’s not really a “weakness” of the plan as a whole, just a matter of order of content.

2-2. Research Plan

Research goals.

The purpose of this study is to contribute to better understanding how ideological differences between the Japanese and American development communities impact their development agency’s projects. The main research question is as follows: Which development theories are implemented in USAID and JICA’s projects and how do theoretical differences affect the methods and outcomes for each organization? To answer this question, this study will investigate USAID and JICA projects in the el Bajio region of Mexico, where each agency is supporting the automotive industry. This study will analyze documents from USAID, JICA, and the Mexican Agency for International Cooperation for Development (ANEXCID) and conduct a survey of relevant actors using novel mobile phone research methods developed by Elisa Maffioli (2020).

The November 2020 creation of the Japan US Brazil Exchange (JUSBE) and February 2021 meeting of the “Quad” leaders, which resulted in public health cooperation, demonstrate the momentum for soft power cooperation between Japan and the United States. However, there is little academic material on the potential challenges and benefits of such cooperation, as Ohno & Ohno identified in 2014. This study will contribute to filling this research gap by comparing Japanese and American development projects in the field. Along with the academic benefit, this research will be of benefit to policy makers who wish that the growing Japan United States soft power alliance is not hindered by differences in theory and approach.

Although I have more “weak point” comments than “strong point” comments for this section, I want to be clear that I thought the first paragraph was quite good. It was significantly better than most of the research proposals I see in its specificity. Strong Points:

• He makes the importance of his research clear in the first sentence and explains it in terms of the benefits to Japan and his home country of the US.  
• He states his specific research subject and makes it clear why it is the ideal research sample for his research in a concise manner.  
• He describes his data sources for the research.  
• The final two sentences of the second paragraph clearly show the academic and practical significance of his research.
• His research question is actually two questions, so I would have rephrased it to focus on the latter part.  
• Building on my comments on the previous section that recommended moving some of the details from this paragraph to the “Research Theme”, I would have suggested more details here about his data sources, such as the types of documents he will analyze (policy white papers? specific project implementation documents?) and who he will interview (aid officials? automotive factory owners? managers? workers?) and how he will use that information to answer his research question.  
• The second paragraph could benefit from a stronger opening. The current first sentence does not seem to be connected to the subject of the previous paragraph, so a better transition is required. This could be accomplished by combining the first two sentences and rewording them so that the context (increasing soft power cooperation between the US and Japan) comes first. Irrelevant details, like the dates and the confusing reference to the “Quad” leaders, which is not explained, could be eliminated for a more streamlined and clear description.

Existing Research

It is generally accepted that the East now promotes a unique developmental philosophy, defined by active government support for long term, “real” targets, such as employment and output, while the West continues to argue for limited government intervention while watching macroeconomic targets (Ohno & Ohno, 1998). Tsuyoshi Kikuchi’s work on JICA and the European Union development projects in Tunisia concludes that the different approaches taken complemented each other and positively impacted their recipients. Kikuchi’s conclusion states that each ideology covers for the other’s weakness and that coordinated partnership between Japan and the West is the best path forward for development. To test his conclusion, further research that includes different donor countries, sectors, and recipient countries is necessary.

• He describes the state of research into his field in a concise and understandable manner, giving two relevant references that set the overall state of understanding and one specific reference that is similar to what he intends to study, but also leaves a clear need for his research. Probably one of the most common problems I see with FSRPP drafts is too much information about the research background or existing research. This is an excellent example of how to summarize that information quickly and clearly so that he can focus on the important part: his research proposal.  
• It is fine to mention a theory as being “generally accepted” in the field when something is, in fact, generally accepted and that makes it difficult to find a specific citation for it. (In this case, since he has a citation to go with it, though, it would be better to remove the “generally accepted” comment and include this sentence as a reference to Ohno and Ohno’s research).  
• The concluding sentence clearly shows the research gap he intends to fill, showing the importance of his research.
• The reference to Kikuchi should have had a citation.

