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Leeds Doctoral Scholarships 2026

The Leeds Doctoral Scholarships 2026 program offers up to 5 fully funded research scholarships for Home fee-rated students at the University of Leeds for Session 2026/27. The scholarships are available for study in any Faculty and support full-time or part-time research leading to a PhD degree. The fully funded research scholarship is available for 3.5 years for full-time study, pro-rata for part-time study. The award provides full academic fees and a maintenance grant (£20,780 in Session 2025/26) for full-time study, with part-time awards pro-rated. This amount increases annually in line with the UKRI rate. Full-time awards provide full fees for 3 years and a maintenance award for 3.5 years. The award is made for one year initially and is renewable for up to 2.5 years, subject to satisfactory academic progress. Applicants must hold a First Class Honours degree or equivalent, though candidates with a lower undergraduate mark may be considered if they have or are expected to receive a Distinction in a relevant Masters programme or can demonstrate relevant alternative experience. The scholarships are available for new postgraduate researchers who have not previously been awarded a PhD or are not currently registered on a PhD program. Selection is based on academic merit through a two-stage process involving School nomination and final selection by the University Scholarship Selection Panel. Successful applicants must take up the award by 1 October 2026 and live within a reasonable distance of the University of Leeds whilst in receipt of the scholarship. The scholarships are available for research degree study across seven faculties: Arts, Humanities and Cultures; Biological Sciences; Business; Engineering and Physical Sciences; Environment; Medicine and Health; and Social Sciences.

School of Education Postgraduate Research Scholarship in Education, Childhood or Youth 2026/27 (UK)

The School of Education at the University of Leeds is offering one highly competitive scholarship for academic year 2025/26. This scholarship provides full fees with a tax-free maintenance allowance that matches UKRI rates (currently £20,780 in 2025/26) and rises annually in line with UKRI rates. The award is open to full-time and part-time candidates who have been offered a place on a PhD degree at the School of Education. The School of Education is an intellectually rich and stimulating environment for postgraduate research, recognising Education as a hub for many disciplinary perspectives, all contributing to challenge-led, global, and transformative research with social justice at its core. All postgraduate researchers are members of one of the Research Centres, creating a hub of internationally leading research across interdisciplinary teams in: Curriculum, Pedagogy and Policy; Digital Education; Language Education Research; and Inclusion, Childhood and Youth. Applications are invited that connect to the School's core research areas of inclusion, childhood and youth, language education, digital education, curriculum, pedagogy and policy. The scholarship particularly welcomes applications in the areas of: inclusion in higher education; creativity and play in education, assessment in higher education, performing arts for inclusion, maths education, cognitive theory and language teacher, learner motivation, child and pupil wellbeing and EMI (English as medium of instruction). Outstanding candidates without a Masters will be considered for an additional fully-funded year to complete one of the taught masters programmes.

School of Sociology and Social Policy Doctoral Scholarship 2026/27

The School of Sociology and Social Policy Doctoral Scholarship is offered for the academic year 2026/27 at the University of Leeds. This scholarship provides comprehensive funding for doctoral candidates pursuing research in sociology and social policy fields. The scholarship covers the full cost of tuition fees and provides a tax-free maintenance allowance matching UKRI rates (£20,780 in 2025/26, increasing annually). Additionally, it includes support for research training, conference attendance, and other academic expenses. The School of Sociology and Social Policy has been a major centre of research and graduate training since its foundation, producing leading academic figures in their fields. The School hosts several distinctive research groups and centres specializing in Gender, Disability Studies, Racism and Ethnicity, Family and Life Course, Social and Political Thought, and Health Technologies. The scholarship is available for both full-time and part-time study. Full-time awards provide full fees for 3 years and a maintenance award for 3.5 years, while part-time awards are pro-rata. Two scholarships are available for the 2026/27 academic year. Eligible applicants must hold an offer of admission to the doctoral degree programme at the University of Leeds within the School of Sociology and Social Policy. Awards are based on academic merit, and applicants should normally have at least a first class or upper second class British Bachelors Honours degree (or international equivalent) and/or a Merit in their Masters degree in an appropriate discipline. The scholarship must be taken up by October 1, 2026.

