Discover Funding Opportunities

Advanced materials for electrostatic energy storage

This multidisciplinary PhD project spans materials science, chemistry and physics to develop lead-free environmental friendly materials for enhanced electrostatic energy storage. The aim is to improve the energy density of ceramic capacitors without compromising their thermal stability. The project will combine microstructure characterisation and performance testing to conduct a systematic study of the defect chemistry, phase transition, conduction, and polarisation mechanisms of ceramic-based energy storage materials. The research addresses the critical need for reliable energy storage devices that will allow renewable energy to be used indefinitely, particularly in applications such as smart grids, electronic circuits, electric vehicles, and wearable electronics. The successful candidate will develop new research guides for the design and development of superior lead-free energy storage materials through comprehensive analysis of dielectric capacitors.

Science & Technology Facilities Council (STFC) Doctoral Training Partnership Studentship 2026/27 - Physics & Astronomy

The STFC Doctoral Training Partnership Studentship is a highly competitive funding opportunity for talented researchers to join the School of Physics & Astronomy at the University of Leeds. This studentship provides full academic fees, together with a tax-free maintenance grant (currently £20,780 for academic session 2025/26) for 3.5 years, along with comprehensive training and support. The studentship is part of the faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences and aims to develop innovators in physics and astronomy research. Studentships are linked to specific projects, and candidates are selected based on academic merit through a competitive process. The funding does not cover costs associated with moving to the UK, including visa, Immigration Health Surcharge, and flights. Successful candidates will work in a professional research environment using UK-leading facilities alongside active researchers at the forefront of their fields. The program offers professional skills development, industry networking opportunities, and comprehensive wellbeing support. This opportunity is open to all nationalities and provides access to the Leeds Doctoral College's network of support services.

EPSRC Faculty Doctoral Landscape Award 2026/27 - Engineering & Physical Sciences

For 2026 entry, the University of Leeds is offering up to 8 talented budding researchers the opportunity to secure funding for postgraduate research and join the thriving community of leading researchers within the Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences. These competitive EPSRC Faculty Doctoral Landscape Awards offer full tuition fees, together with a tax-free maintenance grant (currently £20,780 for academic session 2025/26) for 3.5 years. Training and support will also be provided. This opportunity is open to UK applicants only and all candidates will be placed into the EPSRC Doctoral Training Partnership Studentship Competition, with selection based on academic merit. The funding opportunity is linked to specific projects only and includes collaboration with Industry partners across various schools including Chemical and Process Engineering, Chemistry, Civil Engineering, Computer Science, Electronic and Electrical Engineering, Mathematics, Mechanical Engineering, and Physics and Astronomy. Successful applicants will study in an active research environment with 96% of the university's research being world-leading (REF 2021), benefiting from UK-leading facilities, close industry links, professional skills development, and comprehensive personal wellbeing services.

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.

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.