Department of Politics and International Studies - Department of Politics and International Studies Fellowships

What you get

You will receive about 22,300 EUR per year to fund a PhD in Politics and International Studies at the University of Warwick in the UK. The best scholarships cover your full tuition fees as well as an annual living allowance for up to 3.5 years (42 months). Other scholarships cover tuition fees only. The funding is provided by the University’s Department of Politics and International Studies (PAIS). You may be asked to undertake paid work within the department alongside your studies, for example as a research assistant, teaching undergraduate students or carrying out administrative tasks.

Who can apply

• Degree level: You are starting a PhD programme in the PAIS department in October 2026, or you are already in the first year of your PhD programme in the PAIS department.
• Previous degree: You must have a Master’s degree in a relevant subject area by 29 September 2026. A very good Bachelor’s degree in a relevant subject area would be an advantage.
• Field of study: Your research project fits within a PAIS thematic area, such as international political economy, international relations and security, comparative politics, political theory, or environmental policy and climate change.
• Nationality: Applicants of all nationalities are welcome to apply, including students from the UK, the EU and other countries.
• English: You can contact IELTS 7.0 in English.
• Women's award: One scholarship is reserved for a female applicant, as women are under-represented in this field.

How to apply

First, apply for the PhD programme via the university’s online system, ideally by 1 December 2025. You should then submit your separate scholarship application by email to the PAIS department by 11. December 2025 (16:59 GMT) to the PAIS department. The admission decisions will be published on 23 February 2026.

How realistic are your chances?

The department describes this award as highly sought-after; it is open to students worldwide, meaning the field of applicants is very diverse. Your chances depend on a compelling research proposal that aligns with the work of a Warwick supervisor and a PAIS research cluster – not just on your grades. Get in touch with a potential supervisor at an early stage and submit your main PhD application well in advance of the scholarship deadline to maximise your chances.