Wolfson Postgraduate Scholarships are now open for outstanding students aiming to pursue advanced research in the Humanities at the prestigious University of Exeter. These fully funded awards, offered by the Faculty of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences, provide exceptional support for passionate scholars committed to academic excellence.
Applicants interested in the Wolfson Postgraduate Scholarships must hold a minimum of a 2:1 undergraduate degree (or its international equivalent) in a relevant humanities field. Candidates should also have completed, or be currently completing, a master’s degree at Merit level or higher to be considered for this competitive opportunity.
Benefits of Wolfson Postgraduate Scholarships
- Funding of £37,250 per year for up to 3 years, covering tuition fees, maintenance, and research/training costs.
- Top-up funding for international students to ensure maintenance meets the UKRI minimum stipend level (£20,780 for 2025/26).
- Additional financial support for visa and health surcharge costs for international awardees.
- Access to exceptional research facilities, supervision teams, and the Doctoral College.
- Participation in a vibrant research culture with professional development opportunities.
Eligibility for the Wolfson Postgraduate Scholarships
- Eligible Countries: All nationalities (UK and International)
- Acceptable Course or Subjects: The scholarship will be awarded in research areas within the Faculty of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences, including:
- History
- Literature
- Languages (other than English)
- Admissible Criteria: To be eligible, applicants must:
- Hold at least a 2:1 undergraduate degree (or international equivalent) in a relevant humanities field.
- Have obtained or be working toward a Master’s degree at Merit level or equivalent.
- Demonstrate research potential and academic excellence.
- Have agreement in principle with a prospective supervisor at Exeter.
- Meet the English language requirements of the University (if applicable).
- Apply for a campus-based PhD program beginning in September 2026 (distance learning not eligible).
Required Documents
- Research proposal (1,500–2,000 words) with supervisors agreed in principle.
- CV.
- Academic transcripts/certificates.
- Two references (at least one academic).
- Proof of English language proficiency (if relevant).
How to Apply for the Wolfson Postgraduate Scholarships
- Visit the official University of Exeter scholarship page.
- Check the eligibility criteria for the Wolfson Postgraduate Scholarships.
- Prepare all required academic and supporting documents.
- Complete the online application form through the University of Exeter admissions portal.
- Submit your course application first, then apply for the scholarship.
- Ensure all information is accurate before final submission.
- Wait for the University’s notification regarding the scholarship outcome.
The Wolfson Postgraduate Scholarships offer a fully funded PhD studentship for history, literature or applied-languages research starting at the Faculty of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences in September 2026. Up to three awards are available, open to UK and international applicants, each valued at £37,250 p.a. for up to three years, with a deadline of 23 February 2026.
What is the focus of the Wolfson Postgraduate Scholarships?
The Wolfson Postgraduate Scholarships support full-time PhD study beginning in September 2026 in the areas of history, literature or languages (excluding creative writing and linguistics), including interdisciplinary work grounded in historical methodology or applied languages other than English.
Who is eligible to apply?
Both UK-fee and international-fee paying candidates may apply. Applicants will need a bachelor’s degree with at least upper second (2:1) or equivalent, and ideally a master’s degree at Merit level or equivalent.
How many awards are available?
The Faculty will award up to three Wolfson Postgraduate Scholarships in the Humanities for the intake starting in September 2026.
What does each studentship cover?
Each scholarship provides funding of £37,250 per year for up to three years. This covers full tuition fees and supports maintenance, research/training costs. For international fee-paying students the salary will be topped up to the UKRI minimum stipend.
What is the application deadline?
Applications must be submitted by Monday 23 February 2026 at midday (GMT) for entry in September 2026.
What entry requirements apply for the research degree?
Applicants must identify a supervisor in principle, and have or be working towards a relevant Master’s degree at Merit level (or equivalent), in addition to their bachelor’s. International applicants must meet English language requirements.
What kind of research topics are eligible?
Eligible research projects lie within history (including history of art, architectural history, classics), literature (textual, theatre, film) or languages (applied languages other than English, translation, visual or historical texts). Creative writing and linguistics are excluded.
Are current PhD students eligible?
No, the award is available only to new entrants enrolling in September 2026; existing PhD students or those starting earlier are not eligible.
Do international students receive visa or health surcharge funding?
Yes, for international fee-paying students the award includes additional funds to cover visa fees and the health surcharge upon registration.
What criteria are used in selection?
Applications are assessed on academic excellence, research proposal strength and potential, the fit with supervision and research environment, and commitment to inclusive research culture.
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