UK Research and Innovation - STFC/NERC Doctoral Training Grants

Benefit

You will receive a PhD scholarship of stipend of at least £20,780 per year (about 24,100 EUR), tax-free, which will cover your living expenses whilst you are carrying out your research. A scholarship is a regular living allowance that you do not have to repay. It usually runs for a period of 3.5 to 4 years. The scholarship also covers your tuition fees (at least £5,006 per year, approximately 5,800 EUR). In addition, there is an annual research training allowance of approximately £1,000 (around 1,160 EUR) for laboratory materials, courses, fieldwork and conference travel. The funding comes from UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), the organisation that now oversees the former Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC) and the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC). UKRI does not pay the money directly to you. The funds are transferred to a UK university, which will offer you a place on the programme.

Eligibility

• Degree: You hold a university degree that entitles you to pursue a PhD.
• Research field: Your project falls within one of the STFC’s or NERC’s thematic areas, such as astrophysics, particle physics, atmospheric science, marine science or planetary physics.
• Where you study: You are studying for a PhD at a British university that receives one of these training grants.
• Nationality: Both UK and international students are eligible to apply. Each degree programme must accept both, but may fill no more than 30% of its places with international students.

How to apply

You cannot apply directly to the STFC, NERC or UKRI. Applications must be made via a UK university offering a relevant PhD programme, as part of the standard postgraduate admissions process. Each university sets its own application deadline; for example, the deadline at the Institute of Atmospheric, Oceanic and Planetary Physics at the University of Oxford is in early January. The selection process usually involves an assessment of your application documents and an interview.

How realistic are your chances?

Places are limited and are allocated on the basis of academic merit, so competition is fierce, particularly in prestigious departments. Your chances are best if your research clearly fits within an STFC or NERC discipline, you have an excellent academic record, and a supervisor is willing to supervise you. As places are allocated through fixed admission rounds, it is crucial to apply early and plan your project in advance.