UK University of Leeds Doctoral Scholarships 2026 (Fully Funded)

The University of Leeds is offering the prestigious Leeds Doctoral Scholarships 2026 (PGR-F-209) for exceptional students wishing to pursue PhD research across any faculty at one of the UK’s leading research-intensive universities. These fully funded PhD scholarships are designed to support outstanding researchers committed to academic excellence and innovation.

The University of Leeds, established in 1904, is a prestigious research-intensive university located in Leeds, West Yorkshire, UK. It is consistently ranked among the top universities in the UK and globally, renowned for its excellence in teaching, research, and innovation across a wide range of disciplines. The university comprises seven faculties covering arts, sciences, engineering, business, medicine, and social sciences, offering world-class facilities and a vibrant campus community. With a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion, Leeds attracts students from across the globe, providing extensive support for academic and personal development while fostering an environment that encourages collaboration, creativity, and real-world impact.

The Leeds Doctoral Scholarships 2026 offer comprehensive funding, including:

• Full tuition fee coverage for up to 3 years (full-time).
• Annual maintenance grant of £20,780 (for Session 2025/26) - increases annually in line with UKRI rates.
• Support for 3.5 years of full-time study (or pro-rata for part-time).
• This funding ensures recipients can focus fully on their research without financial burden.

• Doctoral (PhD)

The scholarship supports full-time or part-time research degree programs for 3.5 years (full-time) or pro-rata for part-time study.

The scholarship is open for research in any Faculty at the University of Leeds, including:

• Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Cultures
• Faculty of Biological Sciences
• Faculty of Business
• Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences
• Faculty of Environment
• Faculty of Medicine and Health
• Faculty of Social Sciences

UK students only (Home fee-rated students)

To be eligible for the Leeds Doctoral Scholarship 2026, applicants must:

• Hold (or expect to hold) a UK First-Class Honours degree or equivalent.
• Applicants with a 2:1 or lower may be considered if they:
• Hold or expect a Distinction in a relevant Master’s degree, or
• Have significant relevant experience (e.g. in industry or business).
• Not already hold a PhD or be currently registered for one.
• Be able to commence studies by 1 October 2026.
• Live within a reasonable distance of the University of Leeds during the scholarship period.

Meet the English language requirement:

• IELTS 6.0 overall, with no component below 5.5 (or equivalent).
• Some Faculties may have higher requirements.

Stage 1 – Apply for a Research Programme

• Submit an application for your chosen PhD programme via the University of Leeds online portal.
• Include all supporting documents required by your chosen School or Faculty.
• Applications without complete documentation by the deadline will not be considered.

Stage 2 – Apply for the Scholarship

• Once you receive your 9-digit Student Application ID, complete the online scholarship application form.
• Applications must be submitted before 17:00 (UK time) on Wednesday 1 April 2026.
• Note: Due to the high volume of applications, the Postgraduate Scholarships Office will not provide updates until the results are announced.

Key Dates

• Application Deadline: Wednesday, 1 April 2026 (17:00 UK time)
• Funding Start Date: Thursday, 1 October 2026
• Duration: 3.5 years (full-time) or pro-rata (part-time)
• Number of Scholarships: 5 available

Selection Process

• Each School shortlists top candidates for nomination.
• Final awardees are selected by the University of Leeds Scholarship Selection Panel based solely on academic merit.
• Financial need is not considered.
• Results are announced within 10 weeks of the closing date.