UKIntelligent Earth Scholarship 2027 is the UKRI Centre for Doctoral Training (CDT) programme at the University of Oxford focused on applying AI to environmental challenges, offering fully funded studentships and tailored training across AI and environmental science.
The programme is delivered by the Intelligent Earth UKRI CDT at the University of Oxford, funded by UKRI with co-funding and associated initiatives such as the TechFirst Programme that can provide an enhanced stipend for eligible students.
Intelligent Earth Scholarship Benefits
- Course fee co-funded by UKRI and the University.
- Tax free living allowance (UKRI).
- Research and Training support grant (UKRI).
- TechFirst students eligible for Home fee status receive an enhanced annual stipend of £30,000.
- UKRI provided funding for 15 full studentships in 2026.
- More than 20 fully funded places offered next year with co-funding.
- Approximately six overseas students may receive fully funded studentships for 2027 entry, with Home fee status.
- Applicants are automatically considered for a funded place when applying to the CDT.
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Intelligent Earth Scholarship Eligibility Criteria
- Strong quantitative skills, curiosity, and broad interest in Intelligent Earth research themes.
- Applicants from biology.
- Applicants from chemistry.
- Applicants from computer science.
- Applicants from engineering.
- Applicants from earth sciences.
- Applicants from environment sciences.
- Applicants from geography.
- Applicants from geology.
- Applicants from geophysics.
- Applicants from mathematics.
- Applicants from meteorology.
- Applicants from oceanography.
- Applicants from physics.
- Applicants from statistics.
- Applicants from other related disciplines such as data science, mathematical, physical and environmental science.
- You must select at least one CDT theme on the application.
- There is no age limit for applying.
- All doctoral candidates are required to begin their studies in October and complete the full four-year duration.
How to Apply for Intelligent Earth Scholarship
- Join Intelligent Earth Virtual Open Day before applying. It will be held on Wednesday, 25th November 2026, from 14:00-16:00 GMT.
- Follow the University guidelines on the admissions process as provided in the Application Guide.
- Submit your application through the secure online graduate application form.
- Use the Programme Code “R30_1” for full time or “R30_9P1” for part time on the online application form.
- Provide supporting documents as specified on the University’s Supporting documents webpages.
Don’t miss this deadline
Applications close on Wednesday, 6 January 2027. We’ll email you 7, 3 and 1 days before.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are the most frequently asked questions about the Intelligent Earth Scholarship. These answers cover project ideas, themes, applications, interviews, eligibility and practical requirements for applicants.
Do I need to have a clear project idea before I apply?
No, you do not need to have a clear project idea or submit a proposed research project, and you do not need to identify a supervisor at the time of application; you must indicate that your research would be within the programme scope in your statement of purpose.
What do you mean by the ‘Themes’?
Themes are a way of grouping different backgrounds and approaches; they overlap with no hard boundaries, you can select as many themes as you like on the application but must select at least one, and indicate your core interest.
When do applications open and is there an application fee?
For the 2026–27 admissions cycle (entry in 2027–28), applications open on 16 September 2026 and the application fee for this cycle will be £20.
Is it possible to do a Masters degree within the programme?
No, the programme does not offer a standalone Masters degree as part of this programme.
Can I start the doctoral programme later than the official start date in October or shorten the duration?
No, all doctoral candidates are required to begin studies in October and must complete the full four-year duration regardless of prior experience or qualifications.
Do I need to contact potential supervisors before applying?
It is not required to contact potential supervisors before applying, although you may do so; many applicants find it useful to discuss potential ideas, but not finding a supervisor in your area may indicate the programme is not the best fit.
Will the interviews be in-person?
No, the interviews for the Intelligent Earth CDT will be conducted virtually.
Is there an age limit for applying?
No, there is no age limit; age is not taken into account when admitting students and applicants of all ages and career stages are encouraged to apply.
Is the research environment very competitive?
Students say that they experience a highly supportive and collaborative research environment rather than a competitive one. There is a good sense of community. Students on the programme help each other out with practical matters and share advice, for example relating to transfer of status. There will also be opportunities to work together, for example on a research paper or project with other people in your lab.
Is it possible to do a Masters degree within the program?
No, the program doesn’t offer a standalone Masters degree as part of this programme.
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