Overview
UCL is accepting applications for its 2027/28 Research Excellence Scholarships. The competition supports prospective doctoral researchers rather than students looking for a taught master’s award. Applicants from any country can be considered, but the proposed research, academic record and available supervision all matter.
Benefits
- Up to 40 awards are available for 2027/28, covering full Home or Overseas tuition fees and a maintenance stipend.
- Additional research support can reach £1,200 annually. The 2027/28 maintenance rate has not yet been announced; the older rate should not be used as a promise for this intake.
- Funding normally follows the research portion of the programme: three full-time years or five part-time years, with eligible integrated programmes potentially receiving a fourth research year. Writing-up/CRS years are excluded.
Eligibility
- Prospective MPhil/PhD or EngD students starting on or after 1 October 2027 can apply. Students who began earlier are not eligible.
- Applicants must hold or expect at least a UK upper-second-class undergraduate degree or its equivalent. Eligible full-time and part-time research programmes are included; distance-learning and specified professional doctorates are excluded.
- Admission and scholarship selection are separate decisions. An admission offer is needed to receive an award, even though it need not already be secured when applying for funding.
How to apply
- Choose an eligible research programme and identify an appropriate academic department. Discuss the fit between the proposed research and available supervision.
- Submit the complete degree-admission application. Then send the Research Scholarships cover sheet directly to the department and tell it that you wish to be considered for UCL-RES.
- Check whether that department has an earlier internal deadline and keep confirmation of both submissions.
Visit the official application page
Documents and preparation
- The mandatory scholarship document is the Research Scholarships cover sheet.
- The department draws the CV, research proposal, transcripts and references from the admission application rather than requiring a second identical package.
Deadline
Both the complete admission application and cover sheet are due by 8 January 2027. A department may require an earlier submission; its internal deadline must therefore be checked directly.
Application summary and practical guidance
Before spending time polishing a general scholarship essay, establish the research fit. A clear question, feasible methods and a suitable supervisory environment provide a stronger foundation than broad statements about wanting to study abroad. Keep a separate checklist for admission and funding so that submitting one does not cause you to overlook the other.
Frequently asked questions
Is the scholarship restricted to UK applicants?
No. UCL lists applicants from any country and both Home and Overseas fee categories.
Is the 2027 living allowance confirmed?
No. UCL says the 2027/28 rate is still to be confirmed.
Does an admission application automatically complete the scholarship application?
No. The cover sheet must also reach the relevant department.
Conclusion
Use the official programme page as the final authority before submitting. Check that your circumstances match the stated requirements, retain copies of your documents and submission confirmation, and do not treat eligibility as a guarantee of selection.
Keywords: UCL Research Excellence Scholarships 2027, UCL, doctoral scholarships, research funding, 2027 scholarships
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