CENTA PhD Studentships 2027 offer a £21,805 annual stipend for 2026/27, tuition fee support and an £8,000 research training grant. Applications for project-based studentships close on 6 January 2027.
Background & Scholarship Description
The Central England NERC Training Alliance (CENTA) is accepting applications for its 2027 PhD studentships in Earth and Environmental Sciences. The programme brings together six universities and three research centres to provide doctoral research training supported by the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) and partner institutions.
CENTA offers funded research opportunities for candidates who want to investigate environmental and Earth science challenges while developing their academic and professional research skills.
Successful candidates on the project-based route can receive an annual stipend, university tuition fee support and an £8,000 Research Training Support Grant (RTSG) held at their host institution. The advertised funding period is 3.5 years for full-time study.
Applications for project-based studentships for 2027 entry are open. The separate CENTA Science Opportunity Scholarships (CSOS) pathway has closed for the 2027 intake.
Studentship Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Organisation | Central England NERC Training Alliance (CENTA) |
| Programme | CENTA PhD Studentships 2027 |
| Research fields | Earth and Environmental Sciences |
| Study level | PhD |
| Funding duration | 3.5 years full-time |
| Annual stipend | £21,805 for the 2026/27 academic year |
| Research Training Support Grant | £8,000, held at the host institution |
| Tuition fees | Full Home-rate fees for Home-fees-eligible candidates; international funding is limited to the Home-rate contribution |
| Host institutions | Six universities and three research centres |
| Project-based application deadline | 6 January 2027, 23:59 GMT |
| Official application page | CENTA Apply |
The stipend figure is the rate published for the 2026/27 academic year; applicants should confirm the applicable rate for their funding period. The £8,000 grant is intended for research and training expenses and is not an additional cash payment made directly to the student.
Research Opportunities and Programme Benefits
CENTA’s studentships provide opportunities to undertake doctoral research through projects hosted by universities and research centres within its consortium.
Students benefit from structured research training and access to a network of researchers and fellow doctoral candidates. The programme also offers additional training opportunities covering scientific, technical, transferable and commercial skills. Students may also be eligible for up to £1,500 in additional support for a placement with a non-academic research host.
The £8,000 Research Training Support Grant is held by the host institution to support eligible research and training costs. Applicants should consult their individual project and host institution for information about how the grant may be used.
Funding for Home and International Students
Home-fees-eligible candidates who are awarded a studentship receive the annual stipend, full university fees paid directly to the university and the £8,000 research training grant.
International candidates may apply through the standard project-based route, subject to the programme’s eligibility rules and the limit on international awards. They receive the same published stipend and research training grant, but university fee support is limited to the Home-fee rate. Any difference between Home and international tuition fees may need to be covered through another source. Some universities may offer fee waivers, but applicants should not assume this is guaranteed.
CENTA does not reimburse international students for relocation costs, visa fees, flights, accommodation or the Immigration Health Surcharge.
Qualifications and Eligibility
For the standard project-based studentships, applicants must meet the academic requirements of at least a 2:1 at UK bachelor’s degree level or at least a pass at UK master’s degree level, or an equivalent qualification. Individual project descriptions may contain additional subject-specific requirements.
International applicants can apply through the project-based route, but UKRI rules limit the number of studentships awarded to international candidates to a maximum of 30% of the cohort.
CENTA also operates the Science Opportunity Scholarships (CSOS) pathway for eligible applicants from ethnic minority backgrounds who qualify for Home-fee status and meet the academic requirements. However, applications for CSOS for 2027 entry have closed. International students are not eligible for that route.
Applicants should check the individual research project’s requirements and contact the named supervisor if they need clarification about academic suitability or international tuition fee arrangements.
Additional Information
Applications for CENTA’s project-based PhD studentships close on Wednesday, 6 January 2027, at 23:59 GMT. Shortlisted applicants are normally interviewed online in early February.
How to Apply
Candidates should follow these steps:
- Browse the available CENTA PhD projects and select a suitable opportunity.
- Apply through the university hosting the selected project, following the instructions in the individual project advert.
- Complete and attach the CENTA Studentship Application Form, together with a CV that includes at least two referees.
- Complete the host university’s required application and the EDI survey referenced in the CENTA form, including the survey receipt number as instructed.
Applicants may apply to only one project at each university, but they can apply to projects at different universities within the consortium. Applications missing the required CENTA form may be rejected.
The final offer of a CENTA studentship is conditional on receiving an offer of admission from the host institution.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the CENTA PhD Studentships 2027 programme?
It is a doctoral research funding programme supporting PhD training in Earth and Environmental Sciences through a consortium of universities and research centres in Central England.
2. How much is the CENTA PhD stipend?
The published annual stipend is £21,805 for the 2026/27 academic year, paid directly to students in monthly instalments. Applicants should confirm the applicable rate for their funding period.
3. What is the £8,000 Research Training Support Grant?
It is funding held by the student’s host institution to support eligible research and training expenses. It is not a separate £8,000 cash payment to the student.
4. Are tuition fees included?
Home-fees-eligible students receive full university fees paid directly to their institution. For international students, CENTA’s contribution is limited to the Home-fee rate, so a tuition fee shortfall may apply.
5. Can international students apply?
Yes. International applicants may apply through the standard project-based route, subject to eligibility and the limit on international studentships. They cannot apply through the CSOS route.
6. What academic qualifications are required?
The standard route requires at least a 2:1 UK bachelor’s degree or at least a pass at UK master’s degree level, or an equivalent qualification. Individual projects may have additional requirements.
7. What is the deadline for applications?
The deadline for project-based studentships is 6 January 2027 at 23:59 GMT. The separate CSOS deadline was 18 October 2026 and has passed.
8. How long does the funding last?
The published funding period is 3.5 years for full-time PhD study. Part-time arrangements may also be available; candidates should check with their intended host institution.
9. How many projects can I apply for?
You may apply to one project at each university, but you can apply to projects hosted by different universities within the CENTA consortium.
10. How can I apply?
Browse the available projects and follow the instructions on the official CENTA application page. You will need the CENTA studentship form, a CV with at least two referees and the relevant host institution application.
Opportunities Feed Assessment
CENTA PhD Studentships 2027 may be suitable for candidates seeking doctoral research opportunities in Earth and Environmental Sciences. The package includes a published annual stipend, tuition fee support subject to eligibility and an £8,000 research training grant held by the host institution.
International applicants should pay particular attention to the potential difference between Home and international tuition fees and confirm whether their host university can provide additional support.
Disclaimer: Opportunities Feed shares education and funding opportunities for informational purposes. It is not affiliated with CENTA, the Natural Environment Research Council or its partner institutions. Applicants should verify eligibility, funding arrangements and project requirements through the official website.
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