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PhD studentships 2026

AuthorDaniel Higginbotham, senior editor
Posted on

If you're looking to fund a PhD in 2026/27, studentships can provide partial or full financial support for your studies

What is a PhD studentship?

A studentship provides financial support to those planning to undertake PhD research. This funding may take the form of a grant or payment that can contribute towards or fully cover:

  • equipment associated with your studies
  • research materials
  • tuition fees.

Like a fellowship, a studentship is awarded on the basis of academic merit. However, studentships are specifically designed to support postgraduate study and research.

A funded PhD allows you to focus on your research without needing to pay course fees at the start of your studies.

Find out more about what's involved with a PhD.

Who awards PhD studentships?

Research Council funding

Often provided as research grants, studentships are most commonly awarded by the UK's seven Research Councils. These government-funded organisations support and promote research in academic and scientific fields.

This research funding is managed and directed by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI).

Search for the latest funding opportunities using the UKRI funding finder.

Explore Research Council funding in full.

Postgraduate scholarships and bursaries

Individual UK universities also offer funding 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:

Additionally, CASE studentships (formerly known as Collaborative 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 include a placement, typically requiring students to spend between three and 18 months working with the partner organisation.

Read more about Masters degree scholarships.

Charity, foundation and trust studentships

You can also apply for funded PhD opportunities through many:

  • charities
  • foundations
  • trusts.

Popular options include:

Some of these studentships are very specific and may only be available to students who already work with, or have links to, a particular organisation. For example, PhD Plus offers Rosetrees-funded PhD students, or those working in a laboratory where their supervisor holds an active Rosetrees grant, additional funding to extend their doctoral studies by six to 12 months.

Others are aimed at prospective PhD candidates. For instance, Diabetes UK's three-year studentships support doctoral research into diabetes, with potential supervisors encouraged to nominate outstanding applicants for funding.

Before you start applying for a funded PhD, it's always a good idea to discuss these opportunities with prospective supervisors, as they often provide guidance that will increase your chances of receiving financial support.

How much funding can I receive?

Many PhD studentships provide three years' funding paid at a similar rate to the Research Council grant:

  • Fees-only studentships cover a student's tuition fees, plus any associated project and training costs (a minimum of £5,238 per year in 2026/27).
  • Full studentships add a non-repayable, tax-free maintenance grant known as a 'stipend'. In 2026/27, this is worth a minimum of £21,805 (£23,805 with a London weighting), and it can be used towards living costs - see UKRI - Support for UKRI-funded students.

For example, the Alliance Manchester Business School (AMBS) PhD Studentship 2026 provides:

  • full tuition fees for four years
  • a maintenance grant of £21,805 per year
  • a research training support grant.

The studentship is open to UK and international students who have achieved a 2:1 Bachelors degree, as well as a Masters degree at 70% and above in a relevant area, such as:

  • accounting and finance
  • innovation management policy
  • management sciences and marketing
  • people, management and organisations.

You should be aware that some PhD studentship recipients are required to teach undergraduates.

While this offers 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. Explore jobs in education.

Is my programme eligible for a PhD studentship?

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

Read more about the various routes to getting a Doctorate.

What are the requirements?

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

Those who already hold a PhD are often ineligible. Some awards are also limited to applicants who meet specific criteria, such as:

  • applicants from low-income backgrounds
  • care leavers
  • minority ethnic students.

Be aware that European Union (EU) nationals must have settled or pre-settled status under the government's EU Settlement Scheme to be eligible for home fee status and associated funding, which affects eligibility for some PhD studentships.

Are PhD studentships open to international students in the UK?

Yes, students from overseas are eligible to apply for many PhD studentships based in the UK.

If you're an international student, funding is widely available, with common options including:

When can I apply for a studentship?

Application deadlines for studentships typically fall between:

  • October and November for programmes starting the following September
  • January and February for courses beginning in January.

While many studentships follow standard application cycles, others accept applications year-round.

As securing funding can be a lengthy process, it's advisable to begin researching opportunities as early as possible.

How do I apply for a PhD studentship?

Some PhD programmes automatically consider applicants for funding, but in many cases, you'll need to submit a separate application to be considered for financial support.

These are usually made directly to the university, even for studentships from:

  • charities, foundations and trusts
  • professional bodies
  • Research Councils.

You'll typically be asked for:

  • your PhD application form
  • a research proposal
  • a cover letter
  • two or three academic references.

If your application is shortlisted, you'll typically be invited to an interview. At every stage, the university will evaluate your potential contribution to the institution and to your field of study.

Applications are typically assessed on:

  • evidence of research potential.
  • how well the project fits with existing research at the institution
  • the applicant's academic background and research experience
  • the quality and feasibility of the research proposal.

How competitive are PhD studentships?

These awards are highly competitive, especially fully funded opportunities, which can attract large numbers of strong applicants.

Competition varies depending on the:

  • funding body
  • institution
  • subject.

Most successful candidates will:

  • have a strong academic record (typically a 2:1 or first)
  • hold a relevant Masters degree or equivalent experience
  • present a clear, well-focused research proposal
  • show evidence of strong research ability.

Funded places in popular subjects or at leading universities are usually the most competitive. For instance, the PhD in Economics at LSE receives hundreds of applications each year for a very limited pool of fully funded Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) and school-specific studentships.

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

  • Ask a friend or family member to proofread your application.
  • Choose your referees carefully, ensuring that they'll speak positively of you.
  • Discuss your draft application with a relevant academic.
  • Explain how your work will be unique and innovative.
  • Follow 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:

Find out more

Written by Daniel Higginbotham, senior editor

Prospects · June 2026