Purpose of the Scholarship
The Leeds Doctoral Scholarship is more than just financial aid—it’s a commitment by the University of Leeds to nurture high-calibre researchers across a wide array of disciplines. With only up to 5 scholarships available for the 2026 cohort, the program is highly competitive. Its aim is to attract top talent and to foster original, impactful research across the university’s schools and institutes
- Program: Leeds Doctoral Scholarships
- Coverage: Fully funded (tuition + living stipend)
- Nationality: UK (Home fee-rated)
- Degree Level: PhD / Doctoral
- Duration: 3.5 years (full-time), pro-rata for part-time
- Host University: University of Leeds, UK
- Deadline: 1 April 2026
Who Is Eligible?
This scholarship targets Home (UK) fee-rated students who are starting a PhD (or equivalent research degree) for the first time. Here are the key eligibility criteria:
- Must be a new postgraduate researcher (you should not already hold a PhD; though candidates who started a PhD but didn’t finish may sometimes be considered).
- Must commit to living “within a reasonable distance” of the University of Leeds for the duration of the award.
- Academic entry requirements:
- A first-class (UK) undergraduate degree or
- A lower undergraduate grade plus a distinction (or expected distinction) in a relevant master’s, or significant relevant experience (e.g., in industry).
- English language proficiency: IELTS 6.0 overall with at least 5.5 in each component (or equivalent), though some schools may require a higher standard.
What Does the Scholarship Cover?
The Leeds Doctoral Scholarship offers generous financial support:
- Full academic fees for 3 years (full-time).
- Maintenance stipend: £20,780 for Session 2025/26 (for full-time), increasing annually in line with the UKRI rate.
- The stipend continues for 3.5 years, even though course fees are covered for only 3 years (for full-time).
- If you study part-time, both the stipend and duration are adjusted on a pro-rata basis.
Fields of Study
One of the strengths of this scholarship is its flexibility. It’s open to PhD research across almost all faculties at Leeds, including but not limited to:
- Arts, Humanities & Cultures
- Biological Sciences
- Business & Management
- Engineering & Physical Sciences
- Environment
- Medicine & Health
- Social Sciences
Within those faculties, there are many specific schools and research institutes (e.g., Institute for Medieval Studies, Leeds Institute of Health Sciences) that host PhD projects eligible under this scholarship.
Check out: Carnegie Mellon University Portugal Dual Degree PhD Scholarships 2026/2027 (Fully Funded)
Duration & Conditions
- The full-time scholarship lasts for 3.5 years, but the funding is initially awarded for the first year and then renewed (for up to another 2.5 years) subject to satisfactory academic progress.
- The award must be taken up by 1 October 2026.
- Because you’re expected to live reasonably close to Leeds, remote or offsite PhD study may not be considered eligible for this particular award.
The Selection Process
Scholarship selection is based purely on academic merit. There are two main stages:
- School-level nomination: Each school at the university reviews applications and nominates candidates.
- University-level decision: A central panel at the University of Leeds makes the final decisions. Financial hardship or personal circumstance is not a factor; the award is merit-based.
Results are typically published within 10 weeks of the scholarship closing date.
How to Apply
Here’s the step-by-step process for applying to this scholarship:
- Apply for a research degree: You must first apply for your chosen PhD program via the University of Leeds research application portal.
- Gather required documents: Make sure to upload all required supporting documents (e.g., transcripts, references, research proposal) when you apply for your degree. If anything is missing, your application won’t be considered for funding.
- Apply for the scholarship: After receiving your 9-digit student application ID, fill out the online scholarship application form.
- Wait for notification: The Postgraduate Scholarships Office generally avoids individual correspondence about applications until decisions are made.
Key Dates & Deadline
- Application Deadline: 17:00 (UK time), Wednesday, 1 April 2026.
- Funding Starts: The scholarship funding begins on 1 October 2025, so successful candidates should plan to be ready for enrollment by then.
Why This Scholarship Is Worth It
- Financial security: With both fees paid and a generous stipend, you can fully focus on research without worrying about part-time work or loans.
- Prestige and support: Being selected for only up to five of these awards makes it very competitive—and rewarding. You’ll have access to high-quality supervision, world-class facilities, and the vibrant academic community of Leeds.
- Flexibility of fields: Whether your passion lies in science, humanities, social science, or creative fields, there are opportunities across nearly all faculties.
- Merit-based: The selection focuses solely on your academic potential and research promise—no “extra” weighting for financial situation or background, making it straightforward (if competitive).
Tips for Applicants
To strengthen your application, here are a few ideas:
- Start early. Give yourself enough time to polish your research proposal and secure strong references.
- Tailor your proposal. Demonstrate how your research aligns with the expertise and research themes present at Leeds.
- Double-check requirements. Make sure your academic transcripts, CV, and any other required documentation are complete.
- Talk to potential supervisors. Reach out to faculty members whose work aligns with your interests; their support could strengthen your application.
- Prepare for IELTS (if needed). Ensure your English test is recent and meets the required scores.
Final Thoughts
If you’re a UK-based prospective PhD student with strong academic credentials and a genuine passion for research, the Leeds Doctoral Scholarships 2026 is an incredible opportunity. It removes one of the biggest barriers – financial worry – so you can focus on what really matters: pursuing knowledge, building expertise, and making an impact.
I truly encourage you to apply. Start your journey now, prepare a strong application, and don’t hold back on sharing your research dreams. Good luck—it could be the scholarship that changes everything.
For full and up-to-date details—and to submit your application—visit the official Leeds Doctoral Scholarships 2026 webpage:
Leeds Doctoral Scholarships 2026 – University of Leeds