UK Leverhulme Doctoral Scholarships 2026 (Fully Funded)
The Leverhulme Centenary Doctoral Scholarships (LCDS) 2026 represent one of the most prestigious funding opportunities in the UK for doctoral research. Launched to mark the Leverhulme Trust’s 100th anniversary, the programme provides fully funded PhD scholarships for both UK and international students. With an investment of £100 million, the scheme will fund interdisciplinary doctoral training, expand opportunities for underrepresented groups, and even provide postdoctoral support for graduates.
Degree Level
- PhD (Doctoral Level)
- Master’s + PhD pathway (for eligible UK students from underrepresented groups)
Available Subjects
- Open to interdisciplinary research areas identified as a priority by the applying UK university.
- Universities propose thematic areas that can sustain up to 30 doctoral students.
- Ineligible fields include: medical and clinical research, policy-driven projects, commercial applications, or database-heavy research.
Benefits
UK Doctoral Scholarships
- Maintenance allowance (at UKRI base levels).
- Full tuition fees (UK rate).
- £10,000 research and training grant per student.
- Maintenance allowance (UKRI base levels).
- Tuition fees (covered up to £25,000 per year).
- £10,000 research and training support per student.
Master’s + Doctoral Scholarships
- Master’s (1 year): Maintenance + tuition fees (up to £12,000).
- PhD (up to 4 years): Maintenance + tuition fees (UKRI base levels).
- £10,000 research and training grant (usable across both Master’s and PhD).
Additional Support
- £75,000 for cohort-building activities.
- £400,000 for postdoctoral opportunities for LCDS graduates.
- £225,000 for programme administration support.
Eligible Nationalities
- UK students (Home rate)
- International students (Overseas rate – up to six places per award)
Eligibility Criteria
For Universities
- Must be a UK university with research degree awarding powers.
- Applications can also come from a consortium of up to two universities.
For Students
- PhD Scholarships: Open to outstanding UK and international candidates (selection is by the host university, not directly via the Trust).
- Master’s + PhD Route (ring-fenced for underrepresented groups in the UK):
- Must be UK domiciled.
- Must not already hold a Master’s degree from the host university.
- From a low-income background (e.g., receiving full maintenance loan during undergraduate study). OR from one of the following ethnic groups:
- Black African
- Black Caribbean
- Black Other
- Mixed – White and Black Caribbean
- Mixed – White and Black African
- Other mixed background including Black African/Black Caribbean/Black Other.
Application Procedure
University Application Stage
- Only UK universities (not students) can apply directly to the Leverhulme Trust.
- Universities may apply individually or in consortium with one partner institution.
Selection of Students
- Once funding is awarded, participating universities will recruit doctoral candidates.
- Students apply directly to the host university for advertised Leverhulme Doctoral Scholarships.
Timeline (for institutions)
- Opens: 3 November 2025
- Closes: 6 March 2026 (12pm UK time)
- Decisions Announced: July 2026