Methodology

This study will approach the problem through qualitative research by analysis of primary and secondary sources and survey of relevant actors in order to best identify each agency’s motivations, methods, and outcomes. The first step will be the analysis of Spanish and English primary and secondary sources, such as USAID, JICA, and ANEXCID documents, scholarly literature, and local news reports. This information will be used to create a survey that will be disseminated to USAID, JICA, and ANEXCID officials, and workers for companies receiving the aid using phone based research methods. The goal will be to identify the international development theories being applied to each project and how the theories impact methods used. In 2020, Elisa Maffioli published research on phone based research during a pandemic which demonstrates that mobile phone surveys and interviews are cheap, timely, and reliable sources of information. This method will obtain reliable data from Japan, so that I can study Japanese development ideology, react to unpredictable health and travel conditions, and comply with MEXT regulations. The foremost limit of this method, finding a representative sample, will not be an issue for this study because it targets a specific sample of respondents. However, to obtain access to these stakeholders, it will require compliance from government agencies and businesses. Through the Wilson Center, I have developed connections with El Gran Bajio, an non government organization dedicated to promoting industry in the region. I also have a strong network of academic and political figures throughout Mexico through work.

• He has a clearly defined list of sources for his documentary research.  
• He has dropped another reference to his ability to conduct research in multiple languages relevant to his topic as well as how his existing connections give him unique access to the research target population, which strengthens his case for why he is the best candidate to conduct this research.  
• Since the phone research method he describes might not be well known and its effectiveness could be questioned by someone who was not familiar with it, explaining that it is an established method is a good idea. If you are using a method that might not be well known in your research (consider that your reviewers will include bureaucrats at the embassy level who will not have academic expertise in your area), a brief explanation like this can be useful to assuage concerns.
• He should have explained what data he intended to gather from the primary and secondary sources. It is not clear how the documentary research will allow him to create a survey.  
• He does not explain how his survey will allow him to identify international development theories. He mentions that it is intended to be a qualitative survey, so that means it would include open-ended questions, but it is not clear what kinds of questions he plans to ask. It would have been better to explain what data he would collect through the survey and how he would then analyze it to identify international development theories and methods.  
• Although he mentions that he plans to identify outcomes, there is no methodology step that collects data on them.

This struck me as one of the weakest area of his research proposal because of the lack of description of the data he would collect and how he would analyze it. But on the other hand, that is where his academic advisor in Japan could provide the most help. The important thing is that he has a clear research problem that he wants to address, a target population, and an approach.

Research Plan

I will begin as a research student, during which time, I will prepare for university examinations and familiarize myself with “the Japanese approach” to international development and the relation between international development theory and practice. In my first semester, I will write a focused literature review, including academic materials from my time as a research student, government documents from JICA, USAID, and ANEXID, and take a class on research methods in order to prepare to write and disseminate a survey. My second semester, I will create a document that identifies key conclusions and unanswered questions from the initial literature review. This document will be used to write the survey. Participants in this survey will be identified during this semester, and the survey itself will be disseminated before the start of my third semester. My third semester will be spent collecting and integrating survey responses into a completed thesis draft. My fourth semester will be spent revising and editing my thesis in order to prepare it for publication. After graduation, I will consult with my advisor to determine the appropriate journal to submit my work for publication, such as Kokusai Mondai, the Journal of International Development, or another international development journal. Before leaving for Japan, I intend to continue taking Japanese classes at the Japan America Society of Washington D.C. and volunteering with Global Launch at Arizona State University in order to increase my understanding of Japanese culture, increase my network in Japan, and improve my Japanese language abilities. Upon arriving in Japan, I plan to be deeply involved in my community through language exchange, participating in both English and Japanese speaking groups. I also hope to use my network in the United States to publish news and blog articles on Japanese international development practices. For more information, please see the attached research timeline, which gives the example of if I were to be placed at Nagoya University for the fall 2022 semester.

