The University of Leeds has announced the opening of applications for the Leeds Doctoral Scholarships 2026, offering fully funded PhD opportunities at one of the UK’s leading research universities. The scholarships provide full tuition fee coverage and an annual maintenance stipend of £20,780, supporting doctoral researchers for up to 3.5 years.
According to the university, the competitive scholarship is designed for high-achieving doctoral researchers seeking long-term funding, academic stability, and access to world-class research facilities. Pakistani applicants who meet UK home-fee eligibility criteria can apply, making the programme a significant opportunity for qualified candidates from Pakistan.
Scholarship Details
- Degree Level: PhD (doctoral research only)
- Study Mode: Full-time or part-time
- Funding Duration: Up to 3.5 years (pro-rata for part-time)
- Awarding Body: University of Leeds
- Annual Stipend: £20,780 (aligned with UKRI rates; adjusted annually)
- Tuition Fees: Fully covered for three years
- Start Date: 1 October 2026
What the Scholarship Covers
Successful candidates will receive full UK tuition fees, a maintenance grant for living costs, and comprehensive academic support, including expert supervision and access to advanced laboratories, libraries, and interdisciplinary research networks.
Also Read: Hungary’s ELTE offers fully funded scholarship for Pakistanis
Eligible Faculties and Research Areas
The Leeds Doctoral Scholarships 2026 are open across all major faculties:
- Arts, Humanities and Cultures
- Biological Sciences
- Business
- Engineering and Physical Sciences
- Environment
- Medicine and Health
- Social Sciences
Priority research areas include artificial intelligence, advanced engineering, sustainability, health sciences, social policy, and interdisciplinary innovation.
Also Read: Germany opens fully funded KWI Fellowship for Pakistani researchers
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must be home fee-rated under UK regulations (not overseas-fee applicants). Candidates should hold a UK First Class Honours equivalent or a Master’s degree with distinction. Relevant professional or industry experience may be considered. Applicants must not already hold or be registered for a PhD, and must reside within commuting distance of Leeds during the award.
English language requirement: IELTS Academic overall 6.0 (minimum 5.5 in each component), with higher requirements possible depending on the School.
Application Process
1. Apply for a PhD research programme at the University of Leeds.
2. Obtain a 9-digit Student Application ID.
3. Submit the separate Leeds Doctoral Scholarship application with a research proposal and supporting documents.
The deadline is 1 April 2026 (17:00 UK time). Education experts say the programme offers a highly attractive, fully funded route to doctoral study in the UK for eligible Pakistani researchers aiming to pursue impactful, globally relevant research.
