A powerful new funding opportunity has just landed in the UK — and for aspiring PhD researchers in French Studies, this could be the moment that changes everything. King’s College London has officially opened applications for the Sévigné PhD Studentship 2026/27, offering one exceptional scholar the chance to pursue a fully supported doctoral journey in one of Europe’s most prestigious academic environments.
This isn’t just another scholarship — it’s a career-shaping award that combines elite research training with serious financial backing. With £25,000 per year to cover tuition, living costs, and research expenses, the Sévigné Studentship removes the biggest barrier that stops talented students from stepping into world-class doctoral education.
And here’s the real hook: this opportunity is specifically designed to support high-potential researchers who want to make an impact in French and Francophone studies — from literature and visual culture to political thought and modern history — inside a department ranked world-leading for research excellence.
What Winning the Sévigné PhD Studentship 2026 Really Means?
Securing the Sévigné Studentship isn’t just about funding — it’s about stepping into an academic fast lane at King’s College London. This award gives you the freedom to focus fully on your research while being part of a vibrant scholarly community where ideas travel fast and careers take off.
As a Sévigné Scholar, you receive £25,000 every year for up to four years, which you can flexibly use for tuition fees, daily living costs, and essential research activities. That means no scrambling for side jobs, no constant funding anxiety — just uninterrupted focus on producing high-impact doctoral work.
Backed by the generosity of the Gapper Charitable Trust, this studentship also carries prestige. It signals to future employers, postdoctoral panels, and research councils that you were selected for excellence, originality, and leadership potential — a stamp that follows you long after graduation.
Eligibility — Are You the Right Fit?
If you’re serious about launching a PhD in French Studies, here’s what you need to know before applying.
To be eligible for the Sévigné PhD Studentship 2026/27, applicants must:
- Be applying for the MPhil/PhD in French Studies Research at King’s College London for the 2026/27 academic year
- Be eligible for Home (UK) tuition fee status
- Hold (or be expecting) a conditional offer for the PhD programme
- Meet the academic entry requirements for doctoral study in French Studies
King’s College London also strongly encourages applications from candidates belonging to under-represented and marginalised groups, reinforcing its commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion in research.
How to Apply — Simple, Smart, and Stress-Free
Applying for the Sévigné Studentship is refreshingly straightforward — no complicated extra forms, no separate portals.
Here’s how you do it:
First, apply online for the MPhil/PhD in French Studies Research at King’s College London through the official admissions system.
Next, while completing your application, head to the Funding section and look for the field labelled Award Scheme Code or Name.
Now comes the key move: enter the funding code Sevigne26 — and you’re automatically considered for the studentship as per this notice https://www.kcl.ac.uk/artshums/assets/pdf/sevigne-phd-studentship.pdf.
That’s it. No second application. No extra essays. Once you apply for the PhD and include the funding code, you’re in the running for one of the most valuable humanities studentships in the UK.
Selection is based on academic excellence and the strength of your research proposal, so focus on clearly presenting your research questions, originality, and long-term scholarly vision.
Last Date to Apply — Mark This Deadline Now!
The deadline to apply for the Sévigné PhD Studentship for the 2026/27 academic year at King’s College London is 25 August 2026. Applications submitted after this date will not be considered, and the successful candidate will be notified by early September 2026.