UKGatsby Unit PhD Studentship 2027 provides fully funded PhD training in machine learning and computational/theoretical neuroscience, with multidisciplinary coursework and research opportunities. The Gatsby Unit Scholarship supports students to study toward a PhD with access to unit-wide research activities and collaborations with SWC and the ELLIS Unit.
The programme is offered by the Gatsby Unit at UCL within the Faculty of Life Sciences. The Unit provides interdisciplinary research links to the Sainsbury Wellcome Centre for Neural Circuits and Behaviours and the ELLIS Unit at UCL, with strong career outcomes for alumni.
Gatsby Unit PhD Studentship Benefits
- Full funding is available to all students, regardless of nationality.
- The PhD studentships cover UCL tuition fees for both home and international students and include an annual tax-free stipend of £30,900 (2026/27 rate) as well as travel budget for attending conferences and workshops.
- There are also two Jump studentships in the Gatsby Unit for postgraduate research in artificial intelligence with potential for application in finance.
- The Jump studentship covers UCL tuition fees for both home and international students and includes an annual tax-free stipend and travel budget for conferences and workshops.
- Scholars (Jump) will be eligible for employment opportunities with Jump Trading Group in London during the course of their PhD.
Get new scholarships by email
Scholarship Union lists awards like this one as they open. One short digest, no spam.
Gatsby Unit PhD Studentship Eligibility Criteria
- Applicants must have a strong analytical and mathematical background, a keen interest in neuroscience and/or machine learning, and a relevant first degree (for example, in Computer Science, Engineering, Physics, Statistics, Mathematics, Neuroscience, or Cognitive Psychology).
- Students seeking to combine work in neuroscience and machine learning are particularly encouraged to apply.
- Candidates offered a place on the Gatsby Unit PhD programme will be required to meet UCL’s standard admissions requirements.
- The required UCL level of English proficiency for this programme is Level 3.
How to Apply for Gatsby Unit PhD Studentship
- Applications must be submitted via the Gatsby Recruitment Portal by 17:00 GMT on Monday 9 November 2026. Applications by any other means will not be accepted.
- Academic background: Secondary school; University degrees (with copies of transcripts); Research experience details; Awards, prizes, scholarships or other relevant notable achievements; List up to three relevant advanced mathematics or mathematics-based courses.
- Transcripts: You will need to provide an academic transcript for each degree you have taken. If currently studying, provide an interim or unofficial transcript. Combine multiple transcripts for the same degree into a single file (maximum file size = 2MB) before uploading.
- Statement of research interest: Identify one or more scientific questions that interest you in machine learning and/or neuroscience, explain why they are important and how they align with Gatsby Unit research. Guideline ~2 pages, maximum file size 2MB.
- References: Provide names and contact details of at least two (ideally three) academic referees. Once submitted, a reference request will be sent automatically. Ensure all references reach us by 23:59 GMT on 10 November 2026.
Don’t miss this deadline
Applications close on Monday, 9 November 2026. We’ll email you 7, 3 and 1 days before.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are the most frequently asked questions about the Gatsby Unit Scholarship. These answers cover eligibility, benefits, deadlines, and how to apply for the Gatsby Unit PhD Studentship programme.
What is the Gatsby Unit PhD Studentship programme?
The Gatsby Unit PhD Studentship programme is a four-year full-time programme at UCL focusing on machine learning and computational/theoretical neuroscience, with a minor emphasis in the complementary field. Year 1 includes intensive coursework, boot camp and core courses; Years 2–4 focus on thesis research, teaching and rotations, with transfer to PhD status after upgrade assessments.
Is funding available for the Gatsby Unit PhD Studentship?
Full funding is available to all students regardless of nationality. PhD studentships cover UCL tuition fees for home and international students and include an annual tax-free stipend of £30,900 (2026/27 rate) plus a travel budget for conferences and workshops. Applications from those with pre-secured funding are also welcome.
Who is eligible to apply for the Gatsby Unit PhD Studentship?
Applicants must have a strong analytical and mathematical background, a keen interest in neuroscience and/or machine learning, and a relevant first degree such as Computer Science, Engineering, Physics, Statistics, Mathematics, Neuroscience or Cognitive Psychology. Candidates must meet UCL’s standard admissions requirements and English language proficiency (Level 3).
What is the application deadline?
Applications must be submitted via the Gatsby Recruitment Portal by 17:00 GMT on Monday 9 November 2026. References must reach the admissions team by 23:59 GMT on 10 November 2026. Applications by any other means will not be accepted.
How do I apply to the Gatsby Unit PhD Studentship programme?
Begin your application on the Gatsby Recruitment Portal and select ‘Gatsby Unit PhD Programme 2027’. You will be asked to provide academic background, transcripts, a statement of research interest, and referees. The portal allows saving progress and is best used on a maximised computer browser window.
What should I include in my statement of research interest?
The statement should identify one or more scientific questions in machine learning and/or neuroscience, explain why they interest you and their importance, and how they align with Gatsby Unit research. It should not be a research proposal or a description of research experience; guidance suggests about two pages and maximum file size 2MB.
What are the programme start date and duration?
New students join at the start of each academic year in September. The programme is four years full-time, with Year 1 dedicated to coursework and Years 2–4 focused on research, teaching and thesis completion, followed by Completing Research Status if applicable.
What is the stipend amount for Gatsby Unit PhD Studentship?
The PhD studentship includes an annual tax-free stipend of £30,900 (2026/27 rate) as stated on the Gatsby Unit webpage. In addition, students receive a travel budget for attending conferences and workshops. Tuition fees for both home and international students are covered.
What are the reference requirements and deadline?
You should provide at least two (ideally three) academic referees who can comment on your suitability for doctoral research. Once you submit referees’ details an automatic reference request is sent. It is your responsibility to ensure all references reach the team by 23:59 GMT on 10 November 2026.
What is the Jump studentship and how do I apply for it?
There are two Jump studentships for postgraduate AI research with potential finance applications. The Jump studentship covers tuition, includes a tax-free stipend and travel budget, and offers employment opportunities with Jump Trading Group in London during the PhD. To be considered, include the line ‘I would like to be considered for the Jump studentship in the Gatsby Unit.’ in your statement of research interest.
Discover more from Scholarship Union
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.