phd studentships uk 2023

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PhD studentships

If you're looking to get PhD funding for a specific research project or field of study, Doctoral studentships can provide you with either a partially or fully-funded PhD

Who awards PhD studentships?

PhD studentships are most commonly awarded by the UK's seven Research Councils in the form of Research Council grants , with research funding overseen by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) .

Individual UK universities also offer scholarships and bursaries to PhD students, while many professional bodies fund Doctoral research in collaboration with these academic institutions.

For instance, research awards are offered by the following engineering organisations:

• Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) - QUEST scholarships
• Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE)
• The Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET)
• Royal Academy of Engineering (RAEng)

Additionally, CASE studentships (formerly known as Cooperative Awards in Science and Engineering) can be part-funded by any non-academic body in partnership with the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) . These four-year PhDs require the student to work at the organisation for at least three months.

You can also apply for funded PhD opportunities through many charities, foundations and trusts, including:

• Action Medical Research
• Alzheimer's Society
• British Federation of Women Graduates (BFWG)
• British Heart Foundation (BHF)
• Cancer Research UK
• Diabetes UK
• Rosetrees Trust - PhD Plus
• The Leverhulme Trust
• Wellcome Trust

Before you start applying for a funded PhD, it's always a good idea to discuss this with a prospective supervisor first, as they're often able to provide tips on maximising the likelihood of receiving financial support.

How much can I receive?

Many PhD studentships, including those offered by universities, professional bodies, or charities, foundations and trusts, provide three years' funding paid at a similar rate to the Research Council grant:

• Fees-only studentship - These cover a student's tuition fees, plus any associated project and training costs (a minimum of £4,786 per year in 2024/25).
• Full studentship - These add a non-repayable, tax-free maintenance grant known as a 'stipend'. In 2024/25, this is worth a minimum of £19,237 and it can be used towards living costs - see UKRI - Find studentships and Doctoral training .

For example, at The University of Manchester, the School of Social Sciences PhD studentship includes tuition fees for three-and-a-half years and a maintenance grant of £18,622 (2023/24 rate) per year for living expenses, plus associated research costs - such as fieldwork and attending conferences - from the Research Training Support Grant.

However, you should be aware that some PhD studentship recipients are required to teach undergraduates. While this provides an excellent opportunity to gain vital employability skills, it can also be hugely time-consuming. You must be satisfied that tutoring won't negatively affect the quality of your research before accepting your place.

Is my programme eligible for a PhD studentship?

PhD studentships can start at any time of the year, but most begin in September, October or January.

Certain types of PhD, for example professional Doctorates, may not be eligible for a PhD studentship. The same applies to part-time or distance learning options.

Am I eligible?

PhD studentships typically demand that applicants have a Bachelors degree at 2:1 or above, plus a relevant Masters degree or professional experience at that level of study.

Those who already possess a PhD are often ineligible, while some PhD studentships are limited to students fitting certain criteria - for example, those from a disadvantaged background, from a certain country or of a certain ethnicity.

If you're a European Union (EU) national, you'll need to have settled or pre-settled status under the government's EU Settlement Scheme to be eligible for student finance in this country - and this includes PhD studentships.

How do I apply for a PhD studentship?

The application process can be lengthy, and competition is fierce.

Some PhD students will be automatically considered for financial support once they've been accepted by an institution, but many are required to make separate PhD funding applications. These are usually made directly to the university - even for those studentships from Research Councils, professional bodies, or charities, foundations and trusts.

You'll typically be asked for your PhD application form, a research proposal , a cover letter and your references. After the institution has reviewed your application, you may be invited to interview.

Throughout this process, the university will scrutinise what you'll bring to the institution. Applicants at Liverpool John Moores University (LJMU), for example, are judged on:

• the quality of their research project and how it connects with research currently being undertaken at the institution
• how appropriate the supervisory team is
• their calibre, academic qualifications and academic/research experience
• whether the research can contribute towards the Research Excellence Framework (REF), meaning that interdisciplinary research will be preferred.

How do I increase my chances of getting a PhD studentship?

You can improve your chances of success by:

• asking a friend or family member to proofread your application
• carefully choosing your referees, ensuring that they'll speak positively of you
• discussing your draft application with a relevant academic
• explaining how your work will be unique and innovative
• following the funding body's guidance regarding word counts and formatting.

What other PhD funding is available?

If you're unsuccessful with your PhD studentship application, you could consider:

• crowdfunding
• employer sponsorship
• PhD loans .

Find out more

• Explore 5 routes to getting a Doctorate .
• Read about 5 challenges faced by PhD students .
• Consider what to do next after completing a PhD .

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• Postgraduate
• PhD and Professional Doctorates

PhD opportunities

Fully funded phd studentships.

Our mission is to create lasting, meaningful change throughout the world, and with our funded PhD studentships, your research can be a key part of us achieving that goal.

What is a studentship?

A studentship is like a scholarship but for a research degree at the university, helping to fund your research project. Finance shouldn’t be a barrier to delivering world-leading research, that's why we run an annual fully funded PhD studentship competition, to recruit talented researchers from across the world.

Doctoral research that encourages change and produces real-world impacts is more important than ever. A doctoral degree is more than just a thesis: it is an opportunity to realise your potential as a researcher, to develop your passion and knowledge in a community that values progress. Get support for your research with a NTU Studentship.

Applications for our 2024 studentships have now closed. The scheme usually opens in October. Sign up for emails to be notified of the next release and to keep up to date with research funding.

Discover our PhD opportunities that drive innovation and delivers real-world impact. Browse our PhD projects, or submit your own proposal.

Professional Doctorates

Make an impact with world-leading and award-winning research at Nottingham Trent University.

PhD fees and funding

Find out more about the fees and funding options available for research study at Nottingham Trent University.

How to apply for a PhD

Everything you need to know about applying to study at the NTU Doctoral School.

Re:shaping re:search - why join NTU?

With world-class facilities, dedicated doctoral support, and a growing portfolio of interdisciplinary and collaborative research programmes — all delivered alongside our worldwide family of academic and industry partners — NTU is the place to truly re:alise your potential.

We offer a unique Doctoral Education, Training and Development programme to support the growth of all our doctoral candidates, in everything from academic writing and academic software to healthy research practices. We support our candidates throughout their doctoral journey, enabling them to reach their potential as experts in their field.

As a two-time recipient of the Queens Anniversary Prize — the most prestigious national award for research outputs — 86% of our work has been judged as ‘world-leading’or ‘internationally excellent.’* We want to continue building this reputation for research excellence by taking a themed approach to addressing the world’s most pressing problems — the key questions that span business, the arts, science, sustainability, healthcare, politics, and the environment. We’re calling this new approach Re:search Re:imagined

* Latest data, Research Excellence Framework 2021

A diverse community

"I chose to pursue a PhD because I've always been intellectually curious". Hear about Richards's doctoral experience.

We’re committed to removing barriers to doctoral education — an ambition reflected in the award of joint funding to improve access and participation for black, Asian and minority ethnic groups in PGR study. Our Doctoral School is a diverse and highly inclusive community; it enables its members to become confident, skilled researchers, regardless of their backgrounds.

Join us to help fulfil our boldest ambitions — to value ideas, create opportunities, embrace sustainability, empower people, enrich society, and connect on a global scale. We believe in applied, meaningful research that delivers better answers. Be part of a community that champions your voice and experience.

By breaking down the financial barriers to PhD study, our fully funded studentships ensure you’ll have the freedom and confidence to deliver the kind of research that truly matters.

Re:searchers Re:vealed

Here at NTU, our researchers come from a variety of backgrounds, and they all have a powerful story to tell. In this series, we share their stories.

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• Postgraduate research degrees
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• Funded PhD programmes 2024 UK

Funded PhD research programmes 2025 UK

The University of Brighton regularly invites applicants for fully-funded PhD studentships across all its disciplines. 

These allow motivated, high-calibre applicants for research degrees to join our thriving academic community and contribute to our rich and innovative research environment. 

Our processes also often allow us to support promising candidates for applications to external funders and we regularly welcome self-funded applicants to programmes across all disciplines.

We will be advertising University of Brighton studentships later in the year. Meanwhile, please visit our PhD funding advice page  for current offers or see below for further general advice about applying for a funded PhD in the UK. 

Visit our PhD disciplinary programme lists

What UK PhD studentships are available ?

Depending on the discipline area, applicants for postgraduate research study may be:

• applying to work on specific, defined research projects
• applying to work with an academic department or individual with specific interests
• or applying with a self-identified research topic proposal.

When available, studentships are open to home and international students and will be given to candidates who best fulfil the promise outlined by these academic departments.

Students may like to review the funding opportunities listed at the foot of the page or visit our  PhD funding advice page  . 

Please enable targeting cookies in order to view this video content on our website, or you can watch the video on YouTube .

Can you be a researcher? Professor Bhavik Patel reassures applicants of all backgrounds that they can study for a PhD and aim for a research career. 

How do I apply for a PhD studentship?

The application for financing schemes will usually involve:  

• submitting a full application through the university's PhD application portal, our University of Brighton portal is accessible from the  PhD funded projects webpages . You will upload your research proposal as part of this process.
• The submission must include two letters of reference, academic qualifications, a proposed project approach, a personal statement and your CV (resumé).
• Shortlisted applicants are likely to be invited for interview.

What does PhD funding include?

The funding for the PhD usually covers the full fee and a stipend at the UKRI rate plus an allowance of £1,500 per year for researcher training for three years (or part-time equivalent). 

Successful candidates benefit from expert supervisory teams, a programme of postgraduate researcher development workshops and membership of specialist, interdisciplinary research centres and groups. There will be introductions to a network of relevant researchers, careers advice and opportunities for interaction within and beyond the university. Through this, our PhD students have the best start possible towards ambitious careers that make use of their research degrees.

The University of Brighton fosters research careers and will provide doctoral training, attentive and expert supervision and access to world-class laboratories and equipment. 

We are renowned as a leading applied university, with pioneer academics in disciplines from sport science to design history and applied science research that translates efficiently to the global challenge of worldwide health and wellbeing. Our strategy of 'practical wisdom' leads to real-world partnerships and beneficiaries across all disciplines while the development of community-university partnership practices have placed us among the best universities for many aspects of co-produced research and innovation.

We pride ourselves on the ways we work in partnership with those outside higher education, across the European Union and internationally. Through our research collaborations we work with a wide range of universities, both internationally and with universities in the UK. We are also founding members of two UKRI Doctoral Training Partnerships which, this year, are dealt with outside our University of Brighton studentship offer. We learn constantly from our involvement in these, and our rich resources are offered across all doctoral research programmes.

