University of Leeds Open Application Window to Start Enrolling Candidates for PhD Scholarship 2027 intake The International Candidates who wants to pursue their PHD In academic and research careers in the field of computer science in University of Leeds UK are invited.
The University of Leeds is a public research university in Leeds, West Yorkshire, England. It was established in 1874 as the Yorkshire College of Science. In 1884, it merged with the Leeds School of Medicine (established 1831) and was renamed Yorkshire College. It became part of the federal Victoria University in 1887, joining Owens College (which became the University of Manchester) and University College Liverpool (which became the University of Liverpool). In 1904, a royal charter was granted to the University of Leeds by King Edward VII.
What Does the University of Leeds PhD Scholarship Cover?
| Benefit | Details |
|---|---|
| University | University of Leeds |
| Study Level | PhD / Doctoral Research |
| Study Location | Leeds, United Kingdom |
| Scholarship Type | Fully Funded / Funded PhD Studentship |
| Maintenance Stipend | £21,805 per year at the 2026/27 UKRI rate |
| Tuition Fees | Full academic fees for eligible awards; check individual scholarship conditions |
| Study Duration | Commonly up to 3.5 years for full-time awards |
| International Applicants | Available for selected scholarships and projects |
| Research Areas | Varies by school, faculty and funded project |
| Start Date | Commonly 1 February 2027 for current 2026/27 opportunities |
| Selection | Academic merit and research potential, depending on the award |
| Visa/Relocation Costs | May not be covered; applicants should check individual award terms |
What Is the Current £21,805 PhD Stipend?
- Tax-free maintenance allowance of £21,805 a year.
- Full Tuition fee Coverage
- Funding is available for up to 3.5 years.
- Open to International Students
- Access to research facilities, expert supervision, seminars and doctoral training.
- Take advantage of career development opportunities, conferences, industry connections and skills training.
READ: Cambridge University MBA Scholarship 2027 in the UK: How to Apply
Who Is Eligible for the University of Leeds PhD Scholarship?
The applicants are requested to read the instructions carefully before applying.
- Applicants from the UK and international are invited.
- Applicants are to apply for the correct PhD programme (full-time).
- This studentship is not available to candidates who already have a PhD.
- Those currently registered on a PhD are also not eligible to apply.
- The award will need to be accepted by 1 February 2027.
- Students who are successful should be able to reside in a reasonable distance from the University of Leeds for the duration of the scholarship.
What Documents Are Needed for the Application?
The required documents vary by scholarship, but applicants may be asked to provide:
- Full academic transcripts
- Personal statement
- Curriculum vitae (CV)
- Evidence of English language ability
Do You Need IELTS to Apply for a Leeds PhD Scholarship?
The minimum requirement for research postgraduate study is generally:
- IELTS overall: 6.5
- Writing: 6.5
- Reading: 6.0
- Listening: 6.0
- Speaking: 6.0
When Does the University of Leeds PhD Scholarship Start?
The current deadline for the advertised University of Leeds PhD Scholarship is 30 September 2026 at 23:59. The funded PhD project is scheduled to begin on 1 February 2027.
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How Can You Apply for a University of Leeds PhD Scholarship?
Applicants should generally:
- Search for a suitable PhD project or scholarship.
- Check the academic and English-language requirements.
- Review the funding conditions carefully.
- Prepare a CV and academic transcripts.
- Prepare a research proposal where required.
- Identify and contact a potential supervisor where the advertisement recommends it.
- Apply for the relevant PhD research degree.
- Complete the separate scholarship application where required.
- Submit all supporting documents before the deadline.
- Monitor email for further communication from the University.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the University of Leeds PhD Scholarship 2027?
It refers to funded doctoral opportunities available at the University of Leeds for the 2026/27 and 2027-start cycle. Individual scholarships have their own eligibility, funding and deadline requirements.
How much is the University of Leeds PhD stipend?
The UKRI-aligned maintenance rate shown for several Leeds 2026/27 doctoral awards is £21,805 per year for full-time study.
Is the Leeds PhD Scholarship fully funded?
Some Leeds PhD scholarships are fully funded, covering tuition fees and a maintenance stipend. However, funding differs between awards, so applicants must check the individual scholarship conditions.
Can international students apply for a University of Leeds PhD Scholarship?
Yes. Selected Leeds doctoral scholarships are open to international applicants, including some current Business School and School of Computer Science opportunities.
Does the scholarship cover international tuition fees?
Not necessarily. Some awards cover only UK tuition fees and require international students to pay the difference. Applicants must check the specific scholarship terms.
How long does the PhD scholarship last?
Several current Leeds doctoral awards provide funding for up to 3.5 years of full-time study, although the precise duration varies by award.
What is the deadline for the Leeds PhD Scholarship?
There is no universal deadline. Current scholarships have different closing dates, including September 2026 deadlines for some 2026/27 awards.
When does the current Leeds PhD funding start?
Several current funded opportunities specify 1 February 2027 as the start date. Other scholarships may have different start dates.
Do I need a master’s degree to apply for a Leeds PhD?
Not necessarily. Requirements vary by programme and scholarship. Some applicants can qualify with a strong bachelor’s degree, while particular projects may require or strongly prefer a master’s qualification.
Do I need IELTS for a Leeds PhD?
International applicants may need to provide English-language evidence. Requirements vary by school and programme, with some Leeds research programmes listing IELTS 6.0 overall with no component below 5.5 as a minimum.
Can I apply if I am already studying for a PhD?
Many Leeds scholarships are intended for new postgraduate researchers and exclude applicants who are already registered for doctoral study. Always check the specific award.
Does the Leeds PhD scholarship cover living expenses?
Eligible awards provide a maintenance stipend intended to support living costs. The current UKRI-aligned rate for several 2026/27 awards is £21,805 per year.
Does the scholarship pay for flights to the UK?
Applicants should not assume that flights are covered. The Leeds University Business School scholarship specifically states that flights and other relocation expenses are the applicant’s responsibility.
Does the scholarship cover UK visa costs?
Visa costs are not automatically covered. Applicants should check the individual scholarship terms and budget separately for visa-related expenses.
What documents are required for a Leeds PhD application?
Typical documents include academic transcripts, a CV, personal statement, research proposal where applicable, references and English-language evidence. The exact requirements depend on the programme and scholarship.
Do I need a research proposal?
Some PhD applications require a research proposal, while others are based on a predefined funded project. Applicants should follow the instructions in the specific scholarship advertisement.
Can I contact a supervisor before applying?
Yes. Leeds frequently encourages prospective applicants to contact relevant supervisors before applying, particularly for project-based doctoral opportunities.
How competitive is the University of Leeds PhD Scholarship?
Funded doctoral scholarships are competitive because the number of awards is limited. Applicants should demonstrate strong academic performance, research potential and a good fit with the advertised project or research area.
Are all University of Leeds PhD scholarships open to international students?
No. Eligibility differs by award. Some are open to international applicants, while others are specifically restricted to UK applicants.
Where can I apply for University of Leeds PhD funding?
Applications are made through the University of Leeds research-degree and scholarship systems, according to the instructions for the individual award. Applicants should begin with the University’s official PhD funding portal.
