Medical Sciences Division, University of Oxford - MRC Doctoral Training Awards

What you get

You will receive a stipend of 21,805 GBP per year (about 25,400 EUR) for up to 4 years. A research fellowship is tax-free money that you can use to support yourself whilst undertaking your PhD. This amount corresponds to the Research Council’s standard rate plus a supplement of 2,500 GBP per year from this programme. In addition, your tuition fees will be covered at the domestic rate. You will also receive a research training allowance of 5,000 GBP for research costs, as well as a travel allowance of 300 GBP. The Medical Research Council (MRC) funds this and supports around 12 new PhD students at the University of Oxford each year. You will also take part in a training programme comprising internal and external courses, research symposia and career development support.

Who can apply

• Level: You are starting a PhD or DPhil (a doctorate) at the University of Oxford.
• Field of study: All areas of medical research covered by the MRC. The programme focuses on four areas: infection and immunology; neuroscience (including psychology and psychiatry); cancer; and population health, genomics and genetics.
• Where you study: Your project runs within Oxford's Medical Sciences Division, including its MRC units and centres, most MPLS science departments, or at Diamond Light Source.
• Project fit: Your project aligns with the MRC’s key research areas and will equip you with one or more of the skills that the MRC has identified as priorities.
• Nationality: Any nationality can apply.

How to apply

You do not apply directly to the MRC, and you do not need to submit a separate application for the programme. You apply to the department at the University of Oxford that is carrying out your chosen project. Every application for a relevant project is automatically considered for this funding. The deadline for the current round is 2 December 2025 at 12:00 midday (UK time).

How realistic are your chances?

With around 12 funded places per year at one of the world’s leading medical research universities, this scholarship is highly sought-after and attracts top-calibre applicants from around the globe. Your chances depend mainly on the quality of your project and how well it aligns with the MRC’s priority areas. A clearly defined project that fits into one of the four priority areas is most helpful. Please apply via a faculty well in advance of the December deadline.