Leverhulme Doctoral Scholarships 2026 offer one of the most distinguished funding opportunities for aspiring researchers in the UK. Designed to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Leverhulme Trust, these scholarships provide fully funded PhD programs for both domestic and international students, enabling them to pursue cutting-edge research across a wide range of disciplines.
With a total investment of £100 million, the Leverhulme Doctoral Scholarships 2026 aim to support interdisciplinary research, increase access for underrepresented groups, and even offer postdoctoral opportunities to outstanding graduates. This initiative not only fosters academic excellence but also empowers scholars to make meaningful contributions to their fields on a global scale.
Benefits of Leverhulme Doctoral Scholarships 2026
UK Doctoral Scholarships
- Maintenance allowance (at UKRI base levels).
- Full tuition fees (UK rate).
- £10,000 research and training grant per student.
International Doctoral Scholarships
- Maintenance allowance (UKRI base levels).
- Tuition fees (covered up to £25,000 per year).
- £10,000 research and training support per student.
Master’s + Doctoral Scholarships
- Master’s (1 year): Maintenance + tuition fees (up to £12,000).
- PhD (up to 4 years): Maintenance + tuition fees (UKRI base levels).
- £10,000 research and training grant (usable across both Master’s and PhD).
Additional Support
- £75,000 for cohort-building activities.
- £400,000 for postdoctoral opportunities for LCDS graduates.
- £225,000 for programme administration support.
Eligible Nationalities
- UK students (Home rate)
- International students (Overseas rate – up to six places per award)
Eligibility Criteria for Leverhulme Doctoral Scholarships 2026
For Universities
- Must be a UK university with research degree awarding powers.
- Applications can also come from a consortium of up to two universities.
For Students
- PhD Scholarships: Open to outstanding UK and international candidates (selection is by the host university, not directly via the Trust).
- Master’s + PhD Route (ring-fenced for underrepresented groups in the UK):
- Must be UK domiciled.
- Must not already hold a Master’s degree from the host university.
- From a low-income background (e.g., receiving full maintenance loan during undergraduate study). OR from one of the following ethnic groups:
- Black African
- Black Caribbean
- Black Other
- Mixed – White and Black Caribbean
- Mixed – White and Black African
- Other mixed background including Black African/Black Caribbean/Black Other.
How to Apply for Leverhulme Doctoral Scholarships 2026
- Only UK universities can apply directly to the Leverhulme Trust.
- Universities may apply individually or as a consortium with a partner institution.
- After funding is awarded, universities recruit eligible doctoral candidates.
- Students apply directly to the host university for advertised Leverhulme Doctoral Scholarships 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What are Leverhulme Doctoral Scholarships 2026?
Leverhulme Doctoral Scholarships 2026 form part of a scheme to support cohorts of doctoral scholars across thematic partnerships. One specific example is the “Knowledge Orders before Modernity” programme, which runs cohorts including a 2026 intake.
Who can apply for the 2026 cohort?
Applicants to the 2026 cohort must propose research aligning with the approved themes (e.g. Knowledge Orders) and be admitted to a participating host university. The open call accepts both advertised projects and those responding via an open proposal aligned with those themes.
How long is the scholarship funding period?
The funding period for the 2026 cohort can run up to 3.5 years (42 months), contingent on satisfactory academic progress.
What costs and support are covered?
During 3.5 years of funding, the scholarship covers full tuition fees and provides an annual maintenance grant at UKRI levels. Scholars also receive a personal training fund of £10,000 to support research and professional development.
Are there scholarships for under-represented groups in 2026?
Yes- the scheme includes up to three Master’s Plus Doctoral scholarships aimed at applicants from under-represented groups during the lifetime of the programme.
What themes are central to the 2026 call?
The 2026 cohort is framed around four major themes: Technologies of knowledge, Embodied knowledge, Systems of knowledge, and Chronologies of knowledge. Projects must engage with one or more of these.
Can I propose an original project not pre-advertised?
Yes — alongside advertised projects under the scheme, there is an open call route. Applicants may submit their own proposal but must clearly demonstrate alignment with the scheme’s four themes.
What is the role of host institutions?
Successful scholars will be registered at the institution of their first supervisor (either at King’s College London or the University of Kent in the KOM example). The host institution administers enrolment and supervision.
Is international eligibility allowed for 2026?
Yes — the 2026 cohort is open to applicants of both Home (UK) and International fee status, depending on institutional and theme-based rules.
How is internal competition handled at institutions?
Institutions may submit bids or act in consortia; if awarded, they then advertise scholarships internally to departments to nominate candidates under the approved scheme.
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