Ulster University in Northern Ireland · Application cycle 2027/2028

Ulster University Annual PhD Studentships Competition 2027/2028

Applications open Fully funded?

About this scholarship

Funded PhD places at Ulster University in Northern Ireland, starting in September 2027. The competition is open to home and overseas applicants, and you apply for an advertised PhD project.

Funding type

Covers: fees for 3 years full-time, a tax-free yearly maintenance grant of about GBP 21,000, and a research training and support grant of GBP 900 a year. The University's general scholarships page gives the maintenance grant as GBP 20,000, and its terms page for Department for the Economy (DfE) studentships says at least GBP 21,805. An older Ulster page says DfE awards need UK or Ireland residence and pay fees at the home rate. The 2027 competition page says the studentships are open to overseas applicants and cover fees, and the DfE rules for 2027/2028 allow up to 30 percent international students each year. Check the funding section of each project advert. Some projects can be studied at half-time over 6 years, with the grant paid pro rata.

Tuition fees: Covered
Living costs: Covered
Travel: Not specified
Insurance: Not specified

Eligibility requirements

Nationalities: All nationalities
Residence condition: No residence condition

Open to home and overseas applicants, as stated on the competition page A first or upper second class honours degree in a relevant subject, or an equivalent such as a lower second plus a master's with distinction Not for those who already hold a doctorate or have been registered full-time for a doctorate for more than one year Proof of English Some projects are open only to home applicants, and the University withdraws applications that do not meet a project's conditions

Minimum grade: Not stated
Work experience asked for: Not stated
Return condition: Return condition not stated
How to apply: Straight to the provider

Language requirements and exemptions

Language test required IELTS Other test Waiver not mentioned

An approved English test is required. A campus-based degree from a UK university or from a majority English-speaking country may exempt you. Check the accepted tests and scores on the University's English language page.

University admission details

Admission included in application?

Choose a funded project in the PhD Finder and apply through the applicant portal. After you submit, you get an email asking for the supplemental items. Applications open on 9 October 2026 and close at 4 pm UK time on 8 January 2027. The application and all supplemental items must be in by then. Faculties interview in early to mid February 2027, outcomes are sent from late February to mid-March 2027, and studentships start in September 2027. You may contact the supervisors named in the project advert before applying. One heading on the competition page says September 2026 by mistake, but all its dates are for 2027 entry.

Required documents

Degree certificates and transcripts, with English translations A research proposal written for the project CV Personal statement English test result Examples of academic writing if the project asks for them

Application steps

Search the PhD Finder for funded projects and check that each advert is open to overseas applicants. Contact the named supervisor if you want to discuss the project. Apply through the applicant portal, then upload the supplemental items when you are asked. Finish everything before 4 pm UK time on 8 January 2027.

Requirement checklist

Application to a funded PhD project Required

You choose a project in the PhD Finder and apply through the applicant portal.

Research proposal for the project Required

A separate proposal for each project you apply to.

Degree certificates and transcripts Required

With English translations if they are in another language.

CV and personal statement Required

Uploaded after you submit the form, before the deadline.

Two academic referees Conditional?

If you are asked, usually before the interview.

Scholarship contacts

Ulster University Doctoral College: [email protected]

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