The University of Edinburgh’s Institute for Astronomy (IfA), one of the world’s leading centers for astrophysical research, is now accepting applications for its prestigious fully funded PhD Studentships 2026. Each year, the IfA welcomes talented scholars from around the globe to pursue doctoral research in areas ranging from cosmology and exoplanets to galaxy formation and dark matter studies.
A Global Call for Future Astrophysicists
The IfA annually admits a cohort of around a dozen PhD students—each offered exceptional opportunities to work alongside world-renowned astronomers using cutting-edge telescopes and data from major international missions. The program’s mission is to foster excellence, inclusivity, and innovation in astrophysics, empowering both UK-based and international students to explore the universe’s most compelling mysteries.
The IfA strongly encourages applications from candidates of all backgrounds, supporting diversity, flexible study, and family-friendly research environments.
Career Development Scholarship 2026
One of the most exciting opportunities this year is the Career Development Scholarship, open to UK and international students from a Black heritage or mixed Black background.
- Funding Coverage: Fully funded PhD for the entire study duration
- Additional Benefit: Guaranteed nomination for the Institute of Physics Bell Burnell Graduate Scholarship Fund.
Regular IfA PhD Studentships
Applicants interested in regular funded positions must submit their application by 5th January 2026. Successful candidates will receive comprehensive PhD funding, which typically includes:
- Full tuition fees for 3.5 years
- Living stipend and research support
- Access to state-of-the-art research facilities and international collaborations
Research areas span across multiple astrophysical domains, including:
- Exoplanet discovery and atmospheres
- Cosmology and dark energy
- Galaxy formation and evolution
- Machine learning in astronomy
- Stellar systems and early Universe studies.
Application Process
Students must complete their application in three essential steps:
- Submit an online application via the University of Edinburgh Application Portal (select September 2026 start date).
- Select up to three PhD projects from different supervisors to maximize your admission chances.
Supporting documents such as reference letters and academic transcripts must also be submitted by the same deadline.
Selection and Interviews
Shortlisted candidates will be contacted by 1st February 2026, with interviews held between mid-February and early March 2026. Final decisions for funded offers are expected by late March 2026.
Why Apply?
The IfA at the University of Edinburgh offers not only world-class supervision but also exposure to global research collaborations, including access to data from JWST, the Vera Rubin Observatory, and Euclid missions. With the opportunity to live and study in one of Europe’s most intellectually vibrant cities, this is an ideal launchpad for aspiring astrophysicists who dream of contributing to our understanding of the cosmos.
Application Deadlines:
- Career Development Scholarship: 24th November 2025
- PhD Studentship Application Deadline: 5th January 2026.