Hi All,

A couple of weeks back, my proposed supervisors and I applied to an external funding source with our proposed project. Prior to that, we had vaguely talked about the probable outcome that I don’t get the award - in principle they were okay with the idea of still going ahead but would not really encourage as I would be paying exorbitant fees (overseas rate).

Getting the funding would be most ideal but now that my work on the application is done, and knowing that competition is always stiff, it feels like going for a lottery. But my heart is very set so I feel game with or without the money, especially since we believe that I should be fine getting through the admission process.

Now I am contemplating whether or not to further discuss what happens if our application turns out unsuccessful (and/or how best to do so). I think we have to be realistic about applying for money, but at the same time don't want to appeal too negative. I also don't want to leave it for too long to find out if we won't go ahead (can easily be months before we hear from the funding board). It's been a lot of time and effort invested getting a supervisor to commit to this level and developing a suitable programme of work for a PhD together. If I had to repeat, the sooner I know the better (already happened once)!

I wonder if anyone has been in similar situations, any advice would be most appreciated!!