University of Sheffield Research Scholarships

What you get

These are fully funded PhD scholarships from the University of Sheffield. You get a tax-free monthly living stipend (a regular payment to cover your living costs) at the standard UK research rate. This is the UKRI rate, set nationally and updated each year. It was about EUR 25,600 per year (£21,805) in 2024/25. Your tuition fees are also covered. Some rounds add a research grant for project costs. Funding runs for up to 3.5 years full time, or up to 7 years part time at half the stipend, as long as you keep making good progress. The university offers these across all its PhD subjects, from arts and engineering to science, social science and health.

Please note: applications are currently closed and no scholarships are available for 2026 entry. The university says it will reopen the scheme when new funding becomes available.

Who can apply

• Level: You are about to start a PhD at Sheffield and have not begun it yet. Only new applicants qualify.
• Field of study: Any PhD subject offered at Sheffield.
• Where you study: You do your PhD at the University of Sheffield, in the UK.
• Nationality: Anyone can apply. Both UK (Home) and international (Overseas) students qualify.
• Grades: You hold a First Class or Upper Second Class (2:1) UK bachelor's degree, or an equivalent, and you meet any extra requirements set by your department.

How to apply

First apply for a PhD place through the university's online application form, ideally after talking to your intended supervisor or department. Inside that form, complete the separate scholarship section. Faculty of Health applicants use their own portal instead. You may apply for several scholarships at once. Late applications are not accepted.

How realistic are your chances?

Right now no round is open, so no one can apply for 2026 entry. When a round does open, these are full PhD scholarships across all subjects and open to all nationalities, so they are widely contested. Your best chances come from a clear 2:1 or First, a well-matched supervisor lined up early, and a solid research proposal.