Recently the University of Brighton celebrated its performance in the Research Excellence Framework (REF2021) and the Knowledge and Exchange Framework (KEF2023). Over 87 per cent of our submitted impact case studies in REF2021 were rated as having 'outstanding' or 'very considerable' impact beyond academia. We are dedicated to developing this quality work with new students. Read more about the review of our research and knowledge exchange performance in REF2021 . Also, read more about our KEF2023 results, which placed Brighton in the top tier for economic and social benefits .

How will you build a relationship with your supervisor? Professor Annebella Pollen and Dr Tom Ainsworth are among those offering advice. This film was made by the University of Brighton for UKRI and also features academics from other institutions.

How do I increase my chances of getting a PhD studentship?

You must be able to show your suitability for a UK research degree if you wish to apply for fully-funded studentships.

This includes evidence either of a relevant and successful academic background or equivalent relevant professional/expert background in the applied subject area. Applicants from overseas will also have to fulfil any English language and visa requirements.

This will be true for studentships in the UK across most of the UK universities. It is usual for applicants either to have completed (or be about to complete) a masters degree, have an exceptional undergraduate record and references, or demonstrate the equivalent scholarly potential.  

Supervisory staff and research students at the University of Brighton consider how important diverse thinking and inclusive practice are to their doctoral studies.

Can I get PhD funding at the University of Brighton?

We have a long-standing annual programme of funded PhD opportunities across all our disciplines, including several rooted in research council (UKRI) partnerships .

The initiatives allow postgraduate study for UK-based students as well as study in the UK for international students (depending on the PhD programme). 

We are also keen to encourage students who might be able to self-fund their doctoral studies. Studying part-time, for example, is likely to prove more affordable and more easily balanced with professional life than you'd imagine. 

We are dedicated to providing a welcoming and supportive atmosphere and structure for your studies. Show us your own qualities and your suitability for programmes as they become available and we will look forward to receiving your application. 

Insitutions and funding bodies for PhD study

On the Funding pages of our website we post advice as to the regular and specific funding opportunities available through the University of Brighton, its partners and networks. 

These include  Doctoral Training Partnership  and University of Brighton PhD studentship calls,  individual studentship projects , University of Brighton  international research scholarships  and our  alumni scholarships  for current and past students. 

We also include below some of the major funding options for international students wanting to do a PhD with us, each of which may support all or part of your studies.

Worldwide international funding schemes for PhD research

The british council.

The British Council offers a search engine for UK courses, institutions (including the University of Brighton) and scholarships.

Find out more about scholarships and funding through The British Council.

The Gen Foundation

The Gen Foundation considers applicants living in all countries. It is a charitable trust which principally provides grants to students/researchers in natural sciences, in particular food sciences/technology.

Find out more about grants to students and researchers from The Gen Foundation .

The Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN)

The Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) is dedicated to improving the quality of life of those in need, mainly in Asia and Africa, irrespective of their origin, faith, or gender. Our multifaceted development approach aims to help communities and individuals become self-reliant.

Find out more about research funding through the Aga Khan development network .

The Open Society Foundations

The Open Society Foundations are active in more than 120 countries around the world, using grant-giving, research, advocacy, impact investment, and strategic litigation to support the growth of inclusive and vibrant democracies. The four main themes of the Open Society Foundations are climate justice, equity, expression, and justice and they will award grants and fellowships throughout the year to organisations and individuals who share those values. The Open Society Foundations look for grantees who have a vision and whose efforts will lead to lasting social change.

Find out more about postgraduate funding through The Open Society Foundations .

International Education and Financial Aid

The International Education and Financial Aid (IEFA) provides students from all over the world comprehensive information on financial aid for studying abroad. Using the IEFA website, you can easily search the IEFA database for scholarships, grants, loan programs, and other options available to help finance your international education.

Find out more about international PhD research funding through the IEFA .

The Boehringer Ingelheim Fonds 

The Boehringer Ingelheim Fonds (BIF) awards PhD fellowships of two to three-and-a-half years to outstanding junior scientists worldwide who wish to pursue an ambitious PhD project in basic biomedical research in an internationally leading laboratory.

Find out more about the Boehringer Ingelheim Fonds fellowships .

Resource sites for international PhD research funding

Internationalstudent.com.

InternationalStudent.com is a leading online resource for international students around the world providing advice pages for studying in the USA, UK and Australia for international students, plus a dedicated study abroad center for US students who want to travel abroad.

Find out more about international study through InternationalStudent.com .

ScholarshipTab

ScholarshipTab is an online portal that connects international students to available scholarship opportunities round the world.

Find out more about the Scholarship Tab resource .

International Education and Financial Aid (IEFA)

The IEFA provides students from all over the world comprehensive information on financial aid for studying abroad. Search the IEFA database for scholarships, grants, loan programs, and other options available to help finance your international education.

Find out more from the International Education and Financial Aid website .

The European Funding Guide 

Scholarships and grants for students from the European Union

Find out more through the European Funding Guide  

The Americas: Postgraduate doctorate funding from institutions and bodies to study in the UK

• Marshall Scholarship:  Provides for United States students to study abroad.
• Benjamin A Gilman International Scholarship provides for United States students to study abroad.
• American Student Loans and Federal Student Aid
• Global Affairs Canada International Scholarships Program
• Canadian Centennial Scholarship Fund
• Canada's Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC)
• The Bolsas Lideres Estudar Program provides for Brazilian students studying in the UK .

Asia: Postgraduate doctorate funding from Asian institutions and bodies to study in the UK

The Charles Wallace Bangladesh Trust

The Charles Wallace Burma Trust

China and Hong Kong

Great Britain – China Educational Trust is a charity that promotes mutual understanding between the UK and China and aims to build long-term connections between the two countries. It delivers awards contributing towards university tuition fees and living expenses for Chinese nationality students studying for a PhD in any subject at a UK university.

Great Britain China Centre Chinese Student Awards  offers scholarships of up to £3,000 for citizens of China and Hong Kong studying for a PhD in any subject at a UK university

The Hong Kong People Association (HKPA)  aims to provide financial aids for further university education to students from Hong Kong who are not able to afford international tuition fees. 

The Charles Wallace India Trust  offers PhD funding for study in the arts, heritage conservation or the humanities.

The Inlaks India Foundation

The JN Tata Endowment award funds 90 to 100 scholars across disciplines ranging from the sciences to management, law and commerce and the fine arts.

The KC Mahindra Education Trust

The Persia Educational Foundation Abdolreza Ansari Scholarship   is designed to support the education of students of Iranian descent enrolled in a Master or Doctorate programme in human rights or public service in the UK.

Momeni Iranian Financial Assistance Scholarships  offer partial funding scholarships for international students of Iranian descent towards a PhD in any subject.

The Kenneth Lindsay Scholarship Trust

The Anglo-Jewish Association (AJA)  provides funding for Jewish students to study a Masters or PhD in the UK.

The Japan-IMF Scholarship Program for Advanced Studies  funds students of macroeconomics with a view to them working at the International Monetary Fund.

The Charles Wallace Pakistan Trust

Higher Education Commission (HEC) Pakistan . The HEC offers government scholarships for Pakistani students to study abroad in various countries, including the UK.

Saudi Arabia

The Cultural Bureau of the Embassy of Saudi Arabia (SACB)  offers scope for full tuition fees and supporting fees for PhD level study.

Agency for Science, Technology and Research

The Thai Office of Educational Affairs 

Europe: Postgraduate doctorate funding from European institutions and bodies to study in the UK

The European Funding Guide  - Scholarships and grants in the EU.

France -  Entente Cordiale scholarships for postgraduate studies  provide funding to help students enrolling for a Masters or a PhD qualification in the UK or in France.

Italy -  Il Circolo Italian Cultural Association is a UK-registered charity based in London with the mission to support deserving students with awards and scholarships.

Norway - Lanekassen  - The Norwegian student loans and grants awarding body supports Norwegian students studying overseas.

Scandinavia - Fundraising.how  - article database offering funding advice for Scandinavian students.

Sweden - CSN -  loans and grants for Swedish students studying overseas.

Australia: funding for PhD study in the UK

The Australia Day Foundation  offers grants to young Australians for fees and course materials.

Africa: funding for PhD study in the UK

Sudan -  The Gordon Memorial College Trust Fund (GMCTF)

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• Queen Mary University of London
• Postgraduate
• Research degrees
• Funding a PhD

Postgraduate Research Studentships

Each year we offer fully-funded research studentships to support the next generation of leading academics. funding is available across all research areas and it typically comprises three years of funding..

Self-funders or those with external funding sources are welcome to apply via our standard route at any time of year.

• Funding in the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences
• Funding in the Faculty of Science and Engineering
• BAME Studentships
• Funding in the School of Medicine and Dentistry

Humanities and Social Sciences PhD Studentships

Eligible subject areas.

We are offering fully-funded PhD studentships in all areas that fall within the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences for September 2024 entry. This includes the following eight Schools:

• School of Business and Management
• School of Economics and Finance
• School of English and Drama
• School of Languages, Linguistics and Film
• School of Geography
• School of History
• School of Law
• School of Politics and International Relations

Candidate Eligibility

All nationalities are eligible for these 3-year studentships which cover tuition fees and living expenses. Part-time applicants and current first-year students are also eligible to apply. 

There are additionally up to two awards for UK students who identify as BAME. Full details are within the below documents. 

There is an additional award funded alongside the Stuart Hall Foundation. See below for eligibility criteria.

How to Apply

Applications for 2024 entry are open now. The HSS Principal’s Doctoral Research Studentships for Academic Year 2024-25 closing on 26 th February 2024.

The studentships cover all tuition fees, and provide a grant for living expenses at UK Research Council rates for London (c. £20,622 p.a. full-time, c. £10,311 part-time).

001 - HSS studentships memo 2024 [PDF 163KB] - Procedures for the HSS Principal’s Doctoral Research Studentships competition (QMPS), timetable and paperwork, criteria for awards at Faculty level.

002 - HSS studentships 2023 general [DOC 35KB] - Studentship, application process, assessment. 003 - SNF 2022-23 [DOC 47KB] - Check list for schools, cover sheet, student nomination form. 004 - Specification for candidate suitability [PDF 87KB] - Minimum requirements for consideration for studentships. 005 - Guidance to applicants 2024-25 [PDF 134KB] -   Research proposal, statement of purpose, assessment. 006 - Stuart Hall Foundation (SHF)-QMUL HSS Principal's Studentship Explanatory Memo [PDF 144KB] General considerations, eligibility criteria, statement of purpose and assessment, benefits of applying.

