Leeds Postdoctoral Scholarships 2026 offer an incredible opportunity for UK students to pursue fully funded PhD studies at the prestigious University of Leeds. Designed for exceptional researchers, these scholarships support innovative academic work across multiple disciplines and fields of study.
Each award covers full tuition fees and includes a generous maintenance grant, ensuring scholars can focus entirely on their research. With access to world-class facilities and expert supervision, the Leeds Doctoral Scholarships 2026 empower students to achieve excellence and make impactful contributions to global research.
Benefits for the Leeds Postdoctoral Scholarships 2026
- Full Academic Fees: Coverage for three years for full-time study (pro-rata for part-time study).
- Maintenance Grant: £20,780 annually for full-time study in 2025/26, with increases in line with the UKRI rate. Part-time awards will be provided at 60% of the full-time rate.
- Award Duration: 3.5 years for full-time study (pro-rata for part-time). Initially awarded for one year and renewable based on satisfactory academic progress.
Eligibility Criteria for the Leeds Postdoctoral Scholarships 2026
- Required Languages: English. Applicants whose first language is not English are usually required to provide evidence of proficiency in English at the higher level required by the University.
- Eligible Countries: All World Countries
- Hold a First Degree equivalent to a UK First-Class Honours Degree. Applicants with a lower mark may be considered if they have a Master’s Degree with Distinction or relevant experience.
- Be classified as a UK fee-paying student.
- Be new Postgraduate Researchers undertaking full-time or part-time PhD research. Students already registered for PhD study are not eligible.
- Meet the University’s minimum English language requirement (IELTS 6.0 overall with no component below 5.5 or equivalent). Higher requirements may apply for specific schools.
- Live within a reasonable distance of the University of Leeds during the scholarship period.
Eligible Fields of Study for the Leeds Postdoctoral Scholarships 2026
- Arts, Humanities, and Cultures: Including the Institute for Medieval Studies, School of English, School of Fine Art, and more.
- Biological Sciences: Including the School of Biology, School of Biomedical Sciences, and others.
- Business: Including Accounting and Finance, International Business, Marketing, and more.
- Environment: Including the School of Geography, School of Earth and Environment.
- Medicine and Health: Including the School of Medicine, School of Dentistry, and Leeds Institute of Health Sciences.
- Social Sciences: Including the School of Politics and International Studies, School of Law, and others.
How to Apply for the Leeds Postdoctoral Scholarships 2026
- Submit your application before the deadline to be considered.
- Click the ‘Apply Now’ button below to begin your online application.
- Ensure you meet all eligibility requirements before applying.
- Complete the application form carefully and accurately.
- Upload all required documents as listed on the website.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Leeds Postdoctoral Scholarships 2026 provide full funding for up to five home-fee Postdoctoral candidates starting in 2026/27. The deadline is 1 April 2026. Applicants must apply separately for both course admission and the scholarship. International applicants should explore alternate funding.
What are the “Leeds Postdoctoral Scholarships 2026” and what do they cover?
The Leeds Postdoctoral Scholarships 2026 offer full funding for up to five new postgraduate researchers with home fee status for the 2026/27 session. The award covers standard UK tuition fees and a maintenance grant, with an application deadline of 1 April 2026.
Who is eligible to apply for these scholarships?
These scholarships are open to researchers eligible for UK home fee status who will begin full-time postdoctoral study in 2026/27. Applicants will need to meet entry requirements for a research degree and secure a supervisory team through the standard application process.
When is the application deadline and what must I do beforehand?
The deadline for the Leeds Postdoctoral Scholarships 2026 is Wednesday 1 April 2026. Applicants are encouraged to apply well ahead of their proposed start date and secure funding, as scholarship deadlines may be up to 12 months before entry.
Can international students apply for these scholarships?
The information for the Leeds Postdoctoral Scholarships 2026 specifies they are for home fee-rate students. International fee-status applicants should explore other fully funded research opportunities or scholarships offered across subject areas.
What is included in the funding package for these awards?
The funding covers tuition fees at the home rate and a maintenance grant for living expenses over the normal duration of a full-time postdoctoral programme. Scholarship recipients will be expected to devote their effort to research accordingly.
Do I need to apply for a course and scholarship separately?
Yes. First you apply for a research degree via the university’s online system. Then you must ensure your application is submitted by the scholarship deadline. The scholarship selection will run alongside admission to the programme.
How many scholarships are available in the 2026 round?
Up to five Leeds Postdoctoral Scholarships 2026 will be awarded for the 2026/27 entry session. Successful candidates will be selected based on research proposal strength, fit to supervision and funding criteria.
Can part-time students apply for these scholarships?
The details indicate full‐time study in the 2026/27 session for home fee status applicants. Part-time postdoctoral study may not be eligible for this specific scholarship award, so applicants should confirm via the postgraduate research admissions team.
What if I already have doctoral funding or am registered elsewhere?
If you are already registered on a doctoral programme or have secured full funding for that study elsewhere, you are unlikely to be eligible for this scholarship. Applicants should check their status and confirm eligibility before applying.
Where can I find other funding if I miss this scholarship or don’t qualify?
The university offers a wide range of research degree funding options including central and faculty scholarships, alumni discounts and external awards. Use the opportunity search directory to explore and apply early for support.
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