• He explains every step of his research in order in an easy-to-understand progression.  
• His plans to disseminate his research demonstrate an awareness of the scholarly journals in his field.  
• He mentions a specific way that he wants to get involved in the local community in Japan and also how he plans to share his experience with a wider audience.
• The opening sentence, which sets the tone for the section, contains a weak reference to becoming familiar with the Japanese approach to international development without any substantive action. It would have been better to have more concrete actions, such as starting the literature review during that time.  
• His research plan still lacks any indication of how he will analyze his data to solve his research question, which could lead a reviewer to suspect that he doesn’t know how to answer the question.  
• The description of the research steps could have been more concise. Since he already mentioned the documentary sources for his literature review earlier, there is no need to repeat it here. The following sentences could also be combined and shortened without losing any meaning, which would give him more space to describe meaningful steps in his research and analysis.  
• I would not recommend spending time/space in the FSRPP talking about language self-study and networking prior to departing for Japan unless it is specifically related to the research proposal. For example, it would be worth mentioning if he was going to visit the automotive factories described earlier, but otherwise, this space would be better spent on relevant content.  
• Mentioning one specific university in the Field of Study and Research Program Plan is very risky . Unless you already have a connection with a professor there who has essentially agreed to accept you and you do not plan to apply anywhere else, I recommend against planning for a specific university in this document. It would hurt your chances of being accepted elsewhere since other universities would see it as an indication that they are not your first choice.

Attachment: Research Timeline

James attached a one-page research timeline formatted in an easy-to-read table. This is optional and it should never present information that is essential to understanding the research proposal, since it is outside of the 2-page limit, but can serve as an easy reference for reviewers if done well. In this case, I don’t think the table is particularly necessary, given the straightforward nature of his research, which is explained sufficiently in the document itself, and the weaknesses of the table (described below) might do more harm than good.

The following timeline is formatted for a 2 year course of study, with a semester as a student at a Japanese language school and as a research student. To demonstrate the specific classes and organizations I will be involved in, Nagoya University will be used in this example, However, this timeline can be altered as the university I am placed in desires.

James’ research timeline, as shown in his FSRPP

• Mentioning that this is just an example and that he is flexible is a good start.  
• Overall, his research plan is quite straightforward and this table reinforces it. For applicants with more research steps, such as series of experiments, it would need to be more complex.  
• Mentioning his intent to volunteer as a language tutor is a good touch.  
• He only mentions classes that are specifically related to his research progression, which is good. There is no need to clutter up the timeline by mentioning every class that you want to take.  
• Including his publication goals, future career goal that relates to his studies, and to improving relations between Japan and his home country, is a strong ending.
• The table contains spelling errors and a lack of understanding of how the MEXT Scholarship works, both of which could put off a reviewer even if the rest of the document was perfect. His reference to language study in Summer 2022 was meant to refer to the semester of language study under the MEXT Scholarship, but in this example, it appears to be something he was going to do on his own. That could actually disqualify him from the scholarship if he were to come on his own, so it is important to mention that it is part of the scholarship program.  
• The table should only really contain research steps during the MEXT-sponsored studies. As mentioned above, if he planned to conduct research-related activities prior to coming to Japan, that would be worth mentioning, but otherwise, mentioning activities before the start of the scholarship could be confusing.  
• During the research student semester, it is expected that students would be attending courses (the credits would transfer later) and conducting their research, so it is important to avoid the perception that you would only be studying for the entrance exam.  
• There were some unnecessary details, such as the contents of his literature review (just stating “Complete literature review” would be sufficient), and mentioning when he would graduate.

Thank you very much to James for sharing this FSRPP! Remember, this was a successful application , so even though I have highlighted some weak points in my commentary above, the strong points certainly outweighed them. As you know by now, I offer coaching reviews of Field of Study and Research Program Plans and no matter how excellent a plan is when I first receive it, I will always look for ways to improve it! (Normally, I would go into a lot more detail about potential improvements and recommendations.)

