UKUCL Research Excellence Scholarship 2027 is a doctoral funding scheme that aims to attract outstanding scholars to undertake MPhil/PhD or EngD research at UCL; the focus is on academic merit, research potential and suitability of project proposals. The scholarship offers full tuition fees and a maintenance stipend for the research portion of the programme to successful applicants.
The scholarship is provided by UCL (University College London) and, for the 2027/28 academic year, up to 40 fully funded UCL Research Excellence Scholarships (UCL-RES) are available to exceptional applicants from any country. Awards begin at the start of the academic year (1 October 2027 for 2027/28 recipients).
UCL Research Excellence Benefits
- Full tuition fees (Home/Overseas); maintenance stipend for the standard length of the research portion of the programme of study, research costs
- The UCL-RES scholarship consists of full tuition fees (either Home or Overseas) plus a maintenance stipend during the research portion of the programme which increases each year with inflation.
- The scholarship also includes additional research costs of up to £1,200 per year for the standard duration of the research portion of the programme.
- Awards are made for the standard length of the research portion of the programme of study. This is normally 3 years for a full-time MPhil/PhD/EngD degree programme (or 5 years for part-time study), subject to sufficient academic progress.
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UCL Research Excellence Eligibility Criteria
- have submitted a complete admission application to an eligible** full- or part-time degree programme at UCL by the scholarship deadline;
- hold or expect to achieve at least an upper second-class Honours UK undergraduate degree or equivalent qualification.
- be in receipt of an offer of admission to a full-time or part-time research degree programme at UCL.
How to Apply for UCL Research Excellence
- Step 1 – apply for admission to UCL: You must submit a complete application for admission onto an eligible degree programme by 8 January 2027.
- Step 2 – submit your Research Scholarships cover sheet to your academic department: contact your academic department/institute/division/unit to notify them that you would like to be considered for the UCL-RES and submit the Research Scholarships cover sheet.
- Your academic department will compile your CV, research proposal, academic transcripts and references from your admission application and combine these with your cover sheet to create a complete scholarship application to be reviewed.
- You must submit both a completed admission application and a completed Research Scholarships cover sheet to your academic department no later than Friday, 8th January 2027.
Don’t miss this deadline
Applications close on Friday, 8 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 UCL Research Excellence Scholarship. These answers cover the scholarship’s benefits, eligibility, deadlines, selection process and how to apply.
What does the UCL Research Excellence Scholarship cover?
The scholarship covers full tuition fees (Home or Overseas) and provides a maintenance stipend for the standard length of the research portion of the programme. It also includes additional research costs of up to £1,200 per year for the standard duration of the research portion of the programme.
How many UCL-RES awards are available for 2027/28?
For the 2027/28 academic year, up to 40 fully funded UCL Research Excellence Scholarships (UCL-RES) are available to exceptional applicants from any country. The central UCL Selection panel will make up to 40 awards from shortlisted nominations.
Who is eligible to apply for the scholarship?
To apply you must have submitted a complete admission application to an eligible full- or part-time degree programme at UCL by the scholarship deadline and hold or expect to achieve at least an upper second-class Honours UK undergraduate degree or equivalent qualification.
Are current UCL research students eligible to apply?
Applicants must be prospective UCL MPhil/PhD or EngD students starting on or after 1 October 2027. Current students who began their studies before this date are not eligible to apply.
What is the deadline to apply for the 2027 UCL-RES?
You must submit a complete admission application and the Research Scholarships cover sheet to your academic department no later than Friday, 8th January 2027. Some departments may set earlier internal deadlines, so applicants should check with their department.
When does funding start if I am awarded the scholarship?
If awarded, funding begins at the start of the next academic year. For 2027/28 this is 1 October 2027. Awards are made for the standard length of the research portion of the programme of study.
How are applications selected for the UCL-RES?
Selection is conducted in three steps: departments submit applications to their faculty; faculties review and nominate shortlisted applications; a central UCL Selection panel then selects up to 40 awards ensuring balance across four REF thematic disciplinary areas.
Does the scholarship consider financial circumstances in selection?
No. The UCL Research Excellence Scholarship does not consider financial circumstances for the purposes of selection. Awards are based on academic merit, research potential, suitability of the project proposal and disciplinary need.
What documents are required for the scholarship application?
Your academic department will compile your CV, research proposal, academic transcripts and references from your admission application and combine these documents with the completed Research Scholarships cover sheet to create a complete scholarship application.
When will applicants be informed of the results?
The panel will meet and applicants will be notified of final decisions by mid March 2027, according to the information provided on the scholarship page.
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