Purpose of the Programme
The purpose of the University of Warwick Postgraduate Research Scholarships is to support exceptional researchers who are applying for research-degrees starting in October 2026. These awards are designed to allow students to focus on pioneering research without the burden of tuition fees or living-cost worries. Full payment of academic fees, a maintenance stipend, annual leave, suspension flexibility and additional professional development support are all part of the offer.
By offering scholarships across disciplines and nationalities, Warwick aims to attract a diverse cohort of research-candidates who can both benefit from and contribute to the university’s thriving research environment.
Eligibility Criteria
Here’s what you’ll need to check if you’re considering applying:
Core requirements
- You must apply for a postgraduate research course at Warwick to begin in October 2026. That includes: PhD; MPhil/PhD; EngD; or progressing into the PhD stage of an MRes+PhD.
- You must start in academic year 2026/27—the scholarships cannot be deferred to later years.
- Unless a specific scheme allows it, you must not already be a postgraduate research student at Warwick.
- In general, all disciplines are eligible (unless specified otherwise). Applicants can be of any nationality and any fee status.
Additional scheme-specific criteria
Because the scholarship programme is a competition covering multiple schemes, some specific awards within it may have extra eligibility requirements (for example, particular funding agencies or regional quotas). It’s important to check the detailed criteria for the specific scholarship you are eligible for.
- Course application deadline: 8 December 2025, 16:59 (GMT).
- Scholarship application deadline: 11 December 2025, 16:59 (GMT).
- Offers are released by 23 February 2026.
Check out: Summer 2026 Service Solutions Intern – Johnson & Johnson (Engineering Internship, Florida USA)
Benefits of the Scholarship
What does “fully funded” mean in this case? Here’s a breakdown of the key benefits you’ll receive if awarded a scholarship under this competition:
- Full tuition fees paid: Your academic fees are covered entirely.
- Maintenance stipend for living costs: A stipend is provided to support day-to-day living while you study (check the prevailing UKRI rate when you apply).
- Flexible study mode: Options for full-time (100 %) or part-time (60 %) study are available, depending on visa status.
- Annual leave allowance: Up to 40 days’ annual leave per year (pro-rata for part-time).
- Support for temporary study suspension: If life intervenes, you may suspend your studies temporarily.
- Access to additional support (including for disabled PGRs): The university offers enhanced professional and personal development, plus support mechanisms.
- Research-training support grant: Many schemes within this competition include a one-off Researcher Training Support Grant (RTSG) of around £5,000 to fund research-related costs.
Together, these benefits create the financial and institutional environment enabling you to focus on your research without undue worry about cost or logistics.
Fields of Study / Disciplines
One of the strong features of this scholarship competition is that it is open to all disciplines, unless a given scheme states otherwise.
Whether your interest is in engineering, social sciences, arts and humanities, business, natural sciences or some interdisciplinary area—this is a broad call. In earlier years external funding schemes (e.g., for specific departments) may have restricted fields, but this central doctoral scholarship competition at Warwick is intentionally broad in scope.
Application Process
Applying is a multi-step process and requires careful preparation. Here’s how you should approach it:
1. Prepare early
Start early. The university notes that the scholarship application and your course application cannot normally be completed in under 36 hours if done properly.
2. Apply for your course
- Submit your application for the postgraduate research course you wish to start in October 2026, by the deadline (8 December 2025).
- After submission you will receive an automated e-mail with a 7-digit applicant ID. Wait at least 48 hours for that.
- With your applicant ID, register your ITS applicant account (Warwick’s internal system) so you can submit the scholarship application.
3. Submit your scholarship application
- Using the same application platform, submit your scholarship application by the scholarship deadline (11 December 2025)1
- Upload all required supporting documents (transcripts, research proposal, CV, references, etc.). Note: For this competition, the Applicant Guidance notes that you should not upload certain documents directly unless explicitly requested.
4. Await decision
- Decisions on scholarship offers will be communicated by e-mail by 23 February 2026.
- Once awarded, you’ll then proceed with enrolment, visa (if needed) and joining your research programme at Warwick.
Key tips for a strong application
- Contact your potential supervisor or academic department at Warwick before applying. This can clarify expectations and strengthen your case.
- Make sure your research proposal is clear, well-structured and shows originality and alignment with Warwick’s research strengths.
- Meet all deadlines—late applications are usually not accepted.
- Ensure your supporting documents are complete and professionally presented.
- Highlight any relevant research experience, publications or extracurricular activities that signal your readiness.
Check out: JADS JMJ Scholarship 2026 – Data Science in Business & Entrepreneurship | Netherlands
Deadlines and Key Dates
Here are the most important dates to mark on your calendar:
- 8 December 2025 by 16:59 (GMT): Course application deadline.
- 11 December 2025 by 16:59 (GMT): Scholarship application deadline.
- 23 February 2026: Scholarship offers released.
Because these dates are absolute (and deferral of scholarship start is not permitted), it’s crucial to organise your application schedule well in advance.
Why Choose Warwick?
Choosing where to undertake your doctoral research is a big decision—so why consider the University of Warwick?
- Warwick is a globally respected institution, known for research excellence and international outlook.
- The funding package here is genuinely comprehensive and aimed at enabling you to focus on research rather than finances.
- The flexibility (full-time or part-time, discipline-agnostic) means there’s real scope for tailoring your doctoral path.
- Additional support (training, professional development, suspension option, disability support) indicates that Warwick cares about you as a researcher and as a person.
- Being part of a vibrant research culture and international community adds value beyond your degree—networking, collaboration and global exposure are all part of the package.
Final Thoughts & Encouragement
If you’re ready to take the leap into a research-degree and you feel confident in your academic record, your proposed research direction, and your motivation—you owe it to yourself to apply. Scholarships of this calibre don’t come around every day. It’s not just about funding your studies—it’s about launching yourself into a career of inquiry, innovation and academic growth.
So set aside the time, prepare early, reach out to your prospective supervisor, polish your documents and ensure you meet the deadlines. You have a chance here not just for a degree—but for an experience that could shape your future in meaningful ways.
Wishing you the very best of luck in your application journey—go for it, and may you find yourself at Warwick joining a vibrant research community and reaching your full potential.
Official link to apply and find full details: [https://warwick.ac.uk/services/dc/schols_fund/applicants/competitions]