IP PhD Studentships 2027 in UK | Fully Funded

IP PhD studentships are fully funded doctoral studentships that enable postgraduate researchers in biology, medicine and health to undertake a PhD at Manchester while spending time at one of the university’s international partner institutions. The scheme covers stipend, tuition fees and additional research support to give you a global research experience.

The studentships are offered by the Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health at the University of Manchester in collaboration with international partner universities (for example Helsinki, Lausanne, Padua and others). The Doctoral Academy manages enquiries and applications for the programme.

Benefits of IP PhD Studentships

• An annual stipend at the UKRI rate
• Tuition fees
• £5,000 p/a Research Training Support Grant (RTSG)
• £1,000 contribution towards postgraduate research travel costs

IP PhD Studentships Eligibility Criteria

• These studentships available to both UK and international applicants.
• We require applicants to hold, or be about to obtain a minimum Upper Second class UK honours degree, or the equivalent qualifications gained outside the UK, in a relevant subject area for entry to this funded PhD programme.
• As this is a highly competitive programme, many of our applicants also hold a Masters-level qualification.
• International applicants must ensure they meet the academic eligibility criteria, including English language requirements, before applying.
• Applications are welcome from all backgrounds; the programme actively encourages applications from a diverse range of backgrounds.

How to Apply for IP PhD Studentships

• Check you’re eligible — ensure you meet the entry requirements for this programme and have the skills and characteristics we’re looking for.
• Find a project — browse International Partnership PhD Studentship projects once they’re live and discover one that matches your interests.
• Contact a supervisor — speak to the potential supervisor about their project before applying.
• Prepare your supporting documents: Supporting statement; Reference details; Degree certificates and final/interim transcripts; Official English language certificates (if applicable); Curriculum Vitae (CV).
• Note: A research statement is not required for this programme.
• Complete your application — apply online and ensure you use the following details: Level of study: Postgraduate Research; Entry year: 2026/27; Intake: September; Supervisor name: specify the main supervisor only.
• For the funding section select: Funding: ‘Yes’; Type of funding: ‘Uni of Manchester scheme’; Awarding body: International Partnership PhD Studentship; Status of funding: Awarded; Funding covers: Fully Funded.
• You may apply for up to two projects; each project must be submitted as a separate application.
• Interview — if invited, interviews take place via Teams and include a short presentation (not exceeding 10 minutes) and a panel of up to three academic staff.
• If not nominated by a supervisor for a panel interview, you will be notified that your application has been unsuccessful.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are the most frequently asked questions about the IP PhD studentships. These answers cover eligibility, benefits, deadlines, application steps and contact information based on the official programme page.