Social Sciences Access to Research Doctoral Scholarships

The Faculty of Social Sciences at the University of Leeds is inviting applications for doctoral scholarships specifically for UK Black, Asian and other minoritised ethnic groups currently underrepresented within postgraduate research. Two scholarships are available for students to undertake PhD research within the Faculty's four schools: Education, Law, Politics and International Studies, and Sociology and Social Policy. Scholarship holders will have access to world-leading facilities and supervision, and to research centres which shape the research and innovation agenda within and beyond the social sciences. All postgraduate researchers in the Faculty are members of the Social Sciences Graduate School, bringing together a socially, culturally and intellectually diverse community of doctoral researchers in an interdisciplinary research environment geared to addressing global challenges. These scholarships are available on either a 1+3.5 (Masters and 3.5 year PhD) or a +3.5 (3.5 year PhD) basis, or part-time equivalent. Each scholarship covers full UK research degree fees and a maintenance grant at current UKRI rates (£20,780 in 2025/26). Research proposals should clearly demonstrate alignment with the research priorities and areas of expertise of one or more of the Faculty Schools, with interdisciplinary proposals particularly encouraged. Applicants must be eligible to pay fees at the Home (UK) rate and must self-identify as being from UK Black, Asian and other minoritised ethnic groups. The selection process is based on academic merit, with applicants normally requiring at least an upper second class British Bachelors Honours degree and a Masters degree with Merit grade or equivalent.

School of Music International Research Scholarship

The School of Music invites applications for the School of Music International Research Scholarship from prospective postgraduate researchers who wish to commence study for a PhD in the academic year 2026/27. The scholarship is open to prospective postgraduate researchers who are eligible for the International rate of tuition fees. One award is available each year for applicants who have been offered a PhD place in the School of Music. The School of Music at the University of Leeds has an international reputation for research, bringing together a community of acclaimed scholars, composers and performers. The scholarship especially welcomes applications that connect to the School's core research areas: Music as Culture (musicology exploring the role of music within historical, theoretical, literary, aesthetic, technological, popular, and interdisciplinary contexts); Music, Science and Technology (including music psychology, music and wellbeing, music technology, musical instrument studies, sound studies, and scientific perspectives on music); Making Music (composition, performance, and practice-based research methodologies); and Pedagogic Research in Music (research regarding teaching and learning processes, experiences, and contexts in music). The award provides full academic fees for 3 years and a maintenance award for 3.5 years (£20,780 in Session 2025/26) for full-time study. This amount increases per annum in line with the UKRI rate. Applicants must be eligible to pay fees at the International (outside UK) rate and must live within a reasonable distance of the University of Leeds whilst in receipt of this Scholarship. Awards must be taken up by 1 October 2026. Selection is based on academic merit. Applicants should hold a good honours degree (upper second class or first class) in a related discipline. A Masters degree isn't a requirement but applications are seen more favourably if applicants have one, ideally with a distinction or at least a merit, especially in the Masters dissertation.

Geosolutions Partial Fee Scholarship

Geosolutions Leeds offers up to three partial fee scholarships to students eligible for UK/Home fees pursuing a Masters by Research. The scholarship covers tuition fees only for one year (or two years for part-time students) but does not cover living expenses. Students may be eligible for a UK Master's loan to cover living costs. There are two start dates available: 1 February 2026 or 1 October 2026. Recipients will be expected to participate in marketing activities to support the future development and promotion of the funding and Geosolutions Leeds. Applicants can choose from pre-defined projects or work with academic staff to define their own research project within the Geosolutions research area.

