Leeds Doctoral Scholarships 2027 | Fully Funded UK PhD Opportunities

Organiser	University of Leeds
Host Country	United Kingdom
Level of Study	PhD
Deadline	1st April 2027
Funding	Fully Funded: Full fees and maintenance grant
Number of Scholarships	5 to 6
Program Duration	3.5 years full-time (pro-rata part-time)

The Leeds Doctoral Scholarships 2027 present an outstanding chance for both international and UK students to pursue fully funded doctoral research at the University of Leeds in the United Kingdom. These scholarships cover full academic fees and provide a maintenance grant, supporting promising researchers across a broad spectrum of fields. The program offers up to six scholarships for full-time or part-time PhD candidates, typically lasting three and a half years for full-time study.

Applicants should note that the scholarships are primarily intended for new postgraduate researchers and require candidates to meet specific academic and language proficiency standards.

• Imperial College London President’s PhD Scholarship
• Edinburgh Global Online Learning Masters Scholarship
• University of East Anglia Scholarship
• Top Fully Funded Scholarships in the UK

University of Leeds Scholarships Summary

• Level of Study: PhD research programs
• Institution: University of Leeds
• Host Country: United Kingdom
• Number of Scholarships: 5 to 6
• Funding: Fully funded covering full academic fees and maintenance grant
• Deadline: 1st April 2027

The three scholarships covered in this guide are:

1. Leeds Doctoral Scholarships
2. Imperial College London President’s PhD Scholarship
3. Edinburgh Global Online Learning Masters Scholarship

University of Leeds Scholarships Deadline

The deadline for the Leeds Doctoral Scholarships is 1st April 2027. It is important for applicants to be mindful of this date as late submissions will not be considered. Other scholarships listed have their own deadlines which vary.

Leeds Doctoral Scholarships Deadline

The closing date for the Leeds Doctoral Scholarships is 1st April 2027. Applicants should ensure all materials and applications are submitted before this date to be eligible for consideration.

University of Leeds Scholarship Coverage

Leeds Doctoral Scholarships

This scholarship offers comprehensive financial support for doctoral studies at the University of Leeds.

• Full academic fees covered for up to three years of full-time study (pro-rata for part-time)
• Annual maintenance grant of £20,780 for full-time students for 2025/26, adjusted annually in line with UKRI rates
• Part-time students receive 60% of the full-time maintenance grant
• Scholarship duration: 3.5 years for full-time study, pro-rata for part-time
• Initial funding is awarded for one year with renewals subject to satisfactory academic progress
• Eligible fields span multiple faculties including Arts, Biological Sciences, Business, Environment, Medicine and Health, and Social Sciences

Eligibility Criteria for University of Leeds Scholarships

Applicants must satisfy both the admission requirements of the University of Leeds and the specific eligibility criteria for the scholarships. Meeting language proficiency and academic standards is essential.

Leeds Doctoral Scholarships Eligibility

• Applicants must hold a first degree equivalent to a UK first-class honours degree; candidates with a lower classification may be considered if they hold a master’s degree with distinction or have relevant experience
• Applicants must be new postgraduate researchers, not already registered for PhD study
• Must be classified as UK fee-paying students
• English language proficiency is required, usually IELTS 6.0 overall with no section below 5.5 or equivalent; some schools may have higher requirements
• Applicants should live within reasonable distance of the University of Leeds during the scholarship period
• Open to candidates from all countries worldwide

How to Apply for University of Leeds Scholarships?

Application procedures vary by scholarship; candidates should carefully follow the specific instructions to ensure a successful submission.

How to Apply for the Leeds Doctoral Scholarships?

1. Apply for a Research Programme: Submit an application for your chosen doctoral research program at the University of Leeds. Ensure all required supporting documents are included as incomplete applications are not considered. More information on research degree applications can be found here.
2. Scholarship Application: Once you have obtained your 9-digit Student Application ID, complete the online scholarship application form available
   here

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3. Selection Process: Each school nominates shortlisted candidates to the University Scholarship Selection Panel, which selects recipients based on academic merit. Financial hardship is not considered.

Documents Required for University of Leeds Scholarships

The documentation required varies depending on the scholarship and the chosen research program. Applicants should carefully review the requirements for each.

Leeds Doctoral Scholarships Documents

1. Academic transcripts and certificates supporting your qualifications
2. Proof of English language proficiency (IELTS or equivalent)
3. Research proposal or statement as required by the research program
4. References or letters of recommendation if requested by the school/faculty
5. Completed application forms for both the research program and the scholarship

Website

For detailed information and updates, applicants are encouraged to visit the official University of Leeds scholarship pages.

• Official University of Leeds Research Funding Page
• Research Degree Application Guidelines
• Online Scholarship Application Form

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is eligible to apply for the Leeds Doctoral Scholarships?

Applicants must be new postgraduate researchers classified as UK fee-paying students, holding a first-class honours degree or equivalent, or a master’s degree with distinction and relevant experience.

Are international students eligible for the Leeds Doctoral Scholarships?

Yes, the scholarships are open to candidates from all countries worldwide, provided they meet the eligibility criteria including residency and fee status.

What does the scholarship cover?

The scholarship covers full academic fees for up to three years of full-time study and provides an annual maintenance grant of £20,780 (for 2025/26), with part-time awards pro-rated accordingly.

Can I apply if I am already registered for a PhD at the University of Leeds?

No, the scholarships are only available to new postgraduate researchers who have not yet commenced their doctoral studies at the university.

Is financial need a criterion for selection?

No, the selection is based strictly on academic merit and research potential; financial hardship is not taken into account.

What is the duration of the scholarship?

Scholarships are awarded for an initial period of one year, renewable up to a maximum of 3.5 years for full-time study, depending on satisfactory academic progress.

How do I apply for the scholarship?

First, apply for a research program at the University of Leeds and then submit the scholarship application online using your Student Application ID before the deadline.

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Reviewed by Muhammad Faizan, PhD Researcher · Last verified August 2026 to ensure accuracy and relevance.