Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) - EPSRC Studentships

What you get

At Cardiff University, you will receive a fully funded PhD place. Your tuition fees will be covered, and you will also receive an annual living allowance of approximately 24,500 EUR (around 20,780 GBP for 2025/26), which is paid tax-free. The funding will run for 3.5 to 4 years, i.e. for the entire duration of your PhD. You will also have access to funding for research, further training and professional development. Depending on your project, this may include conference travel, research visits abroad, language courses and work placements with industry partners. The funding is provided by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) via the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC), the UK government body that funds research in the fields of engineering, mathematics, physics, computer science and materials science.

Who can apply

• Level: You are applying for a PhD (research programme), not for a degree programme with taught modules.
• Field of study: Your project is in the field of engineering, mathematics or the natural sciences, for example computer science, materials science or civil engineering.
• Grades: You must hold a bachelor’s degree with a first-class or upper second-class honours (2:1) or an equivalent qualification in a relevant subject area.
• Nationality: Both UK and international applicants are eligible to apply. Cardiff covers the difference between the tuition fees for UK and international students, meaning that international students are also offered a fully funded place. However, up to 30% of the places per year group may be allocated to international students. Once this quota has been filled, only applicants from the UK will be accepted.
• English (international applicants): You will need an IELTS result 6.5 or an equivalent result from an English language test.
• Project-specific skills: Some projects require specific skills, such as programming skills in Python or MATLAB.

How to apply

You apply via the ‘PhD Scholarships and Projects’ page on Cardiff University’s website for a specific, advertised project and submit your application through the relevant faculty. Most programmes start in October, and the selection process usually takes place 9 to 12 months beforehand. The application period therefore generally begins between January and March of the year before you start your programme. Each project sets its own application deadline.

How realistic are your chances?

Competition for these places is fierce. Each funding body has a set number of scholarships available, and you will be assessed on the basis of your final degree mark and your suitability for a specific research project. If you have a 2:1 or a ‘First’ and your background is relevant to an advertised project, your chances are good. International applicants should apply early, as only up to 30% international students can be admitted per year.