Please note that these awards cannot be deferred .

NEW for 24/25 :

This year the Doctoral College (DC) will be offering up to 2 BAME studentships (UK/home fees only) to PGR applicants in HSS. The eligibility criteria for the Doctoral College BAME awards are the same as the HSS ones and candidates will be assessed in the same competition. Eligible candidates should indicate in their statement of purpose that they would like to be considered for the BAME awards, without further specification.

Science and Engineering PhD Studentships

Fully-funded studentships are available for September 2024 entry across this Faculty in five strategic research themes:

• Environment, biodiversity and genomics 
• Green energy
• Engineering better medicine
• Social interaction, health and wellbeing
• Data-centric engineering

In addition to our general studentship competition, we also offered two studentships for UK BAME applicants.

PhD programmes across all five schools within the Faculty are eligible for the funding. 

• School of Biological and Behavioural Sciences 
• School of Physical and Chemical Sciences
• School of Electronic Engineering and Computer Science
• School of Engineering and Materials Science
• School of Mathematical Sciences

S&E Doctoral Studentships for Underrepresented Groups in Research:

• UK students who identify as coming from a Black, Asian or Ethnic minority background. 
• The proposed research project fits within the broader range of research themes in science and engineering within our five Schools.

Queen Mary Research Studentships:

• All nationalities are eligible for some awards, Home only for others. Check with your department before applying.
• All subject areas are eligible but Schools will be posting updates about which projects they are funding on their pages. There is no guarantee of funding for a particular subject area as this is highly competitive.

Doctoral Training Studentships:

• Check the Doctoral Training Studentships page for the schemes available and how to apply.
• Some awards are for all nationalities, some are for Home applicants only.

Applications for 2024 entry are open now. The deadline for applications is Wednesday 31st January 2024.

Follow the step-by-step instructions on the How To Apply page before submitting your online application.

For most funding types there is one single application for admission and for funding. You should note the funding for which you would like to be considered on your application form.

Some Doctoral Training Programmes require an additional application to the funding partner. Please read the instructions on their website carefully and get in touch if you are unsure. 

BAME Studentships for Postgraduate Research Students

For 2023 entry, Queen Mary University of London will be offering four fully-funded doctoral studentships (tuition fees and stipend at the UKRI London rate) to UK applicants from a BAME background. 

School of Medicine and Dentistry PhD Studentships

This School is organised into seven distinct Institutes and each has their own funding sources. Typically this comes in three forms:

Research Council Grants: These will be advertised, as they become available, throughout the year. Check our list of live adverts now.

Doctoral Training Schemes: Details of each of these can be found on our doctoral training scheme page.

Charity or Industrial Funding:  These will be advertised, as they become available, throughout the year. 

Self-funders or those with external funding are welcome to submit a speculative application at any time of year. Prior contact with the proposed supervisor and discussion of the project is highly recommended in advance of submitting your application.

International PhD Funding Schemes

In addition to Queen Mary's studentships, we work with numerous international funding agencies to co-fund PhD studentships to support individual students from across the globe. Today, we are home to scholars from more than 50 different international sponsorship bodies.

More information about the scholarships available to you can be found on your individual  country page   or by using our   searchable scholarships database .

The main funding partners we work with for PhD funding are:

• Commonwealth Scholarships Commission  (low, middle and high-income country scholarship schemes)
• Islamic Development Bank
• China Scholarship Council
• COLFUTURO (Colombia)
• CONACyT (Mexico)
• Becas Chile
• Turkish Embassy
• Egyptian Embassy

Deadlines for PhD Studentships

Applications for  PhD funding for September 2023 entry are now closed. The deadlines for September 2024 entry are as follows:

• Law studentships: Wednesday 6th December 2023
• Humanities and Social Sciences Studentships: Wednesday 24th January 2024 (except Law)
• Science and Engineering Studentships: Wednesday 31st January 2024
• China Scholarship Council applicants for any subject area: Wednesday 31st January 2024
• MRes-PhD applicants for the School of Economics and Finance: Monday 5th February 2024
• Projects for the School of Medicine and Dentistry: various- check the advert for the project.
• Doctoral Training Partnerships: There may be an additional application and an earlier deadline. Please check their websites carefully.

If you have questions about any of the above, please contact us via the enquiry form or contact the relevant academic School directly. 

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LSE PhD Studentships

It was a huge honour to receive funding from such a prestigious institution

For 2024 entry, LSE will be offering studentships to new PhD students, in 2023 this was 88, in the form of LSE PhD Studentships, LSE DTP  ESRC Studentships  and London Arts and Humanities Partnership (LAHP)  Studentships.

The awards are open to high calibre students of all nationalities studying across all research areas at the School.

Eligibility

LSE PhD Studentships are tenable for four years and cover full fees and an annual stipend, which for 2024 entry is £21,237. They are available for UK and international students undertaking research in any LSE discipline, with annual renewal subject to satisfactory academic performance.

These awards will be made solely on the basis of outstanding academic merit and research potential. This relates both to your past academic record and to an assessment of your likely aptitude to complete a PhD in your chosen topic in the time allocated.

How to apply

Academic departments nominate students for consideration by a School panel for all PhD funding opportunities they may be eligible for. There is no separate application for any of these studentships.

To be considered for this funding, you must submit your complete application for admission to LSE by a specific date. This date differs by academic department. Refer to the individual programme page for the relevant deadline information.  Find your graduate programme .

• deadline for the research programme in the Law School for 2024 entry: 1 December 2023
• deadline for the research programme in the Department of Economics for 2024 entry (including PhD Studentships and ESRC funding: 14 December 2023
• funding deadline for first round of PhD Studentships and for ESRC funding for 2024 entry: 15 January 2024
• London Arts and Humanities Partnership (LAHP) PhD Scholarships  deadline: 26 January 2024, 17:00 GMT
• funding deadline for second round of PhD Studentships deadline for 2024 entry (some departments only): 25 April 2024

Find out about ESRC Studentships .

More information on how to apply for a place on a PhD programme .

Student stories

"I received an LSE PhD Studentship, which covers both my tuition and living expenses. It was a huge honour to receive funding from such a prestigious institution and without this support it would have been impossible for me to pursue my PhD."

Katherine Furman East London, South Africa MPhil/PhD Philosophy LSE PhD Studentship

ESRC Studentships Scholarships for PhD study and master's linked to a PhD

How to apply The application process, UCAS and when to apply

Undergraduate fees and funding Details on available scholarships, bursaries, loans and tuition fees

Graduate fees and funding Details on available scholarships, bursaries, loans and tuition fees

Contact us Get in touch with the Financial Support Office

Meet, visit and discover LSE Webinars, videos, on campus events and visits around the world

University of Brighton application website for fully-funded PhD research study

General information

Welcome to the application site for our 2023 PhD studentships

The University of Brighton is offering funding to selected applications from across a wide range of disciplinary programmes. Each of the discipline pages listed below gives details of research areas that are inviting studentship applications:

• Applied Sciences  (including natural environment , equality and inclusivity , emerging technologies , global security , health and wellbeing )
• Architecture, Technology and Engineering (including design , computing and mathematics )
• Art and Media (including design and craft )
• Business and Law (including tourism and leisure)
• Humanities and Social Sciences
• Sport and Health Sciences
• Medicine (Brighton and Sussex Medical School)

Explore and select

• You should explore the topics and research areas on offer and decide whether your own ambitions and interests suit the expectations of our staff.
• If they do, select a supervisor from those listed, or the clear lead supervisor. Links go to a comprehensive database of staff interests. Emails are available for all staff.

Make contact

• Contact the most suitable academic to supervise your work. When you make contact, you should outline your project, its suitability for their interests and your own qualifications and background. They may refer you to a colleague if their own lists are full.
• If your initial proposal to the supervisor is successful, they will then support you in refining the application.

Submit your application

Together with your potential supervisor, you will build a full application which will include:

• your research proposal (maximum 1000 words; please see our research proposal guidance )
• two references – one must be an academic reference from your most recent period of study; both must have been written within the last year
• copies of your degree certificates, including transcripts
• a CV where appropriate
• a copy of your IELTS (or equivalent) certificate (if applicable)
• a copy of your passport

When you are ready, follow the application page links on this site. You will be taken to a separate portal for formal submission including upload of documents.

The deadline is Monday 27 February 2023, 16:00 (UCT/GMT) . The studentships are for full-time or part-time study and start in October 2023.

Our supervisory staff have created these offers in order to apply with you for the university’s funding and they look forward to hearing from you.

Further information

• See our About the studentships page for details of the funding and eligibility requirements.
• See our Application page for full details of how to apply.

Get in touch

If you have a question about the application process or similar, please contact [email protected] . For academic queries about an advertised project or research area, please contact your potential supervisor.

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NIHR SPHR PhD studentships in Public Health

We are delighted to announce the launch of our PhD studentship competition 2023, offering a flexible opportunity to start in October 2023 for full-time and part-time applicants.

Established in April 2012 and renewed 2022–2027, the NIHR School for Public Health Research (SPHR) is a partnership between nine leading centres of academic public health research excellence across England. Members of the School for 2022–2027 are the Universities of Bristol, Cambridge, Exeter and Sheffield; Imperial College London; The London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM); the LiLaC collaboration between the Universities of Liverpool and Lancaster; Fuse, The Centre for Translational Research in Public Health, a collaboration between Newcastle, Durham, Northumbria, Sunderland and Teesside Universities; and PHRESH, a collaboration between the Universities of Birmingham, Warwick and Keele.

We aim to build the evidence base for effective public health practice by bringing together England’s leading public health research expertise in one virtual organisation. The School conducts applied public health research to increase the volume and quality evidence on cost-effective interventions and supports local public health practitioners and policy makers to engage with research and seek out research evidence to inform their decisions.

Today, we have launched our PhD studentship competition, which offers a flexible opportunity to start a PhD in October 2023 (studentships up to 5 years part-time and 3 years full-time). Applications are invited from individuals who wish to develop a career in public health research. Our goal is to recruit outstanding and diverse candidates across the full range of studentships. We are committed to a supportive, inclusive, caring and positive community and welcome applications from disabled people and those of different cultures, genders, ages, ethnicities and beliefs.

Applicants must have an undergraduate degree in a discipline relevant to public health research and will be expected to complete a PhD during the award period.

This award will fund tuition fees (2023/24 £4,682) and an annual tax-free stipend at UKRI rates (2023/24 £18,022) and a contribution towards research and training costs. Overseas students are welcome to apply but will need to fund the remainder of their fees and any visa requirements from alternative sources.

