Wolfson Postgraduate Scholarships in the Humanities (an anderen Partneruniversitaeten, z.B. Nottingham, York, Oxford, UCL, Birmingham, Exeter)

Wolfson Postgraduate Scholarships in the Humanities

You get a fully funded PhD in history, literature or languages at one of six UK universities: Birmingham, UCL, Exeter, Nottingham, Oxford or York. The award covers your full tuition fees (both the lower UK rate and the higher international rate), a tax-free monthly living allowance, and money for research, training and travel. It runs for 3 years full time, or up to 6 years part time. The amounts vary by university. At Nottingham (2027/28 start) the package is about 131,000 EUR (£111,750) over three years, which includes a living stipend (your regular payment to cover living costs) of about 32,300 EUR (£27,500) per year. At Birmingham (2026/27 start) it is about 43,700 EUR (£37,250) per year. The money comes from the Wolfson Foundation, which has run the programme since 2012.

Who can apply

• Level: You are starting a full PhD at one of the six partner universities. If you are already enrolled in a doctorate, you cannot apply.
• Field of study: Your research is in history, literature or languages, defined broadly. History can include classics, art history or music history. Literature does not include creative writing. Languages means an applied language other than English, and does not include linguistics. Your thesis must be written in English.
• Nationality: Any nationality can apply, including UK, EU and other international students.
• Where you live: You must live in the UK during your studies, within reasonable distance of your university. Fieldwork and conferences elsewhere are fine.
• Grades: You usually have a first-class Bachelor's degree. You also need either a Master's in a relevant subject (held or finished before your PhD starts) or equivalent professional experience.
• Selection basis: Awards are decided purely on academic merit.

How to apply

You apply to your chosen university, not to the Wolfson Foundation, and each one runs its own process. At Nottingham you apply through the university's AHRC doctoral award route, with a deadline around 19 January 2027 (midday). At Birmingham a single form covers several scholarships, and applications reopen in autumn 2026. Your university, not the foundation, selects the winners.

How realistic are your chances?

This is a small, prestigious award. Only a handful of scholarships go to each university every year, and they are decided entirely on academic strength across a large applicant pool. If you have a first-class degree, a strong research proposal in history, literature or languages, and clear academic potential, you are in the running. But the bar is high. A well-defined project that fits one of the three subjects and an early application improve your prospects.