Leeds Doctoral Scholarships 2026: Fully Funded PhD in UK

Leeds Doctoral Scholarships 2026: Fully Funded PhD at the University of Leeds

The 2026 doctoral scholarship season has officially begun, and the United Kingdom is once again offering some of the world’s most competitive fully funded PhD opportunities.

Among the earliest and most prestigious announcements is the Leeds Doctoral Scholarships 2026, launched by the University of Leeds, one of the UK’s leading research intensive institutions.

This scholarship provides a fully funded PhD for outstanding Home fee students, offering financial stability, academic support, and institutional backing throughout the doctoral journey.

About the Leeds Doctoral Scholarship 2026

The Leeds Doctoral Scholarship is a university funded doctoral research award, administered directly by the University of Leeds.

Unlike external funding councils or government quota schemes, this scholarship is awarded through an internal academic selection process.

Applicants are first assessed by their chosen School or Faculty, which nominates candidates based on academic excellence and research potential.

Final decisions are made by a central University Scholarship Selection Panel, with merit as the sole criterion.

Being selected means securing a fully funded PhD position at one of the UK’s most respected research universities.

Key Scholarship Structure at a Glance

Degree Level: PhD (Doctoral Research only)

Study Mode: Full-time or Part-time

Awarding Body: University of Leeds

Funding Duration: Up to 3.5 years (pro-rata for part-time study)

Selection Process: School nomination + University panel approval

What the Scholarship Covers (Financial Benefits)

Successful candidates receive a comprehensive funding package designed to support both academic progress and living costs.

Funding Includes:

Full UK tuition fees for up to 3 years

Maintenance stipend aligned with UKRI rates

Annual stipend (2025/26): £20,780, with yearly increases

Maintenance funding duration: 3.5 years (full-time)

Important Notes:

Funding is awarded initially for one year and renewed annually based on satisfactory academic progress

No funding for visa costs, relocation, or dependents

Scholarship holders must live within reasonable commuting distance of the University of Leeds

Award must be taken up by 1 October 2026

Who Can Apply? (Eligibility Criteria)

Nationality & Fee Status

Applicants must be Home fee rated under UK regulations

International (overseas fee) applicants are not eligible

Academic Qualifications

A UK First Class Honours degree (or international equivalent), OR

A lower undergraduate classification with a Distinction at Master’s level in a relevant subject

Exceptional professional or industry experience may be considered in rare cases

PhD Status Restrictions

Applicants must not already hold a PhD

Applicants currently registered on a PhD are not eligible

Candidates who previously withdrew from a PhD may still apply

Residency Requirement

Scholarship holders must remain within reasonable distance of Leeds during the funding period

Available PhD Programs and Faculties

The Leeds Doctoral Scholarship supports doctoral research across all major academic faculties at the University of Leeds. The award applies only to PhD research degrees.

Eligible Faculties Include:

Arts, Humanities and Cultures

Biological Sciences

Business

Engineering and Physical Sciences

Environment

Medicine and Health

Social Sciences

Research Areas:

Artificial Intelligence and Data Science

Engineering and Technology

Life and Biomedical Sciences

Public Health and Medicine

Social Policy and Governance

Climate Change and Sustainability

Interdisciplinary Research

English Language Requirements

Applicants must meet the University of Leeds postgraduate research English language requirements. Some Schools may require higher scores depending on the discipline.

Test: IELTS Academic (or equivalent)

Minimum Score: Overall 6.0 (with no component below the required minimum)

Exemptions: Available for applicants who meet the university’s exemption criteria

How to Apply for Leeds Doctoral Scholarships 2026

The application process consists of two mandatory online stages:

Step 1: Apply for a PhD Programme

Submit an application for a PhD research programme at the University of Leeds

Include all required documents specified by the relevant School or Faculty

⚠️ Incomplete applications will not be considered for funding

Step 2: School Nomination

If shortlisted, your School will nominate you for the Leeds Doctoral Scholarship

Final decisions are made by the University Scholarship Selection Panel

Application Deadline

🗓 Deadline:

1 April 2026 (Wednesday)

⏰ Time: 17:00 (UK time)

Late or incomplete applications will not be accepted.

Why Choose the University of Leeds for a PhD?

Member of the Russell Group of UK research universities

World class research facilities and supervision

Strong interdisciplinary research culture

Excellent career development and doctoral training support

Final Thoughts

The Leeds Doctoral Scholarships 2026 offer a rare opportunity to pursue a fully funded PhD in the UK with long term financial security and academic prestige. With limited awards available, early preparation and a strong research proposal are essential.

If you meet the eligibility criteria and aim to study at a top UK university, this scholarship should be high on your priority list.

Apply Now: Leeds Doctoral Scholarships 2026: Fully Funded PhD in UK