Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) - BBSRC PhD Studentships

What a BBSRC PhD studentship gives you

You will receive a fully funded PhD scholarship in the life sciences. This includes a tax-free living allowance of at least approximately 24,600 EUR per year (20,780 GBP in 2025/26, higher in London), full coverage of your tuition fees, and a research budget of approximately 5,900 EUR per year (approximately 5,000 GBP) for laboratory equipment, consumables and travel to research sites. Funding is also available for attending national and international conferences. The funding runs for 4 years full time for the two main programmes (‘Doctoral Training Partnerships’ and ‘Industrial CASE’). The grant is adjusted annually in line with the rate of inflation. The BBSRC is the UK’s leading public funder of doctoral research in the life sciences; it forms part of UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) and funds around 2,000 scholarships annually.

Two important points: The BBSRC does not fund you directly. It provides funding to university networks and partner organisations, which advertise individual PhD projects for which you can apply. For most projects, the research objectives are set in advance – so you do not choose the topic yourself.

Who can apply

• Degree: You hold (or are expected to obtain) at least a bachelor’s degree (2:1) or an equivalent qualification in a relevant scientific or technical subject.
• Field of study: All subjects within the life sciences, such as biochemistry, microbiology, molecular biology, biotechnology, bioinformatics, neuroscience, as well as organic chemistry and food chemistry. Projects combining biology with engineering or environmental sciences are also possible.
• Where you study: At a British university or research institute that runs a BBSRC-funded training network.
• Nationality: Applicants from the UK, the EU and Ireland are all eligible to apply. Some networks also offer places to applicants from other countries.
• Working alongside: You can work part-time whilst doing your PhD, but not full-time.

How to apply

You do not apply to the BBSRC. Instead, you apply directly to the training partnership or university advertising the project you are interested in. Application deadlines vary depending on the network, and many advertise positions for a start in the autumn. The selection process usually involves several stages, including shortlisting and interviews.

How realistic are your chances?

With around 2,000 scholarships awarded each year at numerous UK institutions, there are far more places available than there would be for a single, named scholarship – which is an advantage. However, as these are fully funded PhD places in a popular subject area, compelling research proposals attract many highly qualified applicants, and every place is hotly contested. If you have a strong degree of 2:1 or better, are a clear fit for the project’s objectives and can make a strong impression in the interview, your chances are good. The most important thing is to apply early and for projects that match your background.