Bicentenary PhD Studentships – Eligibility, Benefits & How to Apply

🌟 About the Scholarship

Opens
Closes31 Jan, 2026

The Bicentenary PhD Studentships at the University of Manchester are prestigious, fully funded doctoral awards. Studentships cover full tuition fees at home or international rates. Scholars also receive an annual maintenance stipend at the UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) rate, currently around £20,780 per year, for up to four years of full-time study. Recipients gain membership in the university’s Doctoral Academy, which offers world-class supervisory teams, research development training, and access to a dynamic research community. The program also provides opportunities to collaborate across disciplines and with industry partners.

🎓 Scholarship Snapshot

Here’s everything you need at a glance: the documents to prepare, what the award covers, and key dates so you don’t miss a beat. From transcripts and essays to tuition and living support, this gives you a clear picture of the Bicentenary PhD Studentships before you apply.

Eligible Countries

Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Andorra, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Armenia, Aruba, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belarus, Belgium, Benin, Bhutan, Bolivia, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei Darussalam, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cabo Verde, Cambodia, Cameroon, Canada, Cape Verde, Central African Republic, Chad, Chile, China, Colombia, Comoros, Costa Rica, Côte d’Ivoire, Croatia, Cuba, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Denmark, Djibouti, Dominica, Dominican Republic, East Timor, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Estonia, Eswatini, Ethiopia, Fiji, Finland, France, Gabon, Gambia, Georgia, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Greenland, Grenada, Guam, Guatemala, Guinea, Guinea Bissau, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Hong Kong, Hungary, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kiribati, Kosovo, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Laos, Latvia, Lebanon, Lesotho, Liberia, Libya, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Madagascar, Malawi, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Malta, Marshall Islands, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mexico, Micronesia, Moldova, Monaco, Mongolia, Montenegro, Morocco, Mozambique, Myanmar, Nauru, Nepal, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Niger, Nigeria, Niue, North Korea, North Macedonia, Norway, Oman, Pakistan, Palau, Palestine, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Puerto Rico, Qatar, Romania, Russia, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, San Marino, Sao Tome and Principe, Saudi Arabia, Scotland, Seirra Leone, Senegal, Serbia, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Solomon Islands, Somalia, South Korea, South Sudan, South-Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Suriname, Swaziland, Sweden, Switzerland, Syrian Arab Republic, Taiwan, Tajikistan, Tanzania, Thailand, Timor-Leste, Togo, Tokelau, Trinidad-Tobago, Tunisia, Turkey, Tuvalu, Uganda, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States, Uruguay, Uzbekistan, Vanuatu, Vatican City, Venezuela, Vietnam, Wales, Yemen, Zambia, Zimbabwe

Study Fields

Creative Industries, Digital & AI, Environment & Climate Change, Health Inequalities

GPA / Grade

GPA 3.3

Languages

IELTS 7, PTE A 76, TOEFL iBT 100

Tests

Study Levels

PhD

Total Scholarships

Transcripts

Yes

Degrees

Yes

Essay

Yes

Passport ID

Recommendation Letters

Yes (2)

Result Date

Program Start

September 2026

Tuition Fee

Covered

Living Allowance

Yes

£20,780 per year

Travel Allowance

Research Grant

Health Insurance

Visa Assistance

📞 Contact Information

Call if you want a quick answer, send an email for detailed questions, or follow the university’s social channels to keep an eye on updates and reminders. Use whatever fits your style and timezone.

Scholarship Summary

Award Amount£20,780 per year
Deadline31 Jan, 2026
LevelPhD
InstitutionUniversity of Manchester
CountryUnited Kingdom
ModeOnline
TypeFully funded

Apply Now

The Bicentenary PhD Studentships at the University of Manchester are prestigious, fully funded doctoral awards. They were created to celebrate the university’s 200th anniversary and to attract outstanding postgraduate researchers. Starting in September 2026, the program will fund more than 45 PhD projects across key areas in the Faculty of Science and Engineering. These studentships integrate advanced doctoral training with research addressing pressing global challenges.

Background and Purpose

The University of Manchester launched the Bicentenary Studentships to promote research excellence and interdisciplinary collaboration. The initiative targets cutting-edge research themes, including Digital & AI, Environment and Climate Change, Health Inequalities, and Creative Industries. By supporting talented researchers, the program fosters innovation and impactful outputs that advance both science and society. It also strengthens the university’s global academic standing and builds a vibrant research community.

Bicentenary PhD Studentships Benefits

Bicentenary PhD Studentships cover full tuition fees at home or international rates. Scholars also receive an annual maintenance stipend at the UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) rate, currently around £20,780 per year, for up to four years of full-time study. Recipients gain membership in the university’s Doctoral Academy, which offers world-class supervisory teams, research development training, and access to a dynamic research community. The program also provides opportunities to collaborate across disciplines and with industry partners.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must apply for a PhD project designated for Bicentenary funding. Candidates should hold, or expect to achieve, a qualifying undergraduate degree (First Class or Upper Second/2:1) and ideally a master’s degree at merit or distinction level. They must also demonstrate strong academic research potential. In addition, an offer of a place in the relevant PhD program is required for consideration.

Bicentenary PhD Studentships Application Process

Applicants first select an eligible PhD project and contact the proposed supervisor. They then complete the formal online submission, which may include an interview. The university reviews applications based on academic merit, research potential, and alignment with the project’s objectives. Successful candidates are notified of their award and provided guidance for registration and study commencement.

Opportunities for Scholars

Bicentenary students benefit from full financial support and structured doctoral training. They join a highly collaborative research environment, gain access to top supervisory teams, and develop skills for impactful, interdisciplinary research. Scholars also connect with global academic networks, industry partners, and innovative research initiatives that enhance career and research prospects.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who is eligible to apply?

Open to applicants of any nationality holding (or expecting) a first‑class or upper second‑class degree (or equivalent), and who hold (or will receive) a PhD offer.

Do I need a confirmed offer first?

Yes, applicants must hold a formal PhD offer from the University of Manchester to be considered.

Are applications competitive?

Yes, the awards are competitive and judged on academic excellence and research potential.