University of Edinburgh - College Studentship

What you get

You will receive your full PhD tuition fees paid as well as a annual living stipend (a yearly living allowance) of about 24,000 EUR. This corresponds to the rate set by the UK Research Council (GBP 20,780 for 2025/2026) and applies to the standard 3 years of a PhD programme. If you are undertaking the 4-year PhD programme in Economics with an integrated degree or a 4-year integrated PhD programme at the Business School, the funding will cover 4 years. The funding is provided by the College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences (CAHSS) at the University of Edinburgh. You will also work within an active research department and be supervised within your chosen school.

Who can apply

• Level: You are starting the first year of a PhD programme (full-time, part-time or distance learning). Master’s programmes with a research focus (MSc by Research) are not included.
• Where you study: You are studying at the University of Edinburgh in one of the following six departments: Business Studies; Economics; History, Classics and Archaeology; Health Sciences in the Social Sciences; Literature, Languages and Cultures; or Philosophy, Psychology and Linguistics.
• Timing: You will commence your PhD between 1 August 2026 and 31 July 2027 (in the academic year 2026/2027).
• Grades and research: You have excellent academic results and great potential for research. This will be assessed on the basis of your academic achievements, your research proposal, any publications you may have, and your letters of recommendation.
• Nationality: Applicants of all nationalities are welcome to apply. Your background will not affect your chances.
• Financial need: Not verified. The award is granted solely on the basis of merit.

How to apply

First, apply for admission to your PhD programme in Edinburgh. Once you have received your login details, apply for the scholarship online via the MyEd portal. If you apply to the School of Economics and are shortlisted, you will be invited to an interview. Deadlines vary by faculty and are usually between February and April. Late applications will not be considered; therefore, please apply well in advance of the specified deadline.

How realistic are your chances?

This award is open only to six faculties at a university and is awarded solely on the basis of academic and research achievements, meaning that competition is extremely fierce. In the past, there have been more than 20 applicants per place. A concise, well-reasoned research proposal and convincing references set applicants apart from the crowd – it is not just grades alone. If you can demonstrate truly outstanding achievements and prepare your research proposal well in advance, you stand a real chance. Nevertheless, regard it as an ambitious goal.