Engineering & Physical Sciences Research Council Funding (EPSRC) - Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council Funding

EPSRC doctoral funding for PhD students

You will receive a comprehensive funding package for a PhD programme in engineering and the natural sciences in the United Kingdom. This currently comprises a tax-free living allowance (money for living expenses) of approximately 21,805 GBP per year (around 25,400 EUR), as well as full coverage of your tuition fees (approximately 5,238 GBP, around 6,100 EUR per year). In addition, there is a research training grant of around 5,000 GBP (approximately 5,800 EUR) for laboratory equipment and materials. Smaller additional allowances cover travel expenses, conference attendance and, where necessary, a grant for students with disabilities. The amounts are increased annually in line with the rate of inflation. Funding typically lasts for 3 years for a standard PhD or for 4 years at a doctoral training centre (often a 1-year Master’s programme followed by a 3-year PhD). Funding is provided by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC), the UK’s leading public funder of doctoral research in these disciplines and part of UK Research and Innovation (UKRI).

Who can apply

• Degree level: You are starting a PhD in the UK.
• Field of study: Engineering and the natural sciences in the broadest sense, for example applied physics, chemical engineering, biomedical engineering, energy engineering, materials science, semiconductor technology, software development and manufacturing technology. Interdisciplinary projects with other UKRI councils are also possible.
• Where you study: At a British university that awards an EPSRC PhD scholarship, such as the University of Warwick.
• Residence: To be eligible for the full package (tuition fees plus a scholarship), you must be a British national or have been resident in the United Kingdom for at least 3 years for reasons other than studying, and hold a valid residence permit. Irish nationals meet the same criteria, as do EU citizens with ‘settled’ or ‘pre-settled’ status.
• International students: Whilst you can still apply, you will generally only be eligible for a scholarship that covers tuition fees only. Each university may award a maximum of 30% of its funded PhD places to international students.
• Grades: There are no official minimum entry requirements, but universities generally expect a degree with a ‘First Class’ or ‘Upper Second’ grade (2:1), often in conjunction with a Master’s degree in a related subject area.

How to apply

You do not apply directly to the EPSRC. Instead, you should search the website of a university or a PhD vacancy search platform for an advertised, EPSRC-funded PhD project. You then send your application documents (usually a CV, a personal statement and references) to the relevant university or PhD centre. If you are shortlisted, you will be invited to an interview. Each university sets its own deadlines, so there is no single central application deadline.

How realistic are your chances?

This is the largest source of government funding for PhD positions in the fields of engineering and physics in the United Kingdom, meaning that a large number of positions are funded. However, there is strong competition for each individual project, and the academic requirements are, in practice, high. If you hold a degree with a grade of 2:1 or a ‘First Class’, your research interests align well with an advertised project, and you meet the UK’s residency requirements for the full funding amount, your prospects are good. International applicants face a significantly tougher challenge due to the cap of 30%; you should therefore apply early and target projects that welcome international applicants.