Get PhD funding: discover how to apply

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

What is a PhD studentship?

A PhD studentship provides financial support to those planning to carry out Doctoral research. This funding may take the form of a grant or payment that can contribute to or fully cover your tuition fees and living costs, as well as research materials and any associated equipment.

It is similar to a fellowship in that the studentship is awarded to students for their academic achievements. However, it differs from a fellowship due to the fact that this funding is aimed at postgraduate students.

Discover what is a PhD?

Who awards PhD studentships?

Research Council funding

PhD studentships, in the form of research grants, 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 at 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 require the student to work at the organisation for three to 18 months.

Read more about scholarships and bursaries.

Charity, foundation and trust studentships

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

Some of these studentships are very specific and require you to be already working for or in touch with these organisations. For example, PhD Plus provides Rosetrees-funded PhD students or those working in a Rosetrees-funded laboratory with funding to extend their Doctoral studies by six to 12 months.

On the other hand, the three-year studentships from Diabetes UK encourage potential PhD supervisors to put forward outstanding science candidates for Doctoral study focused on diabetes-related research.

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, 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 studentships cover a student's tuition fees, plus any associated project and training costs (a minimum of £5,006 per year in 2025/26).
Full studentships add a non-repayable, tax-free maintenance grant known as a 'stipend'. In 2025/26, this is worth a minimum of £20,780 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 £19,237 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?

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.

Am I eligible?

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, while some PhD studentships are limited to students fitting certain criteria - for example, those from a:

disadvantaged background
particular country
specific 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.

When can I apply for a studentship?

Application deadlines for studentships generally fall between October and November or January and February for a start in September or January respectively.

However, as PhD studentships can start at any time of the year, these application dates can vary between providers.

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 studentships from:

Research Councils
professional bodies
charities, foundations and trusts.

You'll typically be asked for:

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

For example, applicants at Liverpool John Moores University (LJMU) 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?

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

Read about 5 challenges faced by PhD students.
Explore what to do next after completing a PhD.
Consider getting an academic job.

PhD studentships 2025