Overall, I think the greatest strengths of this proposal were:

• He identified a research problem that had clear applicability to Japan and USA national interest and to cooperation between the two.  
• He identified a research gap and clearly and concisely explained the state of the research field and why his research was necessary.  
• He had a very specific and relevant research topic, showing his preparedness.  
• He leveraged his experience and connection to position himself as the best candidate for this research.

On the other hand, the most significant weakness was a lack of detail about his data and analysis, but there was enough in this proposal to intrigue reviewers so that he could get to the next stage, the interview, where he could explain in more detail. And, as I mentioned before, those are areas that his advisor in Japan could help most with after his selection, so the weaknesses could be overcome.

If you are interested in a review of your Field of Study and Research Program Plan, you can contact me through the link at the top of the page. If you are interested in sharing your research proposal for a similar article in the future (after your application is successful, if you prefer), particularly if your research is in another field (STEM, business, arts, etc.) there are thousands of readers who would appreciate it, so please let me know in the comments below and I will get back to you right away.

Special Thanks

Special thanks to James Chabin, who made this article possible by generously sharing his successful Field of Study and Research Program Plan. You can find out more about James on his Twitter feed.

Thanks also to my supporters on Patreon , who help keep this site running through their generous contributions, especially to my newest Samurai-level patron, Alvin S, Daimyo-level supporter Alessia M, and to everyone who has been supporting the sight for months or years. I cannot tell you how grateful I am for your continued support! If this site has helped you in your application process and you want to “pay it forward” to keep the site running to help future applicants, every contribution helps!

Let me know in the comments below!

Related Posts

Hi Travis My degree is on Japanese education but I want to do my research on Japanese history. I took an elective class on history but it was only for one semester and we mostly focused on Japanese mythology. Do you think a connection like this is too weak? I know people who graduated from the same university as me and studied applied linguistics and literature with this scholarship but no history

Your research topic is more important than the field of your major. Can you connect your research topic in Japan to research that you conducted in your degree on Japanese education? That is what matters most.

Good Luck! – Travis from TranSenz

Hi Travis, Thank you sincerely for the helpful insights on how to write. kindly, I have the following inquiry: Can I submit in the research plan section my already published hypothesis in a journal?

Hi moayed ben moftah,

Your research plan must be for completely new research that you intend to perform in Japan. You can mention past research experience in the “Past and Present Field of Study” to demonstrate your background in the field, but that section should focus on what you have majored in in university.

Hi Travis. Thank you very much for such an excellent blog and thanks James for sharing his experience with us. I have a question regarding to my FSRPP. In James field, it’s a thing to be able to mention about how he would contribute significant roles for both countries, for his and Japan. But as my research field belongs to lab work , i kind of find it hard to say how I am gonna contribute a significant difference for Japanese government. My research topic is about COVID-19 Virus, and the theme is: Exploring Age-Dependent Variations in T cell Function in SARS-CoV-2 Infections: A comprehensive analyses In a Mouse Model. That is something really rare is my country, I mean the viral research is almost absent in my country, so of course if I study it in japan, when i come back, i can do more for my country, But what about Japan? Cuz Japan is already is well-known for this kind of researches, of course there are lots of stuff that are not well-studied yet, so i am eager to particibate in such research. But what would be something really important that i can contribute to them? I can see that my research theme is quite specific. That’s because I used one of the japanese university’s ongoing research where i wanna join to. But i didn’t mention about the name of the uni at FSRPP of course. I just used kind of the same FSRPP as the University recommendation ( i got rejected by uni) and changed some aspects to be acceptable for embassy recommendation.

Contributing to academic knowledge of the SARS-CoV-2 virus benefits the whole world! If you contribute to fighting the virus, or understanding of coronaviruses that can be applied to future strains, that has an obvious benefit for Japan and every other country, so I don’t think you need to worry about that 🙂

Thank you very much Travis. You made my day!

