
King’s Joint PhD Scholarships 2027/28 offer full tuition funding, a living stipend and research support for doctoral candidates working across King’s College London and an approved international partner. Applications are open, with three awards available for the new academic year.
This route suits applicants whose research genuinely needs supervision and time at two institutions. Start by checking the exact joint degree, rather than assuming that any overseas collaboration qualifies.
Table of Contents
King’s Joint PhD Scholarships 2027/28: Overview
| Study level | Full-time joint PhD |
|---|---|
| Award duration | Four years, subject to successful progression |
| Tuition | Full fees at the home or international rate |
| Living support | UKRI-rate stipend; the 2027/28 amount should be confirmed |
| Research support | £1,000–£5,000 annually while at King’s, depending on the project |
| Application deadline | 24 January 2027, 23:59 UK time |
| Supporting documents | 7 February 2027, 23:59 UK time |
| Funding code | 2728-JOINT |
Who can apply?
Applicants must choose an eligible joint programme with the University of Hong Kong, Humboldt University in Berlin, the National University of Singapore or the University of São Paulo. King’s must be the home institution. Provisional agreement from supervisors at both universities is required, and the scholarship cannot begin before October 2027.
The current guidance lists eligible programmes individually. Check the precise programme name and partner combination before contacting supervisors. A subject being offered at King’s does not by itself establish eligibility for this competition.
Funding and costs to consider
The award combines tuition, maintenance and research funding. The published £23,805 stipend figure relates to 2026/27, so it should not be treated as a confirmed payment for the following year. Travel funding through the KCL Global Research Grant requires a separate application.
Build a practical budget for both research locations. Ask about accommodation deposits, travel timing and any costs arising before funding begins. Keeping these questions separate from the research proposal helps you assess whether the planned movement between universities is workable.
How to Apply: King’s Joint PhD Scholarships 2027/28
- Read the 2027/28 guidance and identify the eligible joint programme that matches your research.
- Discuss the project with prospective supervisors at both institutions and retain evidence of their agreement.
- Apply through King’s Apply and enter 2728-JOINT in the funding section.
- Prepare the programme documents, references, transcripts, supervisor confirmation and Travel Plan. Follow the separate supporting-document deadline.
- Check the submitted application and keep a copy of the confirmation.
For your initial supervisor approach, prepare a focused research question, explain why each institution matters and identify relevant prior work. Avoid sending a broad request for funding without showing how the proposed supervision would support the project.
Deadline and planning
Use the January application deadline as your main planning milestone, not the later document date as permission to delay starting. Both deadlines use UK time, which is GMT in January and February. The current PDF identifies February 7 as the supporting-document deadline; applicants should follow any additional instructions issued through their admissions account.
The website retains some older year labels. Use the clearly labelled 2027/28 guidance and funding code when checking your application, and ask the Doctoral College about any conflicting instructions that affect your circumstances.
Frequently asked questions
Can I apply while admission is still being considered?
Yes. The guidance allows scholarship consideration while the joint-degree admissions application is pending. Admission still needs approval from both universities.
Is this available for part-time study?
No. This particular competition funds full-time joint programmes.
Must I spend time at the partner university?
Yes. The guidance requires at least 12 months for Humboldt, NUS and São Paulo, and half the overall study period for Hong Kong.
What should I clarify with a supervisor first?
Discuss the research fit, supervision arrangements and proposed periods at each institution. These conversations should inform a realistic project and travel plan.
Opportunities Feed Assessment
The combined funding makes this worth considering for applicants with a well-developed international research project. The main preparation challenge is coordinating two supervisors and two admissions processes. Prioritise that coordination before spending time polishing a generic scholarship statement.
Official sources
Explore more scholarships on Opportunities Feed and compare the eligibility and deadlines before applying.
Information checked on 9 November 2026. Opportunities Feed is an independent publisher, not the university or scholarship administrator. We do not process applications or guarantee selection. Confirm current requirements and funding terms through the official sources before applying.