Economics PhD Studentship 2026 Entry (School of Scoial Sciences)
Full funding for fees and maintenance across two PhD Economic streams.
Funding description
The department of Economics is pleased to offer a number of awards to support PhD students on either:
- 4 years (1+3 years) – covering a full postgraduate research programme (this stream requires a high-level performance in a degree equivalent to the training provided in the MSc phase of our PhD programme).
- 5 years (1+1+3 Stream): high-level performance in a degree equivalent to a BSc or MA in Economics from The University of Manchester.
Key features of this studentship
- Full PhD tuition fees for 4 or 5 years (dependent on stream).
- Annual UKRI maintenance stipend - (this was £20,780 p/a 2025/26).
- Research training support grant.
- This studentship is available to all nationalities.
- Available to full-time students only.
How to be considered
Equality, diversity and inclusion
Equality, diversity and inclusion are central to everything we do at The University of Manchester. We know that a diverse research community drives creativity, productivity and research quality, and strengthens our impact on society and the economy.
We actively welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and career paths. We encourage interest from all sections of the community, regardless of age, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation or transgender status.
This award is open to all nationalities.
In order to be considered for this studentship you must meet this criteria:
- High level of performance: At a minimum, applicants must achieve an average of 65% in coursework with no unit marks below 55%, for both the UG and PGT degrees as well as a 65% mark for the dissertation. Typically, offer holders exceed these standards significantly.
- Degree Requirement: The economics training applicants have received should be equivalent to that offered at The University of Manchester. Applicants with degrees in quantitative fields other than economics will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
We do not normally consider applicants whose previous studies have been in non-quantitative fields. Our criteria are:
- 1+1+3 Stream: high-level performance in a degree equivalent to a BSc or MA in Economics from The University of Manchester.
- 1+3 Stream: high-level performance in a degree equivalent to the training provided in the MSc phase of our PhD programme.
Please note this funding is not available to current PhD students.
- You must submit an online application for PhD Economics. Your programme application should contain all necessary supporting documents.
- Prepare an Economics research proposal.
Guidance on preparing a research proposal can be found here.
- Find your supervisor:
You may also wish to look at our online guide ‘Find a supervisor’.
- Complete your application prior to the advertised funding deadline with all necessary supporting documents (How to apply). Specify in the funding section of your PhD application form (Section 9) that you wish to be considered for the SoSS Economics PhD Studentships.
Please note that there is no separate funding application form for School of Social Sciences Economics Studentships. All decisions are based on the online programme application and supporting documents.
Successful candidates will be chosen on the basis of:
- Academic merit and preparedness for research
- Quality and feasibility of research proposal
- Consideration of ethical responsibility
This award will cover:
- Fees (Home or overseas) for 4 or 5 years.
- Stipend (maintenance) for 4 or 5 years.
- A research training support grant.
This award does not cover:
- Any costs incurred through a visa application (including the immigration health surcharge).
- Any costs incurred through travel or relocation.
Offers of funding are not deferrable. If you cannot start your programme by the date mentioned in your studentship offer letter, the award will be withdrawn. You are permitted to re-apply in future.
Deadlines
Application Deadline – tba
Receive Formal Offer – tba
Funding Interview Decisions – tba
If you have any questions about this studentship, please contact hums.doctoralacademy.admissions@manchester.ac.uk
Sign up for our email alerts
Thinking about starting a PhD or other postgraduate research programme in 2026? Join our update list to be the first to hear about:
- new studentships, funded projects and other funding opportunities
- key application and funding deadlines
- live events, virtual sessions, blog features and more.
Have a question?
Have questions about applying, funding, or programme details? Our dedicated application team is here to assist you. Get in touch with them today.