Hello Travis, thanks once again for your helpful articles. My doubt with regards to the FSRPP is: the research theme and plan I propose (the academic side, not the extracurricular one) must be carried out during the research student period, the master’s period (officially enrolled) or both? In other words, when will the RPP, that I have to explain in the document, take place? – If it’s the first option, how should I adapt my current research plan and methodology so it fits within this period? Because I planned it for the two master’s degree years, and the research student period can vary from one semester to 2 years. – If it’s the second option, what would I be doing during the research student period? Just attending some clases, the intensive language program and/or another research determined by my adviser? – If it’s the third one, which parts of my research plan should I do during the research student period and which one during the master’s period? All this also confuses me a little regarding the “Milestones” you mentioned in chapter 6 of your book about the FSRPP. (I’m in STEM, specifically engineering, in case that matters) Thank you in advance.

Hi Rodrigo,

– Your research plan should cover your degree, even if you plan to start as a research student for a semester. Typically, you should plan on only one semester as a research student, to give yourself time to settle in and take the entrance exam for the degree program, unless there’s a specific reason that you would need more time. – If you take the intensive language program, that is a separate program and you would primarily focus on language studies then, although you could start some of your research preparation too. Sometimes, your language program may be held at a different university. If you take a semester as a research student outside of the language program, then you would start your research, possibly take some courses, and also work on research in your advisor’s lab, in most cases. – The amount of time that you need for each milestone in your research can vary significantly, so I can’t really give a one-size-fits-all answer. Depending on your field, you might need more or less time for a literature review. It also depends on whether you are in contact with your advisor about your topic ahead of time. But in general, if you spend a semester as a research student (not including the language program), then you would probably accomplish your literature review, topic approval, and even some of your experiment design, then, while also preparing for and taking the entrance exam.

I hope that helps.

Thank you for your quick and enlightening response, it was very helpful.

James’ insightful journey showcases a prime example of crafting a winning MEXT Scholarship Field of Study and Research Program Plan. His meticulous approach in aligning past experiences with future goals highlights the essence of a compelling application. A beacon of inspiration for aspiring scholars. Kudos to James and the invaluable guidance provided by this blog

Hi Travis! I hope you are doing well. I need a help regarding topic selection. I selected a topic regarding biochemistry and the topic also includes Pakistan and Japan collaboration regarding this field. But one of my teacher says that you should only focus on lab based research in japan not questionnaire research , comparing both countries as you are a science student. But, my other teacher says it is fine to talk about how you would link both countries labs. what you suggest?

Please keep in mind that I am not a biochemist, but since it is a laboratory science, I think your research topic should be focused on lab work. If you want to do questionnaire research, then you should make sure that you can find examples of biochemistry professors in Japan conducting the same kind of research, first. If you can’t, then you can assume that would not be acceptable. Linking both countries’ labs is a good thing, but it would not be part of your research and would not require a questionnaire.

Ideally, your laboratory research will produce results that could be used to help Pakistan and Japan in the future.

Hi travis! grateful for the above information, currently in my 3rd year of undergrad and gonna apply for Masters course through MEXT, also my field of research is Natural Language Prcoessing(just got into it been 1 year), any good research themes/title you would suggest for the same and also is it ok if we mention the prof, and university name in the research plan( like there research papers brought me more of interest in the field and similar things). guidance will be appriciated🙏 thanks!!

Hi Jeevan M.H,

Unfortunately, I do not have enough expertise in your field to suggest possible research topics. I recommend that you ask a professor in the field at your current university or find something from your research that excites you. It is OK to mention a specific professor in the research plan, but I would recommend doing it in the context of citing one of their papers as existing research. You should not be mentioning individual professors as your inspiration to study that field. Your inspiration should come from a problem or issue that you want to resolve.

