UKDigital Futures Scholarship supports doctoral research as part of the ESRC Research Centre for Digital Futures at Work (Digit). The Scholarship covers full fees with a tax-free maintenance (currently £21,805 in 2026/27, which rises annually in line with UKRI rates) for 3.5 years and funds research into digital skills, AI adoption and regional labour markets.
The award is located within the ESRC Research Centre for Digital Futures at Work (Digit) and based at Leeds University Business School, University of Leeds. Digit is a multi-institution research centre led from the Universities of Leeds and Sussex and provides a supportive research environment, networks, and additional support for consumables, training and conference attendance.
Digital Futures Scholarship Benefits
- A highly competitive scholarship as part of the ESRC Research Centre for Digital Futures at Work (Digit). The Scholarship covers full fees with a tax-free maintenance (currently £21,805 in 2026/27, which rises annually in line with UKRI rates) for 3.5 years.
- The award provides full academic fees and a maintenance grant (£21,805 in Session 2026/27) for full-time study, part-time will be pro-rata. This amount increases per annum in line with the UKRI rate. Full-time awards provide full fees for 3 years and a maintenance award for 3.5 years (Part-time awards are pro-rata).
- This prestigious studentship also provides additional support for consumables, training and conference attendance.
- Please be aware that any expenses related to the relocation of international students to the UK (visa, insurance, NHS fees, flights, etc) would be their responsibility and is not covered by this award.
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Digital Futures Scholarship Eligibility Criteria
- Applications are open to either International or Home (UK) applicants.
- Awards must be taken up by 1 February 2027.
- Candidates who have previously been awarded a PhD or are currently registered on a PhD are excluded from applying. Those who were previously studying for a PhD but did not complete may be considered.
- The awards are available for new Postgraduate Researchers undertaking full-time or part-time research study leading to the degree of PhD.
- Applicants must live within a reasonable distance of the University of Leeds whilst in receipt of this Scholarship.
How to Apply for Digital Futures Scholarship
- First, apply for a research place of study, through the online application form.
- Please state clearly that the funding you wish to be considered for is “The ESRC Centre for Digital Futures at Work centre scholarship”
- Please state clearly in the research section that your research areas is Digital Futures at Work and the proposed supervisor as Professor Mark Stuart.
- You will be expected to meet our eligibility criteria for PHD candidates.
- In order to be considered, you must submit all the required supporting documents for your application for PhD study. This includes: Degree transcripts and certificates; Any English language test results (if applicable); A research proposal – this should be on the broad topic specified but applicants can pursue their own interests within this broad area. Your PhD proposal should also be no longer than six pages.
- Any study applications that are not accompanied by the documents requested by the deadline of 17:00 p.m. on 31stth October will not be considered for the award.
Don’t miss this deadline
Applications close on Saturday, 31 October 2026. We’ll email you 7, 3 and 1 days before.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are the most frequently asked questions about the Digital Futures Scholarship. These answers cover eligibility, benefits, deadlines, and how to apply based on the University of Leeds advert.
What does the Digital Futures Scholarship cover?
The Digital Futures Scholarship covers full academic fees and provides a tax-free maintenance grant (currently £21,805 in 2026/27) for full-time study. Full-time awards provide full fees for 3 years and maintenance for 3.5 years. The award also provides additional support for consumables, training and conference attendance. Relocation expenses are not covered.
Who is eligible to apply for the scholarship?
Applications are open to both International and Home (UK) applicants. Awards are available for new Postgraduate Researchers undertaking full-time or part-time research study leading to the degree of PhD. Candidates who have previously been awarded a PhD or are currently registered on a PhD are excluded; those who previously studied for a PhD but did not complete may be considered.
What is the application deadline?
The application deadline is 31 October 2026. The key facts list the deadline as Saturday 31 October 2026, and the how to apply section reiterates that documents must be submitted by 17:00 on 31st October in order to be considered for the award.
When does funding start if I am awarded the scholarship?
Funding start date is Monday 1 February 2027. Awards must be taken up by 1 February 2027 according to the ‘Other Conditions’ in the advert, so successful candidates are expected to begin their studies at the University of Leeds by that date.
What are the academic entry requirements?
Applicants should normally have at least a first class or an upper second class British Bachelors Honours degree (or equivalent) in an appropriate discipline and should hold a British Masters degree (or equivalent) or an equivalent professional qualification. The People, Work and Employment department requires a minimum average score of 60 percent in the Masters degree.
Are English language requirements specified?
Yes. The minimum English language entry requirement for research postgraduate study at Leeds University Business School is an IELTS of 7 overall with at least 6.5 in each component (reading, writing, listening and speaking) or equivalent. The test must be dated within 2 years of the course start date to be valid.
How is the selection process conducted?
Before applying for the scholarship you must apply for a research place and have your 9-digit student ID. Applications should be submitted at least 8 weeks before the scholarship deadline. All scholarship applications are considered after the deadline and only complete applications will be considered. Final awards are based on academic merit and applicants will be emailed within 6-8 weeks of the deadline.
What project topics does the scholarship support?
The scholarship focuses on the project entitled ‘Building good work and digital skills within a regional digital eco-system’. Research examines how local authorities and regional agencies can develop an inclusive digital and skills ecosystem, covering digital skills readiness, institutional capabilities for digital and AI adoption, and future sustainable employment and good work.
Who will supervise the research?
The research will be supervised by Professor Mark Stuart (Co-Director, Digit) and Professor Charles Umney. The studentship is located within the ESRC Research Centre for Digital Futures at Work (Digit) and based at Leeds University Business School, with opportunities to collaborate with Digit networks and local actors for internships.
What supporting documents are required with the application?
You must submit degree transcripts and certificates, any English language test results if applicable, and a research proposal no longer than six pages that sets out the research project, its importance, methodology, data collection and analysis plans. Proposals clearly written by AI will be desk rejected and applications missing required documents by the deadline will not be considered.
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