We are advertising a total of 18 projects of which we expect to fund up to 10 studentships. Find out more about the projects on offer and read the guidance document. 

The application has three stages, firstly complete the application form , upload the required documents and submit by 5pm Thursday 30th March 2023. You can select up to maximum of two projects in your application.

Find out more about NIHR SPHR Training by visiting our training pages , hearing from our current trainees and via our animation:

If you would prefer to view the guidance document as a webpage, please follow this link: https://sphr.nihr.ac.uk/nihr-sphr-phd-studentships-2023-call-for-applications/

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Commonwealth PhD Scholarships

by Alumni Team | Aug 2, 2022

COMMONWEALTH PHD SCHOLARSHIPS

How to apply, supporting documentation, advice for applicants, choosing a university/course, applicant eligibility.

• Eligible countries

Completing the application form

• Selection process and criteria

Tenure and placement

Financial assistance, general conditions, faqs and enquiries.

Commonwealth PhD Scholarships are for applicants from least developed countries and fragile States, as classified by the OECD Development Assistance Committee (DAC), in the Commonwealth,  for full-time doctoral study at a UK university.

The Commonwealth Scholarship Commission in the UK (CSC) provides the UK government scholarship scheme led by international development objectives. It operates within the framework of the Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan (CSFP) and offers a vivid demonstration of the UK’s enduring commitment to the Commonwealth. By attracting individuals with outstanding talent and identifiable potential from all backgrounds and supporting them to become leaders and innovators on returning to their home countries, the CSC’s work combines sustainable development with the UK national interest and provides opportunities for international partnerships and collaboration.

Purpose: Funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) , Commonwealth PhD scholarships contribute to the development needs of Commonwealth countries by supporting research that will have a developmental impact. They also enhance individual teaching and research capacity leading to increase institutional capacity in academic and other sectors in Commonwealth countries, and will contribute to UK higher education and research by attracting high-calibre international applicants and encouraging links and collaboration, and are aimed at those who could not otherwise afford to study in the UK.

Intended beneficiaries: Commonwealth PhD scholarships are for high-quality graduates who have the potential to undertake world-class research of a developmental nature and to become influential leaders, teachers, or researchers in their home countries.

These scholarships are offered under the six  CSC Development themes .

Applications for Commonwealth PhD scholarships for the 2024/25 academic year are now closed.

Applications to the CSC must be made using the CSC’s online application system.

The CSC is unable to accept any applications or documentation not submitted via the online application system .

Applicants are advised to complete and submit applications as early as possible, as the online application system will be very busy in the days leading up to the application deadline.

As well as applying to the CSC, applicants must apply to a nominating agency .

There are three types of nominating agency for PhD scholarships:

• National nominating agencies  – this is the main route of application.
• Selected universities/university bodies  – which can nominate their own academic staff.
• Selected non-governmental organisations and charitable bodies .

Nominating agencies put forward applicants to the CSC for consideration. The CSC does not accept direct applications for these scholarships.

Each nominating agency oversees its own selection process and may have additional eligibility criteria.  Applicants must check with the nominating agency for their specific advice and rules for applying, and their own eligibility criteria.

Nominating agencies may set their own closing dates for applications.

Agencies will nominate candidates to the CSC by December 2023.

Applicants can expect to hear the outcome by July 2024. We will contact all applicants by email and they should ensure all folders of their email accounts are monitored, including junk mail and spam folders. A scholarship offer may be withdrawn if an applicant is emailed but does not respond within a specified time.

Applications must include supporting documentation to be eligible.

Please note that applicants are required to collect references and supporting statements, on institution letterhead or an email clearly showing the sender’s details, from referees and proposed supervisors in the UK and then upload them in PDF format to the application system with their other supporting documentation.

The references and supporting statements must be uploaded to the application system by the deadline for applications and we are unable to accept references and supporting statements any other way or after this date.

Applicants must upload the following documents with the application:

• Proof that they are a citizen or have refugee status in an eligible Commonwealth country: a copy of a valid passport (or national ID card) showing a photograph, date of birth, and country of citizenship.
• Full transcripts detailing all higher education qualifications, including to-date transcripts for any courses currently being studied, with certified translations if not in English. Where any transcripts are missing or do not include all pages, the application will be considered ineligible.
• References from at least two individuals, in PDF format, signed and on institutional letterhead or an email clearly showing the sender’s details.
• A supporting statement, in PDF format, signed and on institutional letterhead or an email clearly showing the sender’s details, from a proposed supervisor in the UK from at least one of the institutions named on the application form.

Applications will be considered ineligible if any of the required documentation is not included by the closing date.

The CSC will not accept supporting documentation submitted outside the online application system.

When completing the references, referees should be asked to comment as fully as possible on the applicant, keeping in mind the following points for inclusion, as appropriate:

• How long, and in what capacity, the referee has known the applicant.
• The referee’s views on the applicant’s suitability for the proposed Scholarship and the need for the particular subject of study in the UK.
• Information on how, and to what extent, the applicant has shown ability in terms of capability to grasp concepts and reason analytically; capacity for original thought; and motivation and perseverance in achieving objectives.
• Assessment of the applicant’s particular strengths and weaknesses.
• The applicant’s potential to impact development in their home country.
• Any other general qualities which the referee considers would make the applicant a good recipient of a Scholarship.

Please note that the CSC does not charge apply for any of its scholarships or fellowships through its online application system.

When completing supporting statements, proposed supervisors should be asked to confirm that they are, in principle, prepared to have the applicant working with them and that they have the facilities to undertake the research. They should also be asked how the applicant’s plan of study fits with the expertise of their department and to indicate how much of the applicant’s plan of study, if any, they wrote. Any additional comments they make will be appreciated by the Commission.

Applicants can find general information about applying for a Commonwealth Scholarship on our advice for applicants page .

Please read and complete the PhD Scholarships eligibility checklist before submitting your application.

Applicants may find the following resources useful when researching their choices of institution and course of study in the UK:

• Study UK – British Council website, with guidance for international students and a course and institution search
• Steps to Postgraduate Study – a guide to asking the right questions about taught postgraduate study in the UK
• Postgrad.com  – information for postgraduate students, with a course search
• Prospects – information on postgraduate study in the UK
• Research Excellent Framework 2021 results – results of a system for assessing the quality of research in UK higher education institutions
• UCAS Postgraduate – guidance on how to find and apply for a postgraduate course
• Discover Uni – the official website for comparing UK higher education course data
• UKCISA (UK Council for International Student Affairs) – advice for international students on choosing a course of study

The CSC is not responsible for the content of external sites.

Applicants can also discover how Commonwealth Alumni are making an impact and leading change across critical development issues by visiting our development impact stories page .

To apply for this scholarship, applicants must:

• Be a citizen of or have been granted refugee status by an eligible Commonwealth country, or be a British Protected Person.
• Be permanently resident in an eligible Commonwealth country.
• Be available to start academic studies in the UK by the start of the UK academic year in September 2024.
• By September 2024, hold a first degree of at least upper second-class (2:1) honours standard, or a lower second-class degree and a relevant postgraduate qualification (usually a Master’s degree)*.
• Not be registered for a PhD, or an MPhil leading to a PhD, at a UK university or in their home country before September/October 2024.
• Be unable to afford to study in the UK without this scholarship.
• Have provided all supporting documentation in the required format.

*The CSC recognises that disabled people have often faced and overcome challenges or barriers in their education journey which have prevented them achieving the academic requirement for a Commonwealth Scholarship. Disabled applicants who can demonstrate their potential to contribute to international development but who do not hold a 2:1 Undergraduate degree may be considered for a contextualised nomination through the Commonwealth Disabled People’s Forum (CDPF) nominator. For more information, please contact CDPF directly using the details on our NGOs and charitable body nominators page .

The CSC aims to identify talented individuals who have the potential to make change. We are committed to a policy of equal opportunity and non-discrimination and encourage applications from a diverse range of applicants. For further information on the support available to scholars who share that they have a disability, see the  CSC disability support statement .

There is no age limit for CSC applications. Applicants are advised to confirm with their employers any age restrictions on leave entitlement they may have in place.

Eligible Countries

Please note that only applicants from the eligible countries listed below can apply for Commonwealth PhD Scholarships (for least developed countries and fragile states, as classified by the OECD Development Assistance Committee (DAC), in 2023/24.

Bangladesh Cameroon Kenya Kiribati Lesotho Malawi Mozambique Nigeria Pakistan Rwanda Sierra Leone Solomon Islands Tanzania The Gambia Togo Tuvalu Uganda Zambia

In the application form, applicants are asked to:

• List all undergraduate and postgraduate university qualifications obtained.
• List up to 10 publications and prizes.
• Provide details of employment history and explain how the experience gained supports and is relevant to the programme to be undertaken in the UK.
• List names and positions of three referees who are qualified to comment on both their capacity to benefit from the proposed Scholarship in the UK and their ability to deliver development impact afterwards. One of the referees must be a current employer (if applicable) and at least two references must be included with the application.
• Provide a Development Impact statement in four parts.

In the first part applicants should explain how the proposed scholarship relates to:

• Development issues at the global, national, and local level
• Development issues connected to the chosen CSC development theme and the wider sector

The second part should explain how they intend to apply their new skills once the Scholarship ends.

The third part should outline what they expect will change in development terms following the Scholarship, including:

• The outcomes that they aim to achieve
• The timeframe for their implementation
• Who the beneficiaries will be

In the fourth part applicants should write about how the impact of their work could be best measured and evidenced.

Applicants are also asked to:

• Confirm what their award objectives are and how each of them will be met by the Scholarship programme.
• Confirm what their career plans are for the 5 years following the Scholarship.
• Confirm their long-term career plans.
• Provide a detailed plan of study.
• Provide a personal statement to summarise the ways in which their personal background has encouraged them to want to make an impact in their home country. Applicants may wish to highlight any areas where they have already made significant contributions, including overcoming personal or community barriers in accessing higher education or within their field.
• Summarise the ways in which they have engaged in voluntary activities and the opportunities they have had to demonstrate leadership.

Selection Process and criteria

Applications will be considered according to the following selection criteria:

• Academic merit
• Quality of research proposal
• Potential impact on the development of the candidate’s come country

For further details, see the Commonwealth Scholarships selection criteria .

Applicants should note the criteria carefully and link their answers in the application form to each point listed.

Scholarships are tenable at any approved UK university or higher education institution with which the CSC has a part-funding agreement for a specific programme of research for 36 months of full-time study only. For the full list, see here: cscuk.fcdo.gov.uk/uk-universities

Scholarships are to obtain one degree; funding will not be extended to enable candidates to complete a qualification in addition to or higher than that for which the selection was made.

