Postgraduate training provides the opportunity to develop the research, subject, communication and other skills you need for a wide variety of careers.
We do not provide doctoral funding directly to students and you cannot apply directly to us.
We provide funding to UK universities and other eligible research organisations, to cover the fees and living costs of postgraduate research students. The majority of the students we fund are working towards a PhD. Each place a research organisation offers using this funding is called a studentship.
For studentships we fund we recommend minimum funding to cover your fees and living costs as a stipend. The research organisation is responsible for the administration of the stipend. There may be additional funds available to cover fieldwork and other research related expenses.
The statement of expectations for doctoral training sets out what we expect from research organisations and students.
Funding for full-time studentships usually lasts between three and four years. There are also options for flexible arrangements.
Finding a studentship
You will need to apply for a studentship through the research organisation where you want to study.
To find a studentship you can:
- look at organisations who support UKRI-funded studentships through doctoral focal awards or through doctoral landscape awards
- search on external sites like FindaPhD
Eligibility
Research organisations have their own eligibility criteria which you will need to meet.
You must be resident in the UK for the majority of your studies and any time spent overseas should be for the purpose of fieldwork or a long-term attachment.
International students can usually apply, but the number of places available to international students is limited. International students will also need to make sure they follow their visa conditions.
Start date
Most students start in October, but you can start at any time of year if agreed with your research organisation.
Organisations usually start the recruitment cycle 12 months before the studentship start date.
Last updated: 27 March 2026