School of Music Opportunity Research Scholarship

The School of Music at the University of Leeds invites applications for the School of Music Opportunity Research Scholarship from prospective postgraduate researchers who wish to commence study for a PhD in the academic year 2026/27. The scholarship is open to prospective postgraduate researchers from Black, Asian and other minoritised ethnic groups who are eligible for the Home/UK rate of tuition fees. One award is available each year for applicants who have been offered a PhD place in the School of Music. The School of Music at the University of Leeds has an international reputation for research, bringing together a community of acclaimed scholars, composers and performers. The scholarship especially welcomes applications that connect to the School's core research areas: Music as Culture (musicology exploring the role of music within historical, theoretical, literary, aesthetic, technological, popular, and interdisciplinary contexts); Music, Science and Technology (including music psychology, music and wellbeing, music technology, musical instrument studies, sound studies, and scientific perspectives on music); Making Music (composition, performance, and practice-based research methodologies); and Pedagogic Research in Music (research regarding teaching and learning processes, experiences, and contexts in music). The award provides full academic fees and a maintenance grant (£20,780 in Session 2025/26) for full-time study, with part-time options available on a pro-rata basis. This amount increases per annum in line with the UKRI rate. Full-time awards provide full fees for 3 years and a maintenance award for 3.5 years. Awards must be taken up by 1st October 2026, and applicants must live within a reasonable distance of the University of Leeds whilst in receipt of this scholarship. Applicants should hold a good honours degree (upper second class or first class) in a related discipline. A Masters degree is not a requirement but applications are viewed more favourably if candidates have achieved a distinction or at least a merit, especially in their Masters dissertation. The final list of awards is based on academic merit and no other factors such as financial hardship are taken into account.

International Excellence Scholarships

The International Excellence Scholarships at the University of Leeds School of Earth and Environment recognise and reward high academic achievement for students who have applied to study a taught Masters course. The scholarships are offered to international students starting their studies in the 2026-27 academic year. The program provides fee reduction scholarships at three different levels: £3,000, £6,000, and £16,000. These scholarships are designed to make postgraduate education more accessible to high-achieving international students pursuing taught Masters degrees within the School of Earth and Environment. The scholarships aim to attract talented students from around the world to study at the Faculty of Environment at the University of Leeds, which holds Athena SWAN silver award status and is part of the Russell Group of universities. Students interested in applying should visit the university's international Masters scholarships webpage to check eligibility criteria and learn about the application process.

UK Masters Excellence Scholarships

The UK Masters Excellence Scholarships recognise and reward high academic achievement for students applying to study a full-time taught master's course at the Faculty of Environment, University of Leeds. These scholarships are designed to support academically outstanding UK students pursuing graduate studies in environmental sciences, earth sciences, food science and nutrition, geography, or transport studies. The scholarships provide financial support to help cover tuition and living expenses during the 2026-27 academic year. Thirty scholarships are available, each worth £5,000. This competitive award is intended to attract the brightest students to the Faculty of Environment and enable them to focus on their studies without financial burden.

Leeds Masters Scholarships

Leeds Masters Scholarships are designed to encourage UK fee-paying students from under-represented groups to pursue postgraduate qualifications at the University of Leeds. Funded by the generous donations of alumni through the University of Leeds Footsteps Fund, these scholarships provide financial support to help remove barriers to postgraduate education. The scholarships aim to increase diversity and access to master's level study by supporting students who might otherwise face challenges in pursuing advanced degrees. Recipients can use the scholarship towards their tuition fees and living expenses while completing their chosen postgraduate programme at the University of Leeds.