Scholarships are made in respect of full-time study only and no other course of study may be undertaken at the same time.

The CSC does not provide new direct financial or promotional support for the fossil fuel energy sector overseas, defined as the extraction, production, transportation, refining and marketing of crude oil, natural gas or thermal coal, as well as any fossil-fuel fired power plants.

Applicants must make clear in the application which qualification they are applying for. This will enable the CSC to consider the application in the correct category. Applications which do not make this clear may be considered ineligible.

Applicants are advised to list three universities and supervisors that they think are the most appropriate for their study, in order of preference, and to explain their reasons. This is important because the CSC will not change the university or supervisor (or the order of preference) of a provisionally selected candidate after the point of selection, unless exceptional information becomes available that could not have been foreseen at the time of application.

Applicants may propose to study at one university for a four-year PhD, but this must be based in a recognised Doctoral Training Centre. They must research this option thoroughly and justify its added value compared with a three-year PhD. As the CSC will fund only a limited number of four-year PhDs, applicants are strongly advised to also propose at least one three-year PhD choice.

The CSC will make the final decision on institution of study, and reserves the right to overrule any preferences indicated by the candidate. The CSC will consider the suitability of the course and its value for money when deciding on any overrule.

Applicants must take the necessary steps to apply for admission to their preferred universities in advance of their scholarship application. Many courses have strict admission deadlines and candidates should check admission requirements carefully when applying. If an applicant is selected for a scholarship and has not applied and been accepted for a course, it may not be possible to proceed with the scholarship.

Applicants must provide a supporting statement for a named supervisor from at least one of the UK universities to which they are applying. Details of what the supporting statement should include are outlined in the supporting documentation section. Applicants are strongly advised to provide a supporting statement from a supervisor at the first choice university. If not, the CSC reserves the right to select for placement at another university for which a statement is provided.

Each scholarship provides:

• Approved airfare from the Scholar’s home country to the UK and return at the end of the award (the CSC will not reimburse the cost of fares for dependants, nor the cost of journeys made before the award is confirmed).
• Approved tuition fees: full fees are covered by agreement between the CSC and the UK university, and Scholars are not liable to pay for any part of the tuition fee.
• Stipend (living allowance) at the rate of £1,347 per month, or £1,652 per month for those at universities in the London metropolitan area (rates quoted at current levels).
• Warm clothing allowance, where applicable.
• Study travel grant towards the cost of study-related travel within the UK or overseas.
• Provision towards the cost of fieldwork undertaken overseas (the cost of one economy class return airfare to the fieldwork location), where approved.
• Paid mid-term visit (airfare) to the Scholar’s home country, unless they have claimed or intend to claim spouse and/or child allowances during their scholarship or have received a return airfare to their home country for fieldwork.
• If a Scholar is accompanied by their spouse but no children: spouse allowance of £290 per month for a maximum period of nine months, if they and their spouse are living together at the same address in the UK (unless the spouse is also in receipt of a scholarship; other conditions also apply).
• If a Scholar is accompanied by their spouse and children: spouse allowance of £290 per month and child allowance of £290 per month for the first child, and £143 per month for the second and third child under the age of 16, if their spouse and children are living with them at the same address in the UK (unless their spouse is also in receipt of a scholarship; other conditions also apply).
• If a Scholar has children and is widowed, divorced, or a single parent, child allowance of child allowance of £576.61 per month for the first child, and £143 per month for the second and third child under the age of 16, if their children are living with them at the same address in the UK.

If a Scholar shares that they have a disability, a full assessment of their needs and eligibility for additional financial support will be offered by the CSC.

The CSC’s family allowances are intended to be only a contribution towards the cost of maintaining a Scholar’s family in the UK. The true costs are likely to be considerably higher, and Scholars must be able to supplement these allowances to support any family members who accompany them to the UK.

For more information, see the current Handbook for Commonwealth Scholars .

Please note that the conditions outlined in the Handbook are subject to change.

A Commonwealth Scholarship covers fees, approved fares, and personal maintenance. Other scholarships, awards, or bursaries that cover the same costs may not be held concurrently.

For the CSC to administer the application effectively and efficiently after submission, it will be necessary to create a record in the applicant’s name. If they apply for an award to the CSC, their details will be kept on file. Basic anonymised demographic data for all applicants will be kept for analytical research. The CSC is committed to protecting personal information and to being transparent about the information we are collecting about applicants and what we do with it. To find out more, see our privacy notice .

Applicant’s personal information will be used to conduct necessary due diligence checks to CSC’s satisfaction, before CSC proceeds with any type of formal agreement or contractual relationship. In most cases, the due diligence checks will be straightforward, however further information may be requested, so we ask for full co-operation to speed up the process.

If an applicant does not agree to personal data being used for the purpose of conducting due diligence, unfortunately CSC will not be able to proceed further with the application process.

If an application is successful, the CSC will notify the applicant that they have been provisionally selected (selected for an award subject to the CSC agreeing terms of admission to the university) at which point they will be a provisional scholarship candidate.

The CSC does not require any applicants to take an IELTS (English language) test.

The CSC will not be able to offer a scholarship if it would contravene the terms and conditions of another scholarship previously held.

When terms of admission to the university have been agreed, the CSC will provide a Notification of Award (formal offer of a scholarship).

When all conditions of the Notification of Award have been met, the CSC will provide a formal Confirmation of Award.

Candidates will be required to submit a Health and Disability Form  before the Confirmation of Award can be issued.

Candidates will be required to sign an undertaking to return to their home country as soon as possible after the end of the award.

Candidates are expected to start the award on the date stated in the Notification of Award.

If a candidate requires a Student visa to come to the UK to study, they must meet all relevant immigration requirements set by UK Visas and Immigration. They should check the GOV.UK website for updated information.

All UK immigration regulations are set by UK Visas and Immigration and are subject to change. The CSC has no control over these regulations.

Candidates will be selected for an award based on the plan of study outlined on the application form, which is not expected to change significantly during the award. Any such changes must be agreed by the CSC.

Throughout their award, Scholars are expected to reside in the UK, and must seek approval from the CSC in advance of any overseas travel.

Scholars must not undertake paid employment during the award without approval from the CSC in advance.

Collaboration is a feature of doctoral research. The CSC expects that participants in collaborative projects will develop a collaborative agreement to clarify the contributions and rights of each partner. The CSC will not get involved in negotiating an exploitation agreement but will need to be assured that an arrangement acceptable to all parties exists. Arrangements should be made to identify, protect, and value any arising intellectual property and to secure a suitable return to the institution and the investigators through exploitation. The CSC considers the intellectual property ownership to lie initially with the student; however, many universities have their own locally applicable policy. In many cases, it is in the best interest of a student for ownership to be vested with the university, which will have greater negotiating powers and will be likely to be able to seek the best returns in any exploitation agreement. Award holders are expected to notify the CSC when CSC-funded intellectual property is exploited.

The CSC will consider a request to extend a Scholar’s leave to remain in the UK after their award only if they wish to move from Master’s to PhD study. Strict conditions will apply.

The CSC cannot provide a letter of support or permission for Scholars to remain in or return to the UK after the award to enable them to work or undertake postdoctoral study.

The following are not eligible to apply for a Commonwealth Scholarship or Fellowship; an employee, a former employee, or relative of an employee of the Government of the United Kingdom; or a staff member of the Association of Commonwealth Universities or the British Council; or a Commonwealth Scholarship Commissioner, former Commonwealth Scholarship Commissioner or a relative of a Commonwealth Scholarship Commissioner. Former employees of the organisations listed above are eligible to apply three years after ceasing their employment with them.

In line with the UK Bribery Act 2010, any applicant convicted of bribery will be banned from reapplying for a Commonwealth Scholarship or Fellowship for a period of up to five years.

Applicants are expected to adhere to the CSC’s Code of Conduct for award holders and the Disciplinary Policy and Procedure .

An award may be terminated at any time for reasons of unsatisfactory conduct, progress, or attendance, or if registration is suspended or terminated by the university for any reason.

The CSC is committed to administering and managing its scholarships and fellowships in a fair and transparent manner. For more information, see the CSC Anti-Fraud Policy and Procedure at and the FCDO guidance on reporting fraud .

The CSC is committed proactively to safeguard and promote the welfare of our beneficiaries, and to protect its staff, Commissioners, beneficiaries and all those with whom the CSC comes into contact. The CSC requires staff, members of the Commission, applicants for and recipients of CSC awards and suppliers to act consistently with its requirements for safeguarding. Applicants should note the  CSC Safeguarding Policy which sets out the obligation for staff, members of the Commission, applicants for and recipients of CSC awards and suppliers to act consistently with its requirements for safeguarding.  Any safeguarding concerns should be reported to the Commission at:   [email protected]

All conditions of award are subject to UK local law and practices and are subject to change by the CSC.

For more information, see the current Handbook for Commonwealth Scholars . Please note that the conditions outlined in the Handbook are subject to change.

For general information about applying for Commonwealth Scholarships or Fellowships, please see our FAQs page.

For queries not covered on the website, please use the contact us form .

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PhD scholarships

Pursue your passions

with a fully funded PhD

Whether you’re a UK, EU or international student, you’ll find exciting opportunities to start your postgraduate research journey with us in 2024. You can apply for one of our funded PhD studentships across a range of subject areas.

Explore funded PhDs by subject area

Civil engineering.

• Embark on a Transformative Journey Towards Net Zero - Driving the UK's Transition by 2050 with Sustainable and Equitable Solutions

Health and social care

• MREs bursary - Close Encounters: Evaluation of a community intervention to improve quality of life in isolated older adults

Mathematics

Ultra-fast surrogates for physics-based models of lithium-ion batteries with degradation

Funding information and eligibility 

Candidates applying for these projects may be eligible to compete for one of a number of bursaries available – some bursaries fund tuition fees only, while others cover tuition fees at the UK rate for three years plus a stipend in line with the UKRI rate ( £19,237 for 2024/25).

Most projects are open to applications from UK, EU and international students unless otherwise specified in the project advert. Please check your eligibility before submitting a formal application. 

Costs for student visa and immigration health surcharge are not covered by these scholarships. For further guidance and advice visit our international and EU students  ‘Visa FAQs’ page .

How to apply

1. Select a subject area from the list above where you will find eligible project areas/projects and entry criteria. 

2. Get in touch with the named project supervisor to discuss your interest before you apply. Forwarding your CV and an outline of your research idea would help speed up the process.

