University of Manchester Bicentenary Scholarship 2026 in UK | Fully Funded

University of Manchester Bicentenary Scholarship 2026 is a prestigious fully funded opportunity designed for aspiring postgraduate researchers from around the world. This scholarship covers full tuition fees and provides an annual stipend of £20,780 for up to four years, supporting students to focus entirely on their groundbreaking research without financial concerns. It celebrates the University’s 200-year legacy of innovation and its dedication to advancing life-changing discoveries across multiple disciplines.

Starting in September 2026, the University of Manchester Bicentenary Scholarships will fund more than 45 PhD projects in the Faculty of Science and Engineering. These studentships cover key research areas such as Digital and AI, Environment and Climate Change, Health Inequalities, and Creative Industries. In this guide, we will break down the eligibility criteria, benefits, and application process, helping qualified candidates seize this exceptional research opportunity.

Benefits

As a Bicentenary scholar, you will:

• Receive a fully funded studentship covering tuition fees and an annual stipend at the UKRI rate (2025 / 26: £20,780 per year) for four years.
  • An additional £5k/annum research training support grant for the full duration of the 4-year programme.
• Make life-changing breakthroughs in the research area you’re passionate about, supported by an expert supervisory team who will ensure there are no limits to what you achieve.
• Become part of our Doctoral Academy and join a diverse community, where everyone is welcome and where people who think differently enjoy calling home.
• At a world-leading research institute with strong industry links you’ll gain the experience, reputation and profile to accelerate your development.

Eligibility Criteria

To be considered for the University of Manchester Bicentenary Scholarship 2026, you must:

• Applicants must have, or expect to achieve, at least a 2:1 honors degree or a Master’s (or equivalent) in a relevant science or engineering discipline.
• Candidates should have prior research experience.
• Applicants must meet the University of Manchester’s admission requirements for the PhD programme they are applying to.

Required Documents for the University of Manchester Bicentenary Scholarship 2026

To apply, candidates must be ready to submit the following documents;

• Application Form
• CV
• Personal Statement
• Letters of Recommendation

How to Apply?

• Contact the supervisor of the project or projects that interest you. Introduce yourself, discuss your academic background, and confirm if your skills and experience make you a good fit.
• Complete the online application form before the deadline, making sure to select the specific Bicentenary project you want to apply for.
• Provide all required information, including the project title, proposed supervisor’s name, details of your previous studies, and contact information for two referees. Attach your CV and write a Personal Statement explaining your motivation and suitability.
• You may hear from the project supervisor about your application. They might arrange an informal interview to discuss your research interests and fit for the project.
• Departments will review applications and nominate candidates to the Faculty. If nominated, you will then be invited to a formal interview as part of the selection process.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

The University of Manchester Bicentenary Scholarship 2026 is a fully funded PhD opportunity offering tuition, stipend, and research support. Open to qualified candidates with research potential in Digital and AI, Environment, Health Inequalities, or Creative Industries, applications require supervisor contact and formal submission.