Fully funded

President's Doctoral Scholar Award

University of Manchester, United Kingdom

Scholarship overview

The President's Doctoral Scholar (PDS) Award is the University's flagship PhD funding scheme, open to students of all nationalities and all research areas. It supports interdisciplinary research projects across the three faculties, with a unifying theme for each annual cohort.

For 2027/28 entry the theme is "Sensing the World"; the Faculty of Science and Engineering expects eight to ten projects. Scholars also join a programme of leadership and skills training and exclusive events with the President and Vice-Chancellor.

Award Information

  • Apply for a PhD programme by the published deadline.
  • Hold or expect a First Class or 2:1 UK honours degree or international equivalent (the Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health requires a first-class degree) and meet the programme's offer criteria.
  • Ideally hold a master's at merit or distinction.
  • Have research-related experience showing potential (projects, placements, publications, prizes, collaborations).
  • Show involvement in wider activities such as outreach, volunteering or community engagement.
  • Open to all nationalities; part-time study (50%, 60% or 80%) may be possible depending on the project.
  • Four-year fully funded studentship.
  • Tuition fees at home or international rate.
  • Annual stipend at the UKRI minimum (£21,805 for 2026/27) plus a £1,000 enhancement.
  • Up to £20,000 research, training and skills development grant (Faculty of Science and Engineering).
  • Projects announced: 30 October 2026.
  • Application deadline: 18 December 2026.
  • Interviews likely week commencing 1 March 2027.
  1. Find a PDS project (advertised from 30 October 2026).
  2. Contact the project supervisor to discuss your fit and mention the PDS Award.
  3. Complete the formal online PhD application before 18 December 2026, naming the project and supervisor and selecting the President's Doctoral Scholar Award as the funding scheme.
  4. Departments nominate candidates to the Faculty; nominees are invited to interview.

Official links

Documents you will need

  • Personal or supporting statement.
  • CV.
  • Two referees' details.
  • Degree certificates and transcripts (or proof of master's enrolment).
  • English language certificates if applicable.

How selection works

Supervisors may hold informal interviews; each department nominates candidates to its Faculty, and nominees are interviewed. All appointments are made on merit.

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