3. When you are ready to apply, use the online application form link found in the project advert, making sure you submit all the required documentation before the application deadline. 

Please note : If you want to be considered for a funded PhD opportunity you must quote the project code provided when applying.  E mail applications are not accepted.

Application deadline

Application deadlines vary depending on the funding scheme. 

What happens next?

We’ll review your application and if you’re shortlisted, you’ll be invited to an interview. Shortlisting and interviews will take place after the application deadline.

Find out more

Postgraduate research proposal guide.

If you are considering undertaking a postgraduate research degree, follow our step by step guide to writing the perfect research proposal. 

Find a PhD Supervisor

If you've already got your own research idea, start looking for a supervisor whose research interests match yours.

Postgraduate Open Days

Come to our next event to talk to our course leaders, researchers, expert support teams and current students. 

Why I chose postgrad research at Portsmouth

PhD Studentships

The University of Salford is a member of selected Doctoral Training Partnerships, which aim to equip researchers with world-leading knowledge and skills appropriate to meeting the academic, professional and socio-economic demands of the twenty-first century. Students joining our Doctoral Training programmes will be active partners in shaping their own training and development as researchers and future leaders. They will enjoy access to outstanding resources and training provision within a collegial environment supporting them to produce excellent research.  In turn they will contribute to a world class research environment and engage in mutually beneficial knowledge exchange relationships.

Funded places on our Doctoral Training Partnerships are highly competitive – we advise you to check carefully the application criteria, and to contact potential supervisors at the earliest opportunity so that we can support you as fully as possible throughout the selection process.

Widening Participation Scholarships

Masters (MPhil) Widening Participation Fee Scholarship

This scholarship is for University of Salford graduates and was introduced for the 2023/24 academic year. The scholarship will cover tuition fees for the year (UK tuition fees). There is no bursary.

All research areas are eligible, you can study anything, but please note some research areas, such as laboratory work, come with additional costs that will need to be funded separately.

To apply, you need to be a UK applicant (i.e. eligible for UK fees) and a University of Salford graduate who is applying to undertake a research degree for the first time . You must first apply for an get an offer for the MPhil (or MSc by Research) programme, before you will be considered for the scholarship. In addition, these scholarships are targeted at increasing participation from groups currently underrepresented within research and priority will be given to students that meet one or more of the criteria below.

• Your home postcode (i.e. the postcode you used to apply to university through UCAS) is listed as a ‘1’ or ‘2’ in the POLAR4 column on the POLAR checking tool.
• You are from an ethnic group that is underrepresented in research careers (Black, Asian, or Minority Ethnic).
• You identify as having a disability. The term ‘disability’ is quite broad, and further definitions of what might be considered a ‘disability’ can be found under the Equality Act 2010.
• You are a first-generation student (you are the first person in your family to go to university).
• You are a mature student (you were aged 21 or over when you started your first undergraduate course).
• You are care-experienced or an estranged student.

The application details and timeline for this scholarship are below.

PhD Widening Participation Scholarships

We are delighted to be offering 10 PhD widening participation scholarships each year for UK candidates.

For entry in September/October 2024, the scholarship will cover tuition fees (UK tuition fees), a stipend for 3.5 years of £19,367, and an annual research budget of £1,000 (years 1-3). Please note: these costs are based on the 2024/25 academic year and may change in future years.

Any UK candidates (or eligible for UK fees) are able to apply, however these scholarships are targeted at increasing participation from groups currently underrepresented within research and priority will be given to students that meet one or more of the below criteria. Priority will also be given to University of Salford graduates.

• Your home postcode (i.e. the postcode you used to apply to university through UCAS) is listed as a ‘1’ or ‘2’ in the POLAR4 column on the  POLAR checking tool .

How do I apply? 

All candidates who wish to apply for the MPhil or PhD widening participation scholarship will first need to apply for and be accepted onto a research degree programme.

As long as you have submitted your completed application for September/October intake by 31 January and you qualify for UK fees, you will be sent a very short scholarship application. This form must be returned by 28 February.  

Your completed scholarship application form will be considered in conjunction with your research programme application (including your proposal, personal statement, CV, references, and interview outcome). The first stage will be a school level shortlisting process which will take place in April/May. Those candidates shortlisted by each school will be invited to meet the central selection panel in late April (PhD applications) and late May (for MPhil/MSc by Research applications) (~20 minutes) about the candidate’s motivation for applying and their aspirations for the programme. The panel will meet to make final decision the following week. 

Postgraduate research application workshop

This online one-hour postgraduate research application workshop is designed for those who are applying for the Postgraduate Research Widening Participation Scholarship.

The session is jointly run by the Director of the Doctoral School, who will go through the application process, and the Postgraduate Research Directors from the different schools who will provide insight into what makes a good application and what the common slip up are.

Attendees will also find out about the current scholarships available and where to get addition information and support. The workshop will end with a Q&A session.  Book your place on Eventbrite now .

AHRC funded PhD studentships - 2023-24 entry

Arts and Humanities Research Council  

North West   Consortium Doctoral Training Partnership   (NWCDTP)  

Funded   PhD   Studentships for 2023-2024 entry  

The NWCDTP brings together the Universities of Salford, Manchester, Keele, Lancaster, Liverpool, Manchester Metropolitan University, and the Royal Northern College of Music which between them award NWC PhD studentships annually. 

A full postgraduate award for full-time study provides funds to meet: 

• The payment of approved fees to the institution 
• A maintenance grant 

The level of the grant for the current academic year 2022-23 is as follows (the level of the grant for 2023-24 and the following years is subject to confirmation from the AHRC): 

• Maintenance Grant £17,668 (or part-time pro rata)  

The Consortium also provides access to additional funding for field research and further training.    The studentships and training initiatives of various kinds and span the full range of the AHRC’s disciplines. As part of the scheme, the AHRC is also funding placement opportunities and additional skills training, working alongside partner organisations including museums, galleries, cultural organisations and businesses.   

Salford Pathway Representatives:  

NWC University of Salford Pathway Representatives:  

Creative   Writing  

Professor Ursula Hurley  - u [email protected]

Dance, Drama and Performing Arts  

Dr Richard Talbot –  [email protected]   

Dr Jade Munslow Ong –  [email protected]  

Dr Brian Hall –  [email protected]

Ayesha Chowdhury  - [email protected]

Linguistics

Dr  Jack Wilson – [email protected]

Media and Cultural Studies 

Dr Leslie McMurtry – [email protected]

Dr Carole O’Reilly -    [email protected]  

Heritage   

Dr Juan Hiriart Vera –  [email protected]  

Professor Alan Williams -   [email protected]  

Visual Arts  

Dr Toni Sant –  [email protected]    

Application  Process:  

The competition is now open for applications for the 2023/24 academic year and potential applicants are invited to submit to the University of Salford as follows: 

To apply for an NWC DTP award at the University of Salford, candidates must have applied for a place on a PhD programme at Salford by  Friday 13 January 2023  

Please contact the relevant Pathway Representative at Salford with an expression of interest as soon as possible. 

Candidates must then submit an  NWCDTP funding application by  Friday   3 February   2023   (17:00).   

Ring Fenced Studentships  

The NWCDTP is committed to equality of opportunity and working to ensure our cohort of postgraduate researchers reflects the diverse community we serve. We have introduced a range of positive measures to assist in achieving these commitments, recognising in particular that postgraduate researchers from Global Majority, Disabled, and Socioeconomically Unequal communities are currently underrepresented on our programmes and across the UK university sector. The introduction of these measures follows a review of our recruitment processes and forms part of a three-year plan we have developed to achieve greater diversity and better equality outcomes.

One of the steps we have taken as part of that plan was to introduce ring-fenced studentships during a 2 year period (2021-2023). In 2022/3, we will guarantee one candidate from Global Majority (including heritage) communities a studentship. Applicants from these groups will, of course, also be considered as part of our recruitment to all of the available studentships. Students who consider themselves to be from socioeconomically unequal backgrounds are able to apply for our Broken Pipeline scholarship. Finally, as a means for addressing problematic disparity within the discipline, we are offering one ring-fenced studentship to a Female (female in this context meaning anyone identifying as a woman) Philosophy student. These ring-fenced studentships, apart from the Broken Pipeline scholarship, are open to International applicants.

Applicants wishing to apply for one of the ring-fenced studentships will have the opportunity to identify themselves on the application form as wishing to be considered for these targeted studentships. Their applications will be considered as part of the standard award competition and will be subject to the same assessment criteria and schedule (see how to apply above).

Applications workshops

The NWC  will be running an online application workshop via Zoom for those who are interested in applying:

• Tuesday 11 Jan 2023, 10-11 (GMT):  https://zoom.us/j/96352771217  (Passcode: 323935)

Applicants are strongly   advised to discuss their interests with the   relevant Pathway Representative   and prospective supervisors  before submission of a formal application to the University and to the NWC. 

For general advice concerning the NWC studentship competition, please contact   [email protected] ,  in the first instance.  

Centre for Doctoral Training in Prosthetics and Orthotics

About the  EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Prosthetics and Orthotic

The Centre for Doctoral Training (CDT) in prosthetics and orthotics combines expertise from the University of Salford, Imperial College London, the University of Strathclyde and the University of Southampton with more than 25 global industry partners and national facilities. We have assembled a world-leading set of research organisations to address important global health challenges in the prosthetic, orthotic and wider healthcare technology sector.

Our aim is to create a new generation of highly skilled researchers who are able to deliver the technology and service innovations needed to meet the aspirations of prosthetic and orthotic users.

Our training enables students to work across the continuum of skills required in the sector, understanding how high-quality and interdisciplinary science and engineering research can improve the everyday lives of people across the globe.

Did you know?        

• 80-90% of prosthetic and orthotic users do not have access to appropriate services and devices (World Health Organisation 2018).            

There is a wide range of health problems that require prosthetic and orthotic devices and services:  

• Globally, 1.2 million people each year experience a major amputation due to trauma, the vast majority are of working age, with average age in some areas being 35 years of age.          
• In the UK a record high of 25,527 diabetes-related major/minor amputations occurred between 2013-2016 (Diabetes UK 2017), and many of these will require a prosthetic limb.          
• There are 1.2 million stroke survivors, the UK's leading cause of disability and many use orthoses to support walking and use of hands (Stroke Association 2017).          
• There will be 6.5 million people in the UK with knee arthritis by 2020 and 2.6 million of these will be of working-age . Many could benefit from specialist orthoses (Arthritis Research UK, 2014)          
• Some 400,000 people in the UK have rheumatoid arthritis and rely upon orthoses to protect there upper and lower limb joints          
• 30,000 children have cerebral palsy and use orthoses to help them walk (Arthritis Research UK, 2014).          