A more appropriate place to mention inspiration by specific professors would be in Application Form essay question 19.(2), where you explain why you want to conduct your research in Japan. But be aware that all of your prospective professors will see that form (and all others), so you don’t want to make them think they are a “back up” choice or that you’re not interested in working with the professors who aren’t listed.

Hi Travis! I had no idea how to write research plan. I can’t be more thankful. I have some queries. Can you please guide what type of topic I can select as a BS Chemistry student? The research plan pdf given by MEXT has only one page in document and only headings of research theme, plan are given, can I also write all these steps described by James? Is it allowed to attach one more page? DO MEXT not allow to start studying Masters in one’s home country before final result of MEXT? Like one would leave that university if they qualify all the phases of MEXT?

If you are applying for the undergraduate scholarship (for a bachelor’s degree), then you don’t need to write a research plan. If you already have a BSc and are applying for a Master’s degree, then this document will be necessary.

I cannot help you to choose a research question in your field, since I am not an expert in Chemistry. I recommend that you consult with an instructor at your current university for advice or try to find thesis titles for Master’s students at the university that you want to apply to in order to help you develop ideas.

I have another article with my recommendation about how to format the Field of Study and Research Program Plan , that includes the length, adding recommended headings, etc., so I recommend that you read that one too.

You are permitted to start studying a Master’s in your home country before the MEXT Scholarship with the intent to drop out if you get selected for MEXT. You won’t be able to transfer those credits, though.

Hi Sir! Thanks for the guidelines, I would like to have link you said it is at top. But, I can’t findit sorry. Also, sir in the Placement Reference Application form, there is a requirement at the bottom that says ‘I agree to arrive in Japan during the Proposed month of arrival in Japan period of arrival stated in the Letter of Provisional Acceptance”. But letter of acceptance is issued after first screening. In my country’s guidelines, it is written to submit both Letter of Acceptance and Placement Form after results of first screening, Should I send it twice like you said, or skip the placement form for first screening? Third thing is, should I attach my photo on application form with a glue and also write name and nationality at back of it or just on the copies Sorry for the lengthy questions.

I’m afraid I don’t know what you mean by guidelines and link. What link and what guidelines? Could you be more specific please? I have explained the Placement Preference Form in another article, including how to handle that checkbox, so see that article for details. You must submit it twice.

Write your name and nationality on the back of all photos, even if you are attaching them by glue to each copy of the application form. The name is there in case the photo falls off later and they have to match it to your application.

By guidelines, I mean the guidelines given by Embassy of Japan in Pakistan official website

Please check the embassy website directly. I don’t have the links to every embassy in the world. The official application guidelines can be found on the Japanese government’s Study in Japan site, but you should also check the local embassy website to see what specific requirements they have.

Hi Travis! I would like to ask this: what do they mean when they say do not choose a school you have already been rejected from? Does this mean I cannot choose the same schools that I chose previously for the Embassy Recommendation? Thanks!

Hi Vanessa,

That instruction applies later in the application process. You submit the Placement Preference Form twice: Once with the rest of your application documents at the beginning, then a second time after the Primary Screening and acquiring your Letters of Provisional Acceptance. The requirement to “not choose a school you have already been rejected from” is for the second submission.

You cannot formally apply to universities for acceptance (Letter of Provisional Acceptance) until after you pass the Embassy’s primary screening. If you apply to one of the universities on your initial list, and they reject your application, then you would have to remove them from the list before you resubmit it.

While the rule only applies to universities that have rejected you this year, you probably should avoid listing universities that have rejected you in the past, too, unless you think there is a good chance of getting a different result this time. If you applied for the Embassy-Recommended MEXT Scholarship in a past year and did not pass the Primary Screening, then you could list all of the same universities as before. But if you passed the Primary Screening and applied for Letters of Provisional Acceptance and were rejected by the university, then you probably should not list them again this time.

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