The University of Manchester

Manchester President's Doctoral Scholar Award

The President's Doctoral Scholar Award is the University of Manchester's flagship doctoral funding, which the University calls the highest accolade it gives to its postgraduate researchers. Each year its three faculties offer fully funded, interdisciplinary PhD projects around a single theme, open to students of every nationality, with an enhanced stipend and a programme of events with the University's President. For entry in 2027 the theme is Sensing the World, and applications close on 18 December 2026.

Official site How to apply

Level: PhD
Study or work in: United Kingdom (The University of Manchester)
Who can apply: Any nationality, with a first class degree (a 2:1 is accepted in Science and Engineering) and usually a master's, plus evidence of research experience
What it covers: Tuition fees at the home or international rate, the UKRI stipend plus 1,000 pounds a year, and in Science and Engineering up to 20,000 pounds for research and training
Length: Four years (Science and Engineering; Biology, Medicine and Health); 3.5 to 4 years in Humanities
Application window: Projects and applications open at the end of October, close in mid-December (2027 entry: 30 October to 18 December 2026); interviews in March

Open now

No call is open right now. Projects and applications open at the end of October, close in mid-December (2027 entry: 30 October to 18 December 2026); interviews in March

How to apply

Choose one of the advertised themed projects, contact its supervisor and say you are applying for the award, then apply online by 18 December 2026 with a supporting statement, CV, transcripts and referees. Shortlisted candidates are interviewed in March and results come in the week of 15 March 2027.

What the award pays for

The award pays tuition fees in full, at the home or the international rate, and a stipend at the UKRI rate, 21,805 pounds a year for 2026-27, with an enhancement of 1,000 pounds a year on top. The Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health describes the stipend as tax-free.

The Faculty of Science and Engineering funds four years and adds up to 20,000 pounds for research, training and skills development. Biology, Medicine and Health also funds four years; Humanities funds three and a half to four years, full-time or part-time.

Beyond the money, scholars are a recognised group. Biology, Medicine and Health lists mentoring from leading researchers, events reserved for scholars with the President and Vice-Chancellor, a chance to lead University initiatives, and development in leadership, collaboration and commercialisation. Applicants are expected to commit to attending the scholars' networking events.

Themed, interdisciplinary projects

Applicants do not propose their own topic from scratch. Each faculty advertises specific projects under the year's theme, and each project is supervised by academics from that faculty together with at least one other faculty, so every scholar works across disciplinary lines from the start.

For 2027 entry, the Faculty of Humanities offers seven fully funded scholarships and the Faculty of Science and Engineering eight to ten projects, all under Sensing the World. Biology, Medicine and Health advertises its own projects on the same day.

Who can apply

The award is open to students of all nationalities and in all research areas. The academic bar differs a little by faculty. Science and Engineering asks for a first or upper second class UK honours degree or its international equivalent, with a merit or distinction master's desirable. Humanities asks for a first class bachelor's degree and a master's. Biology, Medicine and Health asks for a first class degree, or one expected, and ideally a master's at merit or distinction.

Grades alone are not enough. The faculties ask for evidence of research engagement, such as undergraduate projects, placements, internships, publications, prizes or collaborations, and Science and Engineering also asks for broader engagement, such as outreach, volunteering, community work or activity on equality, diversity and inclusion.

How selection works

Choose a project. Browse the projects each faculty advertises from 30 October and pick one under the year's theme.
Talk to the supervisor. Contact the named supervisor to discuss the project and your fit before applying, and tell them you are applying for the award.
Apply online. Submit the PhD application through the University's portal by 18 December 2026, with a supporting statement, CV, transcripts, referees and, where needed, English language certificates.
Department and faculty shortlist. In Science and Engineering, departments nominate candidates to the faculty, which invites the strongest to interview.
Panel interview. Interviews run in the first half of March 2027 (week of 1 March in Humanities and Science and Engineering). Biology, Medicine and Health asks candidates for a short presentation of up to ten minutes, on Teams.
Decision. Awards are announced in the week of 15 March 2027, for a start in the autumn.

Questions

Can international students apply?

Yes. The award is open to all nationalities and pays fees at the international rate where they apply.

How much is the stipend?

The UKRI rate, 21,805 pounds in 2026-27, plus an enhancement of 1,000 pounds a year.

Can I propose my own project?

Applicants apply to projects the faculties advertise under the year's theme, each supervised across two faculties.

What is the theme for 2027 entry?

Sensing the World. The 2026 entry theme was Environmental challenges to human health, society and productivity.

How many awards are there?

For 2027 entry, Humanities offers seven and Science and Engineering eight to ten projects; Biology, Medicine and Health publishes its own.

Do I need a master's?

Humanities asks for one; in Science and Engineering and in Biology, Medicine and Health it is desirable.