Fully Funded PhD Scholarships in UK

The UK Leverhulme Doctoral Scholarships 2026 are one of the most prestigious fully funded PhD scholarships in the UK. Launched by the Leverhulme Trust to mark its centenary, this program provides exceptional opportunities for both UK students and international students to pursue doctoral research across interdisciplinary fields.

With an investment of £100 million, the Leverhulme Trust aims to expand doctoral training, fund underrepresented groups, and support postdoctoral career progression. For 2026, these UK scholarships for international students and domestic students offer full financial support.

Degree Levels

• PhD (Doctoral Scholarships in the UK)

• Master’s + PhD Scholarships in the UK (pathway for eligible UK students from underrepresented groups)

Eligible Subjects

The Leverhulme Trust scholarships support interdisciplinary research across thematic areas defined by UK universities.

• Universities may design areas to sustain up to 30 doctoral students.

• Ineligible fields: medical/clinical research, policy-driven projects, commercial applications, or data-heavy research.

Scholarship Benefits

For UK Doctoral Scholarships

• Full tuition fees (UK rate).

• Maintenance allowance (UKRI base levels).

• £10,000 research and training grant.

For International PhD Scholarships in the UK

• Tuition fees (covered up to £25,000 per year).

• Maintenance allowance (UKRI base levels).

• £10,000 research and training support.

Master’s + PhD Scholarships

• Master’s year: Maintenance + tuition (up to £12,000).

• PhD (up to 4 years): Maintenance + tuition (UKRI base levels).

• £10,000 research and training grant.

Additional Postdoctoral Support

• £75,000 for cohort-building activities.

• £400,000 for postdoctoral support for LCDS graduates.

• £225,000 for programme administration.

Eligible Nationalities

• UK students (Home rate)

• International students (Overseas rate) – up to six funded places per award

Eligibility Criteria

For Universities

• Must be a UK university with doctoral awarding powers.

• Can apply alone or as a consortium (up to 2 universities).

For Students

• PhD Scholarships UK: Open to outstanding UK and international applicants.

• Master’s + PhD Scholarships UK (for underrepresented groups):

  • Must be UK domiciled.

  • Must not hold a Master’s degree from the same host university.

  • From a low-income background (e.g., full maintenance loan during undergraduate study).

  • Or from specific underrepresented ethnic groups (Black African, Black Caribbean, Black Other, Mixed with Black heritage).

Application Process

Stage 1: Universities Apply

• Only UK universities may apply to the Leverhulme Trust for funding.

• Applications can be individual or joint with one partner institution.

Stage 2: Students Apply

• Once universities receive funding, they will advertise Leverhulme Trust PhD scholarships.

• Students must apply directly to the host university.

Key Dates

• University applications open: 3 November 2025

• Deadline (universities): 6 March 2026 (12pm UK time)

• Results announced: July 2026

Why Choose Leverhulme Doctoral Scholarships in the UK?

The Leverhulme Doctoral Scholarships UK 2026 provide one of the most comprehensive PhD funding opportunities in the UK. These awards not only cover tuition and maintenance but also support research training, interdisciplinary collaboration, and postdoctoral progression—making them a top choice for ambitious researchers.

FAQs about UK Leverhulme Doctoral Scholarships 2026

1. What are the Leverhulme Doctoral Scholarships 2026?
They are fully funded PhD scholarships in the UK, covering tuition, living allowance, and research support for UK and international students.

2. Can international students apply for Leverhulme Trust scholarships?
Yes. International students can apply, but each award funds up to six overseas students.

3. What expenses are covered?
Tuition fees (up to £25,000 for international students), maintenance allowance, and a £10,000 research grant.

4. Are these scholarships limited to specific subjects?
Yes. Each university defines thematic areas, but medical/clinical, commercial, and policy-driven projects are excluded.

5. What is the Master’s + PhD pathway?
It funds UK students from low-income or underrepresented groups to pursue a one-year Master’s followed by a fully funded PhD.

6. Who selects the students?
Participating universities handle student selection, not the Leverhulme Trust.

7. Can universities outside the UK apply?
No. Only UK universities with research degree awarding powers can apply.

8. When is the deadline for applications?
University applications must be submitted by 6 March 2026.

9. When will student applications open?
Once universities are awarded funding, they will advertise opportunities directly.

10. Does the scholarship include postdoctoral support?
Yes, additional funding supports postdoctoral career development for Leverhulme graduates.