UCL EPSRC Scholarship provides information on EPSRC-funded doctoral studentships at UCL, including what is covered, eligibility, and terms for applicants interested in a fully funded PhD. The UCL EPSRC Scholarship supports research training and includes fees, stipend and training support as described on the UCL pages.
The scholarships are provided through UCL in partnership with the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) and are administered under UCL and UKRI/EPSRC terms and conditions. The page explains programme-specific rules, obligations, and provisions for students funded by EPSRC at UCL.
UCL EPSRC Scholarship Benefits
- 4 years fees (Home rate)
- Maintenance stipend at the UCL EPSRC UELA enhanced rate (expected to be £24,522 in 2027/28, increases each year)
- Research Training Support Grant (RTSG) to cover additional costs of training e.g. courses, project costs, conferences, travel
- For overseas fee status students, a UCL award to cover the fee difference between the Home and international fee rate
UCL EPSRC Scholarship Eligibility Criteria
- You must fulfil the academic entry requirements for UCL.
- You must fulfil any additional academic entry requirements for the department you will be hosted by.
- These studentships are open to those with Home and International fee status (including EU); however, the number of students with International fee status which can be recruited is capped according to the EPSRC terms and conditions so competition for International places is particularly strong.
- UK nationals are Home category, provided they meet residency requirements.
- EU nationals with settled status are Home category.
- EU nationals with pre-settled status are Home category, provided they meet residency requirements.
- Irish nationals living in UK or Ireland are Home category.
- Those who have indefinite leave to remain or enter, or refugee or humanitarian protection status are Home category.
- All others are classified as International category.
- Residency requirements for UK nationals: living in EEA or Switzerland on 31-Dec-2020 and lived in UK, EEA, Switzerland, or Gibraltar for at least 3 years immediately before the studentship begins; lived continuously in UK, EEA, Switzerland, or Gibraltar between 31-Dec-2020 and the start of the studentship.
- Residency requirements for EU, EEA, or Swiss nationals with pre-settled status: living in UK by 31-Dec-2020 and living in UK, EEA, Switzerland, or Gibraltar for at least 3 years immediately before the studentship begins.
How to Apply for UCL EPSRC Scholarship
- UELA will publish a catalogue of available projects.
- EPSRC Industrial Doctoral Landscape Award (IDLA, formerly I-CASE) studentships are advertised separately by their host departments.
- You cannot apply via UELA for a studentship to be hosted in one of the Centres for Doctoral Training already funded by EPSRC; to join those programmes you should apply directly to those schemes using their own application process.
- An official fee status assessment by UCL admissions will be required for all successful candidates.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are the most frequently asked questions about the UCL EPSRC Scholarship. These answers cover eligibility, benefits, deadlines, and how the studentships are managed under UCL and EPSRC terms and conditions.
What does an EPSRC studentship at UCL provide?
An EPSRC studentship at UCL is fully funded for 4 years. It covers 4 years of Home-rate fees, provides a maintenance stipend (the UCL EPSRC UELA enhanced rate is expected to be £24,522 in 2027/28), and includes a Research Training Support Grant to cover training costs, conferences, travel and project expenses. Overseas fee difference awards may be provided for international students.
How long is the funding for an EPSRC studentship?
The studentship is normally awarded for up to 4 years of full-time doctoral study (or equivalent pro-rata for part-time). Students are expected to submit their thesis within the 4-year funded period, and registration is initially for 4 years with supervision designed to facilitate completion within that time.
Who is eligible to apply for these studentships?
Applicants must meet UCL academic entry requirements and any departmental requirements. Studentships are open to those with Home and International fee status, including EU candidates, though places for International fee status are capped under EPSRC terms, making competition for those places particularly strong.
What are the residency rules for Home fee status?
For UK nationals to be Home category, they must meet residency requirements such as living in the EEA or Switzerland on 31-Dec-2020 and having lived in the UK, EEA, Switzerland, or Gibraltar for at least three years immediately before the studentship starts, and continuous residence between 31-Dec-2020 and the start of the studentship.
Can international students receive support for the fee difference?
For students classified as overseas fee status, UCL provides an award to cover the fee difference between Home and international fee rates where applicable. However, the number of international fee status recruits is capped according to EPSRC terms and competition for these places is strong.
When does recruitment open for the next UELA cohort?
The site states that the 2026-27 UCL EPSRC Doctoral Landscape Awards (UELA) recruitment is closed. Recruitment for the 2027-28 UELA cohort is expected to open in early October 2026, with a deadline for application in early January 2027.
Are students allowed placements with industry partners?
Where there is an additional sponsor or CASE partner, students may be required to sign a collaboration agreement and spend time on placement at the partner’s premises. For DTP-CASE and I-CASE studentships, recipients must spend at least 3 months on placement at the CASE partner’s premises, which may be a single placement or a series of shorter placements.
What are the terms and conditions associated with the studentship?
Students must abide by UCL rules and the UCL Doctoral School Code of Practice and the EPSRC/UKRI Training Grant Terms and Conditions. The studentship is linked to the official UCL offer and cannot be deferred or transferred, and recipients must consent to data sharing with EPSRC/UKRI for monitoring and reporting purposes.
How are stipend payments made and managed?
Stipend payments are arranged by the department and paid monthly in advance to a UK bank account. The first payment is processed after full enrolment and bank details are provided. Payments continue subject to sufficient academic progress and re-enrolment and may be reclaimed if over-payments occur after termination.
Can I hold other funding alongside an EPSRC studentship?
Generally the studentship may not be held alongside other studentships or awards except where it is jointly funded. If you obtain alternative funding, you must inform your department immediately, and your EPSRC studentship may be adjusted, suspended or terminated depending on the value and nature of the alternate funding.
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