School of Divinity PhD Research Scholarships / School of Divinity Postgraduate Masters Scholarships

What you get

The University of Edinburgh's School of Divinity offers two separate funding routes, both for a September 2026 start.

PhD scholarships are the fuller package. Two awards cover your full tuition fees plus a living stipend (a monthly living allowance) at the UKRI minimum rate, the standard UK research council rate. The money is paid for three academic years, as long as your work progresses well. One award supports research in theology, biblical studies, ethics, and religion and literature. The other supports research on world traditions.

Masters scholarships cover fees only. Several awards are worth between half and full tuition fees for one academic year, taken straight off your fee bill. They do not cover living costs, so you pay those yourself.

Who can apply

• Level (PhD): You apply to a PhD programme in the School of Divinity.
• Level (Masters): You apply to a taught Masters or a Masters by Research.
• New students only: You must start the programme in September 2026 and not already be enrolled.
• How you study: Full-time, part-time and online distance learning all count.
• Nationality: UK and overseas applicants can both apply.
• Grades (Masters): You have, or expect, a UK first-class or 2:1 honours degree, or the equivalent.
• Merit (PhD): Awards go on academic merit and research potential, shown in your PhD and scholarship applications.
• Offer: You do not need an admission offer yet to apply for the scholarship.

How to apply

You apply through the University's MyEd portal. First apply for admission to the programme. Once your student account is set up, you get access to the scholarship application. The PhD scholarship deadline is 2 February 2026. Apply for PhD admission by 23 January 2026 so your access is ready in time. PhD outcomes come by the end of May 2026, and Masters outcomes by the end of June 2026.

How realistic are your chances?

The PhD route is the tightest: only two awards are offered, and the School says applications always exceed the number available. Even strong applicants are advised to apply to other funders too. The Masters awards are less contested because several are offered, but they cover fees only and go to applicants with a first or 2:1. If you clearly meet the grade and research criteria and apply for admission early, you give yourself the best shot at a small pool of awards.