President's Doctoral Scholar Award 2026 Entry
This award has now closed for 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 2027 entry, there will be seven fully-funded scholarships available within the Faculty of Humanities across the theme of 'Sensing the world'.
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.
- The closing date for applications is 18 December 2026.
Key features of this studentship
- Full tuition fee award for 3.5 / 4 years (full-time or part-time);
- Annual maintenance stipend at the UKRI rate (£21,805 per year);
- £1000 additional stipend enhancement;
- Become part of a network of presidential scholars benefitting from a bespoke suite of training activities.
Available supervisor-led projects
Search for a project
Please use the Find a PhD search below to find projects which are eligible for this funding.
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 September 2027 entry will open on 30 October 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 (26/27 rate p/a £21,805),
- £1,000 stipend enhancement award.
- Projects will be announced on this page on 30 October 2026.
- The closing date for applications will be 18 December 2026.
- Candidate formal interviews for PDS will take place week commencing week commencing 1 March 2027.
- Candidates informed of the outcome will take place week commencing week commencing 15 March 2027.
If you have any questions about this studentship, please contact hums.doctoralacademy.admissions@manchester.ac.uk
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