ACCE+ DLA (Addressing the Challenges of Changing Environments Doctoral Landscape Award)

What the ACCE+ DLA gives you

You get a fully funded PhD place in environmental, ecological or evolutionary research for 3.5 years. You receive a tax-free living allowance (a stipend, your monthly living money) of about EUR 25,300 per year (GBP 21,805 in 2026/27), paid monthly and never repaid. Your full UK tuition fees are covered. You also get a research grant of roughly EUR 7,000 to EUR 11,000 (GBP 6,000 to GBP 9,500) for equipment, lab materials, fieldwork, conferences and training. If you are based in London for a year or more, you get an extra London top-up. Students with a disability can claim added support. The award is funded by the UK's Natural Environment Research Council (NERC). It is run jointly by the universities of Sheffield, Liverpool and York with several research institutes. You must finish your PhD within 4 years.

Who can apply

• Degree: You have at least an upper second-class (2:1) honours degree, or equivalent, in a relevant subject such as environmental science, biology, chemistry, maths, physics or social science. A master's, relevant work or internships can also help you qualify.
• Field of study: Any subject that gives you the skills for the specific research project.
• Where you study: You do your PhD in the UK at Sheffield, Liverpool or York, or a partner institute.
• Nationality: Both UK and international students can apply. International applicants can fill at most 30% of all places, and some projects take UK applicants only, so check the project advert.
• Timing: You apply before you start. The PhD begins in October.
• Background: All ages, genders, ethnicities and backgrounds are welcome. Applications from under-represented groups are especially encouraged.

How to apply

Projects are advertised from October or November each year. You apply online through the University of Liverpool, Sheffield or York, and you name two referees and write a personal statement. The deadline is usually early January (for the 2027/28 intake: 7 January 2027, 5pm UK time). Shortlisted applicants have an online interview, usually in February, with a short presentation on a research project you have done, followed by questions.

How realistic are your chances?

At least 13 places are offered each year across the three universities, which is a decent number. The award is well known and draws strong applicants from many fields, so competition is real. For international students, the 30% cap makes places noticeably tighter. You improve your odds by applying to more than one matching project and by having a clear research track record to present at interview.