Sanctuary Scholarship

The Sanctuary Scholarship is offered by the University of Leeds for forced migrants to the UK who wish to study any undergraduate or postgraduate taught (Masters) degree. The scholarship covers the full cost of tuition fees and provides £10,000 per year towards study costs. Recipients do not need to repay the scholarship funds. The scholarship is designed for individuals who are unable to access mainstream funding such as Student Finance England or local authority grants. In addition to financial support, scholarship recipients may be offered a place on an optional pre-sessional language course (6 or 10 weeks in Summer 2025) which will enable them to meet any language requirements attached to their offer to study. There are a limited number of scholarships available, and applicants must go through a competitive application process. Successful applicants are invited to an interview, though not all applicants receive an interview invitation.

Leeds Masters Scholarships

Leeds Masters Scholarships are worth £7,000 and aim to encourage eligible UK fee-paying students from under-represented groups to study a Masters qualification at the University of Leeds. For successful applicants, the scholarship can be awarded as a fee waiver or as monthly payments direct to the recipient. These scholarships are funded by a combination of generous alumni donations and University funding. Successful applicants are automatically registered on the University's Plus Programme which offers many free and bespoke activities, extra funding opportunities and more. The scholarship is available for full-time, part-time, or distance learning Masters programmes leading to MA, MBA, MEd, MMus, MPH, MRes, MSc, LLM or Masters by Research qualifications. Applicants must be paying postgraduate tuition fees at the UK rate, not already hold a Masters degree, and meet specific financial eligibility criteria based on previous maintenance loan amounts or current income levels.

UCL Master's Bursary

The UCL Master's Bursary aims to enable and encourage those from lower income backgrounds to pursue a full-time or part-time Master's degree studies at UCL. The bursary is awarded on the basis of financial need and upon the recommendation of the Student Funding Office. There are up to 200 bursaries available annually, each valued at £10,000. The bursary is tenable for one year, or split 50% per year for part-time students or those on two-year full-time programmes. The bursary will first be applied to the recipient's tuition fees, with any remainder payable to the recipient in three equal instalments throughout the academic year towards maintenance. The UCL Masters Bursary may be held alongside other scholarships, studentships, awards, or bursaries depending on the total value of other funds received by the student.

UCL East London Scholarship

The UCL East London Scholarship supports the ambitions of east Londoners by funding both tuition fees and living costs for postgraduate taught Master's programmes. The scholarship is specifically designed for students from four east London boroughs (Hackney, Newham, Tower Hamlets, and Waltham Forest) who demonstrate financial need. The award covers full home tuition fees plus a maintenance payment of £17,096 per year (or pro rata for part-time and modular/flexible study modes) for the normal course duration. There are 14 scholarships available for the 2026/27 academic year, with eight awards ring-fenced for programmes at UCL East and two awards prioritizing eligible final year UCL undergraduates. Selection is based on financial need, with consideration given to factors including dependent children, disabilities, experience of care, receiving state benefits, and forced migration status.

Professor Sir Malcolm Grant Postgraduate Scholarship

The Professor Sir Malcolm Grant Postgraduate Scholarship was established to celebrate the exceptional contribution of the outgoing President & Provost to the UCL community over 10 years. The aim of the scholarship is to enable and encourage UCL alumni who can show leadership potential as well as demonstrate financial need to pursue their Master's studies at UCL. The scholarship is tenable for one year only unless the student is part-time or on a full-time programme which is 2 years in length, in which case the bursary will be paid 50% in each year of study. The scholarship will first be applied to the recipient's tuition fees, with any remainder payable to the recipient in three equal instalments throughout the academic year towards maintenance. The scholarship is awarded on the basis of financial need and leadership potential, and successful candidates will be notified by mid-August.

Naughton & Clift-Matthews Mathematics Scholarship

The Naughton & Clift-Matthews Mathematics Scholarship is intended to enable students in financial need to pursue their postgraduate studies in the Mathematics Department at UCL. The scholarship is available to prospective students who are ordinarily resident in the UK and eligible to pay the Home fee rate. Candidates must have submitted an admission application to study for a full-time MSc Mathematical Modelling, MSc Mathematics, or MSc Financial Mathematics at UCL. In addition to meeting residency requirements, candidates must meet at least one of the following criteria: identify as British Black-African or British Black-Caribbean, have a household annual income under £42,875, or have received an Access UCL undergraduate offer. The scholarship provides £20,000 for one year and may be held alongside other scholarships or awards. Recipients are expected to secure the remaining part of their tuition fees and living costs from other sources. Candidates are shortlisted based on financial need upon recommendation of the Student Funding Office, with the Department of Mathematics making the final decision.

