Liverpool John Moores University VC PhD Scholarships 2026 for International Students
Liverpool John Moores University (LJMU) has officially opened applications for the Vice-Chancellor (VC) PhD Scholarships Scheme 2026, inviting exceptional research talent from around the world. The scheme—now entering its 11th year—continues LJMU’s commitment to promoting pioneering, inclusive, and multidisciplinary research across diverse areas, from neuroscience and engineering to public health and criminology.
About the VC PhD Scholarships 2026
Endorsed by the Vice-Chancellor and the University Research and Knowledge Exchange Committee, this highly competitive program is central to LJMU’s Strategy 2030, supporting the recruitment of outstanding doctoral researchers to strengthen the university’s global research excellence.
For 2026, a maximum of 20 fully funded studentships will be offered across LJMU’s two faculties—Health, Innovation, Technology and Science, and Society and Culture—with opportunities for collaboration with international research institutions.
Research Areas at LJMU
Applicants may apply across any discipline under the following faculties and research centers:
- Faculty of Health, Innovation, Technology and Science
(Astrophysics, Engineering, Computer Science, Nursing, Psychology, Pharmacy, Environmental Sciences, Sports Science, etc.) - Faculty of Society and Culture
(Business, Art & Creative Industries, Education, Humanities, Law, Social Sciences).
VC Scholarship Benefits
The VC PhD Scholarships 2026 at Liverpool John Moores University (LJMU) provide full financial support and professional development opportunities designed to nurture academic excellence and research leadership. The scholarships are available for both full-time (3 years) and part-time (6 years) study modes, ensuring flexibility for domestic and international scholars.
The table below summarizes the benefits and what each component offers:
| Type of Scholarship | Benefit | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (3 Years) | Tuition Fees | Covers 100% of PhD tuition fees, allowing students to focus entirely on their research without financial burden. |
| Annual Stipend | Provides £20,780 per year (from October 2025), paid monthly to support students’ living and research-related expenses. | |
| Bench Fee | Offers £1,600 annually to the lead supervisor for essential research and laboratory running costs. | |
| Coaching and Mentoring | Provides continuous one-on-one academic mentorship and advocacy to enhance research progress. | |
| Researcher Development Programme | Grants access to LJMU’s professional and academic training sessions aimed at strengthening research and transferable skills. | |
| Brilliant Club Scholars Programme | Allows students to engage in the national outreach initiative promoting research communication and academic engagement. | |
| Part-Time (6 Years) | Tuition Fees | Covers all tuition fees for the six-year study duration, enabling flexibility for working professionals or caregivers. |
| Coaching and Mentoring | Ensures academic and personal guidance throughout the extended duration of part-time research. | |
| Researcher Development Programme | Provides advanced research training, workshops, and development opportunities tailored for part-time candidates. |
This comprehensive support structure ensures that both full-time and part-time scholars at LJMU receive not only full tuition coverage but also the mentorship, resources, and training required to thrive in an international research environment.
Eligibility Criteria
General Requirements
- Open to both UK and international students (home and overseas fee status).
- Applicants must meet LJMU’s PhD entry requirements for the proposed discipline.
- Students currently completing a master’s degree must finish their program before PhD enrolment in August/September 2026.
- Applicants already enrolled in any PhD or professional doctorate are not eligible.
Supervisor Requirements
- The lead supervisor must be a permanent academic staff member (Lecturer/Senior Lecturer or above).
- Postdoctoral researchers and research assistants cannot act as lead supervisors but may join supervisory teams.
- Each supervisor may lead only one studentship but can co-supervise others.
Apply: https://www.ljmu.ac.uk/research/phd-studentship-application
Selection and Review Process
Applications undergo a two-stage review:
-
Faculty Panel Review:
Organized by the Faculty Associate Dean for Research and Knowledge Exchange, assessing the project’s academic excellence, supervisory quality, and diversity considerations. -
University Panel Review:
Chaired by Professor George (PVC Research and Knowledge Exchange) and the University Research and Knowledge Exchange Committee, evaluating shortlisted applications for overall excellence.Advertisement
Assessment Criteria
- Academic calibre of the applicant (qualifications, research outputs, skills)
- Supervisory team’s research strength and expertise
- Quality and clarity of the proposed project and lay summary
- Strength of the PhD training plan
- Relevance to LJMU’s research priorities or strategic plans
Application Timeline
Applications for the VC PhD Scholarships 2026 at Liverpool John Moores University are open from 22 September 2025 to 30 January 2026.
Successful candidates and their supervisors will be notified by 15 April 2026. Awardees must complete the formal online PGR application before the August/September 2026 enrolment period. Late registrations will result in withdrawal of the offer.
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