President's Doctoral Scholar Award 2026 Entry
Funding description
This flagship funding scheme, which is strongly supported by the University's President and Vice Chancellor Professor Duncan Ivison, offers postgraduate research studentships for our highest-achieving students. The President’s Doctoral Scholar Award gives outstanding students from around the world a foundation to support research training with prominent academics across a full range of subjects.
For 2026 entry, there will be eight fully-funded scholarships available within the Faculty of Humanities across the theme of 'Environmental challenges to human health, society, and productivity'.
To drive interdisciplinary research across the University, each project will be supervised by academics from the Faculty of Humanities and at least one other faculty at Manchester.
- Projects will be announced on this page on Monday, 16 February 2026.
- The closing date for applications will be Monday, 16 March 2026.
Key features of this studentship
- Full tuition fee award for 4 years (full-time or part-time);
- Annual maintenance stipend at the UKRI rate;
- Research Training Support Grant (£2000);
- Become part of a network of presidential scholars benefitting from a bespoke suite of training activities.
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 studying on any PhD programme within the Faculty of Humanities.
Academic requirements:
- First class bachelor's (honours) degree (or overseas equivalent);
- Master's degree (you must meet or be expected to meet the master's entry requirements for your chosen programme).
Applications for 2026/27 entry will open on 16 February 2026.
You are required to identify a project for the PDS awards. You can find out more about the general application process.
This award will cover:
- Full tuition fees (4 years).
- Annual maintenance stipend at the UKRI rate.
- £2000 Research Training Support Grant.
- Projects will be announced on this page on Monday, 16 February 2026.
- The closing date for applications will be Monday, 16 March 2026.
- Candidate formal interviews for PDS will take place week commencing 18 May 2026.
- Candidates informed of the outcome will take place week commencing 25 May 2026.
If you have any questions about this studentship, please contact hums.doctoralacademy.admissions@manchester.ac.uk
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