Musubi Global Master's Scholarship

Building on more than 160 years of rich relations, the UCL Musubi Global Masters Scholarship gives Japanese students the opportunity to study a one-year Masters programme at University College London. The scholarship is awarded on the basis of financial need and provides substantial financial support for tuition and living expenses. There is one scholarship available per year, tenable for one year only. The scholarship will first be applied to the recipient's tuition fees, with any remainder payable to the recipient in three equal instalments throughout the academic year towards maintenance costs. Recipients may hold this scholarship alongside other awards depending on the total value of other funds received.

Economics Master's Bursaries

The Economics Master's Bursaries are designed to enable students in financial need to pursue their postgraduate studies in the Economics Department at University College London (UCL). The program offers two bursaries: the Michael Curtis Bursary and the Sabina Kamber Bursary. Each bursary is valued at £15,000 for one year of study and is awarded to students ordinarily resident in the UK who are eligible to pay the Home fee rate. The bursary is awarded on the basis of financial need as determined by the UCL Student Funding Office. Recipients must be enrolled in the full-time one-year MSc Economics program at UCL. The bursary will first be applied to the recipient's tuition fees, with any remainder payable to the recipient in three equal instalments throughout the academic year towards maintenance. Award recipients may hold this bursary alongside other scholarships or awards, though the amount may be adjusted depending on the total value of other funds received.

Julia Scott Memorial Bursary

The Julia Scott Memorial Bursary is intended to enable students in financial need to pursue their postgraduate studies in the Anthropology Department at UCL. There are five bursaries available, each valued at £6,000 for one year. The bursary is awarded based on financial need and is available to UK-domiciled students who are ordinarily resident in the UK and eligible to pay the Home fee rate. The award may be held alongside other scholarships, studentships, awards, or bursaries, though recipients are expected to secure remaining tuition fees and living costs from elsewhere.

UCL Humanitarian Scholarship

UCL Humanitarian Scholarships enable students at serious risk and/or displaced due to armed conflict to pursue full-time Masters degree studies at UCL. The scholarship is specifically designed for candidates who are at serious risk as a direct result of armed conflict, and/or have been displaced inside or have been forced to leave their home country within the last three years because of armed conflict and have sought international protection outside of the UK. The scholarship covers full tuition fees and a maintenance payment to cover accommodation and living costs (approximately £20,000) for the normal course duration, with UCL guaranteeing a single room in UCL accommodation if chosen. Additional allowances cover the Immigration Health Surcharge, visa fees and one return flight. The scholarship is awarded on the basis of financial need and upon the recommendation of the UCL Humanitarian Scholarship panel. Up to 3 scholarships are available for the 2026/27 academic year.

UCL Global Master's Scholarship

The UCL Global Master's Scholarship aims to enable and encourage international students from lower income backgrounds to pursue full-time Master's degree studies at UCL. The scholarship provides £15,000 for one year to support tuition fees and maintenance costs for international students from outside the UK. Up to 85 scholarships are available annually, with five ring-fenced for students from India and one for a student from Japan (Musubi Global Master's Scholarship). The scholarship is awarded based on financial need and is available for all postgraduate taught programs at UCL. The award is tenable for one year, or split over two years for two-year programs. Recipients must be eligible to pay the Overseas fee rate, come from a lower income background, and have submitted a complete admission application for full-time Master's degree studies at UCL. Distance-learning options are not eligible; students must attend UCL in person in the UK.