The EPSRC   Centre for Doctoral Training in Prosthetics and Orthotics  aims to address these important health care needs, producing a new generation of highly skilled researchers who can help deliver technology and service innovations needed to meet the aspirations of users, and the industry and  third  sector  agencies  supporting them. Students study over 4 years at one of either the University of Salford, Imperial College London, University of Strathclyde or the University of Southampton. Students are immersed in authentic real-world academic, industry and clinical experiences, working directly  with  users  and  future employers from the outset. Staff, students and partners will be excepted to commit to our EDI mission:  to   create an inspirational, inclusive learning, research and working environment, celebrating the diversity of our community in our everyday conversatio n.

Contact us:   [email protected]

• Research Council (UKRI) PhD Studentships – An Introduction

Written by Mark Bennett

The seven UK Research Councils offer some of the most generous funding for PhD study at universities in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

They provide full studentships for PhD students, which include a living cost stipend and coverage of tuition fees.

This guide explains how Research Council PhD studentships work and how to apply for one. We’ve also put together a quick list of frequently asked questions about Research Council funding, including eligibility details for international students.

On this page

Who are the research councils.

There are seven Research Councils, all part of UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) . Together, they invest around £380 million into studentships every year – making them the UK’s biggest PhD funder by far.

Each Council focuses on specific subject areas:

• Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) – funding research in Creative Arts disciplines such as Design and Music as well as Humanities subjects such as English, History, Philosophy and Theology.
• Biotechnology and Bioscience Research Council (BBSRC) – funding research in Biology, Biochemistry and appropriate branches of Agricultural Science.
• Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) – funding research in social science disciplines such as Politics, Economics Psychology and Sociology.
• Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) – funding research in Engineering and Technology fields (including Computing) as well as sciences such as Physics, Astronomy and Chemistry along with Mathematics.
• Medical Research Council (MRC) – funding research in various branches of Medicine and Clinical Science as well as Public Health, Food Science and related fields.
• Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) – funding research in Life Sciences such as Physical Geography, Ecology and Oceaonography as well as related topics such as Conservation and Climatology.
• Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC) – funding research in infrastructure dependent fields such as Nuclear Engineering, Particle Physics and some branches of Computer Science, as well as supporting capacity building in these areas.

If you aren't sure which Council is right for your PhD, take a look at the individual guides linked to above.

Bear in mind that Councils sometimes work together to fund interdisciplinary or multidisciplinary PhDs. For example, the AHRC and MRC might collaborate to fund a Humanities project looking at cultural understanding and response to illness. Or the NERC and ESRC might collaborate to explore the interface between built and natural environments.

Research Council studentship, or UKRI studentship?

The seven Research Councils used to be part of Research Councils UK (RCUK) but this was reorganised into UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) in 2018. Nowadays the terms 'Research Council studentship' and 'UKRI studentship' mean exactly the same thing.

Who is eligible for Research Council studentships?

Eligibility for Research Council funding is based on nationality, but these criteria are about to change:

• UK students who have been ordinarily resident in the UK for at least three years can apply for full awards covering PhD fees, living costs and other expenses. This isn't changing.
• International students (including EU students) are able to apply for full awards covering PhD fees at domestic rates, living costs and other expenses from 2021-22 onwards. However, the number of studentships available to international students will be capped at 30% of a university's total (that's 30% of the total number of awards available not 30% of the value of an award).

Academic requirements

Research Council funding is competitively awarded to the best PhD students in each year. As a minimum, you'll normally need a relevant Bachelors degree with a 2.1 or above. A Masters degree may help, particularly in Arts, Humanities and Social Science subjects.

You'll also need to make sure your application is as strong as possible – whether that means submitting a really strong research proposal , or demonstrating that you're the best candidate for an advertised PhD project .

Other criteria

There are a couple of other things you'll need to bear in mind if you're applying for Research Council funding.

The first is that you can't combine a UKRI studentship with postgraduate student finance . You can start your PhD with a student loan , but you'll need to cancel it if you move on to a funded studentship.

The second is that you can't work full time with a full Research Council studentship . Your stipend should be enough for you to live on whilst you focus on your PhD. Part-time work is usually OK, but it's a good idea to check with your supervisor.

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How much funding do Research Council studentships provide?

There are three possible components of a UKRI PhD studentship. Here are their values for 2024-25

• At least £4,786 for PhD fees at the domestic rate. Universities are free to set their own actual fees, but they can't charge any additional amounts to UK students with a UKRI studentship.
• At least £19,237 per year as a PhD stipend to help cover living costs. This is tax free and increases with inflation each year. Students living in London get slightly more.
• Around £5,000 per year as a Research Training Support Grant to cover additional expenses for fieldwork, materials or similar. The amount and availability of this varies (it's most common for STEM projects).

How much of this funding you can get depends on your circumstances:

• UK students usually receive a full studentship including the fee payment, PhD stipend and research training support grant (if available).
• International students are eligible for a certain number of full studentships, but their fees will only be covered at the domestic (UK) rate.

The Research Councils also manage Disabled Students' Allowance for the PhDs they fund. If you're entitled to DSA for your PhD it will be paid by your Research Council.

How are Research Council studentships awarded?

The Research Councils don’t actually fund PhD students directly. Instead they provide a set amount of money to universities who then decide which PhD projects and PhD students to award funding to.

Universities don't normally receive Research Council funding individually. Instead they form networks to pool expertise and facilities for PhD research. These networks involve one or more universities in a region, plus other organisations such as museums, archives, industrial laboratories or businesses.

There are two main types of network:

• Doctoral Training Partnerships (DTPs) train PhD studentships across all areas of a Research Council’s subject remit. They may have specific areas of expertise, based on available supervisors and facilities, but the studentships they have available can be used for a broad range of projects.
• Centres for Doctoral Training (CDTs) have more specific goals. They are set up to conduct research and train researchers in priority areas.

None of this is as complicated as it might seem. As a student, you still apply for a PhD at a university, but that PhD might be funded by a UKRI studentship awarded by whichever network the university is part of.

You can find lists of current DTPs, CDTs and other networks in our guides to individual Research Councils :

Studying with a Research Council studentship

Once you begin your PhD you'll be primarily based at your host university, but you'll also benefit from resources offered by partner organisations. These might be access to unique archives or specialist lab equipment, or they might involve the chance to work with expert academics from more than one institution.

You'll also benefit from more structured training as well as opportunities for collaboration and shared development activities with other students in your cohort.

PhD study at a Centre for Doctoral Training

Read a more detailed explanation of what it's like to do a PhD within a UKRI CDT .

Other forms of Research Council funding: CASE Studentships and Collaborative Doctoral Partnerships

Some Research Councils also provide other types of UKRI studentships:

• iCASE studentships (industrial Collaborative Awards in Science and Engineering) are offered by Research Councils focussing on STEM subjects (such as the BBSRC , EPSRC , MRC and NERC ). They are split between universities and industry partners who are much more closely involved in designing and delivering iCASE studentships.
• Collaborative Doctoral Partnerships are offered in non-Science subjects by Councils such as the AHRC . They include non-university bodies such as museums, educational trusts or archives who use their own expertise and resources to contribute to a student’s PhD training.

Other forms of UKRI funding may also be available from time to time. Check our annually updated guides to individual Research Councils , or simply search our site for current UKRI-funded PhDs .

How do you apply for Research Council PhD funding?

Research Councils don't fund students directly. Instead they allocate budgets to universities who use this money to provide a certain number of PhD studentships each year.

You always apply for Research Council funding through your university but how you do so depends on the type of PhD you want to do:

• If you're applying for an advertised PhD research project you should simply carry on as normal and follow the instructions for the listing. If you are successful you will receive the UKRI studentship for your project at the appropriate rate.
• If you're proposing your own PhD you will need to first find a university with UKRI funding available (see below) and then have your research proposal accepted. You can then be considered for one of the studentships available at your university. Sometimes this involves second funding application, usually supported by your prospective supervisor.

Finding Research Council studentships for self-proposed projects

UKRI studentships for Arts, Humanities and Social Science projects aren't normally advertised as pre-designed projects. Instead, you will need to put forward your own idea for a PhD topic and have it accepted by a university with UKRI funding to offer (remember that the university itself will usually be part of a funded network such as a DTP or CDT).

It's a good idea to follow these steps:

• Come up with a promising PhD topic – it doesn't need to be completely defined yet, but it does need to have the potential to attract funding
• Find a university with access to UKRI funding – the simplest way to do this is by looking at the list of current DTPs and CDTs in our guides to AHRC or ESRC funding
• Apply to the university – you'll need to follow the normal guidelines for a PhD application ; now is also a good time to fine tune your research proposal
• Apply / be considered for a UKRI studentship – some universities will put forward all eligible students for UKRI funding; others will ask you to complete a second application stage explaining why your project should be considered

Eligibility criteria

All UKRI PhD funding is competitive. Universities select the most promising applicants or project proposals to support with the limited number of studentships they have available.

As a minimum you should have:

• A relevant undergraduate degree with at least a 2.1 (or equivalent)
• Evidence of your suitability for PhD research and / or the suitability of your topic, based on a compelling research proposal or personal statement .

It isn't normally necessary to have a Masters degree or a first-class undergraduate degree, but any additional evidence of your qualifcations, experience and potential will help. Your application will certainly be one of several the university receives, so make sure it's as strong as it can be. Our tips on applying for PhD funding may help.

Application deadlines

UKRI PhD studentships tend to be advertised in the autumn before they begin, with deadlines early in the following year. This means that application windows tend to run from October-November to January-February but things vary a lot between different Research Councils. Make sure you check the details for the specific DTP or CDT you plan to apply to.

If you’re serious about winning a Research Council studentship, begin thinking about your application as soon as you’ve decided to study a PhD. This may mean starting during the final year of your undergraduate degree, or Masters.

Research Council PhD funding – FAQs

Here are the answers to some common questions you may have about UKRI PhD studentships:

Do UKRI PhD studentships need to be repaid?

No. Research Council funding is offered as a grant, not a loan. You will not normally need to repay any money after you graduate.

An exception might apply if you exit your PhD early and have already received the next instalment of your studentship. If so, you may need refund any ‘overpayments’.

Are international students eligible for UKRI PhD studentships?

UKRI announced in August 2020 that up to 30% of studentships at individual DTPs and CDTs can be made available to international students from 2021-22 onwards.

Is UKRI PhD funding affected by Brexit?

