The University of Manchester is accepting applications for its 2027/28 Excellence in Diversity PhD Scholarships, offering four years of tuition fees and a tax-free living stipend with an additional £1,000 annually. Apply by 9 November 2026.
Background & Scholarship Description
The University of Manchester is inviting applications for its Excellence in Diversity PhD Scholarships for 2027/28 entry. The programme provides fully funded doctoral studentships for candidates from groups under-represented in postgraduate research.
Launched in September 2023, the initiative aims to improve diversity in research and higher education by supporting talented candidates who demonstrate research potential, academic ability and motivation for postgraduate study.
The scholarships support doctoral research across the university’s Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, covering biological, medical and health sciences. Successful candidates will join research teams and benefit from training, academic guidance and career development support.
Applications opened on 5 October 2026 and will close on 9 November 2026.
Scholarship Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| University | University of Manchester |
| Scholarship | Excellence in Diversity PhD Scholarships |
| Entry | 2027/28 |
| Study level | PhD / postgraduate research |
| Research fields | Biological, medical and health sciences |
| Funding duration | 4 years |
| Tuition fees | Covered |
| Living support | Annual tax-free stipend at the UKRI rate |
| Additional stipend enhancement | £1,000 per year |
| Eligibility | UK-domiciled applicants qualifying for home fee status and meeting the specified under-representation criteria |
| Application deadline | 9 November 2026 |
| Expected start date | October 2027 |
| Official information | University of Manchester Scholarship Page |
Scholarship Benefits and Research Opportunities
Four Years of Financial Support
The scholarship provides funding for four years, covering tuition fees and an annual tax-free stipend at the UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) rate, with an additional £1,000 per year.
The university’s supplied information does not specify the exact total stipend for 2027/28 entry. Applicants should check the official scholarship information for the applicable UKRI rate.
Research and Academic Development
Successful candidates will undertake PhD research within the Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health. They will have the opportunity to join research teams and contribute to work across relevant scientific disciplines.
The programme also offers a supportive research environment, skills development and career guidance. These opportunities are intended to help students prepare for careers in research, higher education, healthcare and industry.
Support in Finding a Research Project
Applicants do not need to have a specific research project selected before applying. However, the university encourages candidates to explore available research areas and advertised projects.
The Faculty’s Doctoral Academy will support applicants in the process of finding a suitable project. Candidates may also contact academics to discuss research interests and potential projects.
Project availability can change, and selection for a specific project is not guaranteed before interviews.
Qualifications and Eligibility
The scholarships are open to UK-domiciled applicants who qualify for home fee status and meet the university’s specified eligibility criteria.
Applicants must hold, or be expected to receive, an Upper Second Class (2:1) bachelor’s degree and belong to one of the ethnic groups identified by the university as under-represented in postgraduate research.
The listed groups are:
- Asian/Asian British – Bangladeshi.
- Asian/Asian British – Indian.
- Asian/Asian British – Pakistani.
- Asian/Asian British background – Mixed.
- Black/Black British – African.
- Black/Black British – Caribbean.
- Black/Black British – Other.
- Black/Black British background – Mixed.
The university states that eligibility categories are reviewed annually in line with available equality, diversity and inclusion data.
Applicants from diverse career paths and those returning after a career break are also encouraged to apply, provided they meet the eligibility requirements. Appointments are made on merit.
Important: The scholarship is not open to all international applicants. Candidates must meet the UK-domicile and home-fee-status requirements as well as the specified eligibility criteria.
Additional Information
Application Dates
| Milestone | Date |
|---|---|
| Applications opened | 5 October 2026 |
| Scholarship webinar | 19 October 2026 |
| Application deadline | 9 November 2026 |
| Interviews | Week commencing 18 January 2027 |
| Scholarship awards | Week commencing 1 February 2027 |
| Studentships begin | October 2027 |
How to Apply
Applicants should follow the university’s application process:
- Check that they meet the eligibility requirements.
- Choose a suitable research pathway.
- Explore potential supervisors and research projects.
- Prepare the required supporting statement.
- Arrange academic references.
- Prepare supporting documents and submit the online application.
- Attend an interview if shortlisted.
Candidates must submit a separate application for the Excellence in Diversity scholarship scheme. The university also encourages applicants to consider other funded research programmes that match their interests.
Official scholarship information: Visit the University of Manchester Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health website and find the Excellence in Diversity PhD Scholarships page for detailed instructions and application links.
For scholarship enquiries, contact the Doctoral Academy Admissions team at fbmh.doctoralacademy.admissions@manchester.ac.uk.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are the University of Manchester Excellence in Diversity PhD Scholarships?
They are funded doctoral studentships designed to support eligible candidates from specified groups under-represented in postgraduate research.
2. What does the scholarship cover?
It covers tuition fees and provides an annual tax-free stipend at the UKRI rate, plus an additional £1,000 per year, for four years.
3. Which research fields are covered?
The scholarships support PhD research across biological, medical and health sciences within the Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health.
4. Who is eligible to apply?
Applicants must be UK-domiciled, qualify for home fee status, hold or expect to receive an Upper Second Class bachelor’s degree and belong to one of the ethnic groups specified in the university’s eligibility criteria.
5. Can international students apply?
The published criteria require UK domicile and eligibility for home fee status, alongside the specified group and academic requirements. Applicants who do not meet these conditions should not assume they qualify.
6. Is a research project required before applying?
Having a project in mind is not compulsory. The university encourages applicants to explore research areas, and the Faculty’s Doctoral Academy can help with the process of finding a suitable project.
7. When is the application deadline?
Applications for 2027/28 entry close on 9 November 2026.
8. When will successful applicants begin their PhD?
The studentships are scheduled to begin in October 2027.
9. When will interviews take place?
Interviews are scheduled for the week commencing 18 January 2027. Scholarship awards are expected during the week commencing 1 February 2027.
10. How can I apply?
Review the official University of Manchester scholarship page, confirm your eligibility and follow the online application instructions. A separate scholarship application is required.
Opportunities Feed Assessment
The Excellence in Diversity PhD Scholarships offer eligible candidates four years of doctoral funding, including tuition fees and living support, alongside research training and career development. The most important first step is to confirm the specific eligibility requirements, particularly UK domicile, home fee status and membership of one of the listed under-represented groups.
Disclaimer: Opportunities Feed shares scholarship and education opportunities for informational purposes. It is not affiliated with the University of Manchester and does not award scholarships or make admissions decisions. Applicants should verify eligibility, funding details and deadlines through the university’s official website.
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