Non-UK-domiciled EU students were able to apply for a fees-only PhD studentship as normal in the 2020-21 academic year. From 2021 EU students are eligible for up to 30% of full studentships, along with other international applicants.

You can find out more about Brexit and PhD study in our FAQ and stay updated by signing up to our newsletter .

Are UKRI PhD studentships means-tested?

No. Research Council studentships are merit-based rather than need-based. Your financial background won't be considered during your application.

What is the length of a UKRI PhD studentship?

A Research Council grant will normally cover the full duration of a full-time UK PhD. This is typically three years, but can sometimes run to four.

Can I get UKRI funding for a part-time PhD?

Yes. Research Council funding can be used for a part-time PhD, subject to certain conditions.

You must meet the requirements for part-time registration on your degree (this may exclude international students).

You must also study at 50% of the full-time rate. You must also study at 50% of the full-time rate. (Your PhD shouldn’t take more than twice as long as an equivalent full-time doctorate).

Can I combine a UKRI studentship with other PhD funding?

Research Council studentships cannot normally be combined with other forms of public funding such as PhD student loans (or NHS bursaries). However, you can begin studying with a PhD loan and then switch to a studentship.

UKRI studentships are compatible with other PhD scholarships , including awards offered by universities or by independent charities and trusts .

Can my university charge additional fees on top of my studentship?

All UKRI studentships should cover PhD fees at the UK (domestic student) rate. International fees are usually higher, but universities may choose to waive the difference or cover it with their own funding.

You may still need to pay some fees to attend conferences, conduct fieldwork or carry out other activities during your PhD. Some studentships also provide a Research Training Support Grant to help with these.

How many UKRI PhD studentships are available each year?

There are roughly 8,000 Research Council studentships awarded each year. Specific allocations vary across universities, partnerships and subject areas.

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We've answered some of the most frequently asked questions about PhDs, covering course types, applications, funding and the benefits of further study.

Not sure how to fund your PhD? This guide answers some of the most common questions about PhD funding in the UK.

You may be able to get a PhD loan of up to £27,892 for a UK doctorate. Our guide explains eligibility, applications and repayments.

Our guide explains the best ways to fund international PhD study in the UK, with information on all the main scholarships available to you.

A range of scholarships may be available to help you fund a PhD. Our guide explains the different types of award with tips for making a successful funding application.

Did you know that you can use the FindAPhD search to uncover PhD projects with funding for international students? Here's how.

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PhD studentships

Funding for PhD applicants is available from a range of sources on a competitive basis.

Follow the links in the table to find full details regarding eligibility, available finance, application methods and closing dates. Follow us on X and Facebook to hear when we have added new studentship opportunities. 

Download our comprehensive guide to PhD study

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Funded MRes/PhD studentships in Economics

Fully-funded studentships for the duration of our Economics MRes/PhD programme.

Application deadline

Funding source, funding information.

UK or international fees covered for the full duration of the programme (MREs+PhD). A yearly stipend (for 2022-23 entry, £17,668 + £2460 (for teaching duties)). A yearly research allowance for research expenses and travel to conferences. In addition, there are generous funds available for periods of research visits abroad, and other research expenses (beyond the personal research allowance).

The School of Economics at the University of Surrey offers an attractive doctoral programme in Economics similar in structure to top US PhD programmes. Our MRes/PhD Economics is designed for candidates with an outstanding background in Economics, typically already holding an MSc in the subject, who wish to engage in top doctoral research in Economics. The standard entry route to the PhD programme is through the MRes Economics programme. The MRes provides cutting-edge training in micro, macro, econometrics and research methods lasting one year and is, on successful completion, followed by the PhD programme lasting three to four years during which students take advanced PhD field courses and work on their research. A small number of places with direct entry into the PhD programme is reserved for applicants that hold a degree similar to our MRes.

Our PhD programme produces graduates who are sought-after by leading economics departments, business schools, and research institutions around the world. Our PhD students have gone on to academic positions as lecturers and postdoctoral researchers in the UK and overseas, including institutions such as University of Cambridge, London School of Economics, University of Glasgow, University of Sussex, University of East Anglia and the European University Institute.

We are pleased to be able to offer generous studentships for the duration of the MRes/PhD course for those with strong research potential.

The School of Economics has a leading reputation in research and teaching. We are ranked top 10 for world-leading research in the Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021 overall, ranked 8th for the research environment and 6th for the impact of our research.

Eligibility criteria

Typically, applicants are expected to hold an undergraduate degree with first class honours in a relevant discipline and a masters degree in a relevant discipline (or equivalent qualifications), but we also accept applications from outstanding candidates without a masters degree.

We also require a recent GRE general test result (Quantitative Reasoning part only); applications without evidence of GRE will not be considered. Previous Surrey Economics students are not required to submit GRE scores.

English language requirements - IELTS Academic: 6.5 overall with 6.0 in each element or other equivalent tests are accepted. For detailed entry requirements, including the country specific requirements, please visit the MRes programme website.

We don’t require a research proposal, as successful candidates will write an MRes dissertation during the MRes, which often forms the basis for the first chapter of the PhD dissertation. We are very keen though to learn about your research interests briefly in a cover letter. You also don’t need a supervisor at this stage, as successful candidates will be matched with a supervisory team during the MRes.

How to apply

Applications should be submitted via the  MRes Economics page on the "Apply" tab.

We will start allocating funding from mid-February for applications received by the 31st of January and henceforth on a rolling basis until all scholarships have been allocated.

Additional funding opportunities are available through SeNSS Doctoral Training Partnerships. Please get in touch if you are interested to apply for a SeNSS scholarship to fund your doctoral studies at the School of Economics.

For direct entry into the PhD (for students with an equivalent qualification) there are additional scholarship opportunities available from the Doctoral College.

Studentship FAQs

Read our  studentship FAQs  to find out more about applying and funding.

01 June 2023

Contact details

Martin foureaux koppensteiner, federico martellosio.

Studentships at Surrey

We have a wide range of studentship opportunities available.

The Bloomsbury Colleges

Phd studentship opportunities for 2023 entry.

Studentship Opportunities for 2023 Entry

Follow the links below for details of the proposals, supervisory arrangements and how to apply. the proposals are arranged by lead institution..

• Better together: Multi-sensory social intervention to improve spatial skills in primary education ( Birkbeck/IOE, UCL’s Faculty of Education and Society )
• The Psychosocial dynamics of super-diversity and conviviality in educational contexts ( Birkbeck/IOE, UCL’s Faculty of Education and Society )
• The effects of early cognitive ability and socioeconomic status on predicting later cognitive and academic outcomes: social mobility and closing achievement gaps ( IOE, UCL’s Faculty of Education and Society / Birkbeck)
• The role of the built environment in children’s cognition and mental health ( IOE, UCL’s Faculty of Education and Society / London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine)
• Evaluating how multilateral development banks produce and use benefit-cost evidence in water and sanitation project decisions (London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine /SOAS)
• Differential composition and structure of the COPII coat in immunoglobulin secretion from the plasma cell (London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine / Birkbeck)
• Examining the role of climate change in the transmission of enteric pathogens in a low-resource neighbourhoods of Maputo, Mozambique ( London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine / Birkbeck)
• Leveraging sequence data to identify mammalian-adaptive mutations and host factors in avian influenza virus (Royal Veterinary College/ London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine )
• Role of thrombospondin type1 repeat (TSR) domain proteins in motility and virulence of Babesia parasites ( Royal Veterinary College / London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine )
• Everyday practices of indebtedness: a feminist political economy study of South Africa (SOAS/Birkbeck )
• An ethnographic approach to geopolitics: CPEC and the making of Chinese realities in northern Pakistan ( SOAS/IOE)

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Studentships and doctoral training

London weighting, enhanced stipends and co-funding.

Some students receive a stipend that is above the minimum level set by us.  It is up to your university to determine how stipends above the UKRI minimum will be adjusted.

If you are a student and need more information on your stipend, contact your research organisation.

Co-funders should account for the annual stipend increase in the usual manner. We expect co-funders to play their full role in supporting students. We will continue to support with our contribution towards a student’s stipend.

For more information on our approach, read the UKRI terms and conditions for training funding .

Last updated: 14 February 2024

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Department of Economics

Warwick economics finalists highly satisfied with their student experience according to 2024 national student survey.

The 2024 National Student Survey (NSS) results published recently show that Warwick Economics students remain highly satisfied with their undergraduate courses, with 90% of the respondents stating that they would recommend Warwick to future students.

The annual national survey took place between February and April 2024, and we recorded a high response rate of 78% which was 4 percentage points higher than last year.

The annual UK-wide survey asks undergraduate finalists about the quality of their courses, with 28 questions grouped into seven areas: Teaching; Academic Support; Learning Opportunities; Learning Resources; Assessment & Feedback; Organisation & Management and Student Voice.

The Department of Economics continues to perform strongly across all areas with highest scores in:

• Teaching on my course : nearly 90% of respondents were happy with the teaching stating that staff were good at explaining things, making the subject engaging and that the course was intellectually stimulating and challenged them to achieve their best work.
• Academic support : 90% of the surveyed students were pleased with the ways teaching staff supported their learning.
• Learning Resources : 92% of respondents were happy with the available learning resources such as the IT and library resources as well as access to subject specific resources.

Compared to 2023 we have made improvements across six of the seven main areas of the survey, with percentage points noted in brackets: Assessment and Feedback (2.8); Student Voice (2.5); Teaching (1.9); Learning Resources (1.7); Academic Support (1.3) and Learning Opportunities (0.9).

The position of the Department in comparison with other Departments within the Russell Group of research-intensive universities, remains strong, with Warwick Economics ranking 2nd for Teaching on My Course; 3rd for Learning Opportunities, Assessment and Feedback, Learning Resources, and Student Voice; and 4th for Academic Support and Organisation & Management.

Head of Department, Professor Ben Lockwood commented:

“I’m very pleased to see that our NSS scores remain high, considering that the class of 2024 cohort of undergraduate students was the largest in the history of the Department, with 522 of finalists (78% response rate) responding to the survey. “We take the feedback received through the NSS very seriously, as it provides us with invaluable insights into what’s important to our students, what we do well, and which areas of our teaching we should improve further. “I would like to pass on thanks to all staff for their hard work, particularly during the Covid years which affected this cohort of students. “I would also like to thank this year’s finalists, now graduates of Class 2024, for rating their student experience at Warwick Economics so highly, despite the difficulties they had to overcome during the Covid pandemic. We’re delighted to see that 90 per cent of our finalists would recommend Warwick to prospective students.”

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