International students aiming for a fully funded PhD in business, finance, economics, or management now have a high-value opportunity in the UK. Durham University Business School has officially opened applications for its 60th Anniversary Doctoral Excellence PhD Studentships for the 2026–27 academic year, designed to support outstanding doctoral researchers from across the world.
This prestigious fully funded PhD scholarship is part of the school’s 60-year legacy of advancing world-class research and shaping global academic and business leaders. The funding is available for full-time PhD and Integrated PhD (IPhD) programmes across Accounting, Economics, Finance, Management, and Marketing. One of the highlighted awards this year includes the Angelo Solarino Memorial PhD Studentship, created to support researchers committed to rigorous and curiosity-driven academic work.
Durham University is ranked among the world’s top 100 universities and its Business School holds triple accreditation, placing it in the top 1% globally. Doctoral scholars will join a highly supportive research ecosystem spanning 14 research centres, working alongside internationally renowned supervisors and gaining access to advanced research training, seminars, workshops, and conferences.
While the exact number of total awards has not been specified, multiple fully funded PhD studentships are available for outstanding applicants worldwide.
60th Anniversary PhD Studentships Comes With Following Benefits
This fully funded doctoral opportunity provides comprehensive financial and academic support to selected candidates.
Successful scholars can expect:
- Full tuition fee coverage for international and home students
- Annual stipend at UKRI rate currently £20,780 per year
- Funding for the full duration of the PhD programme
- Opportunity to join a world top 100 university and triple-accredited business school
- Access to 14 specialised research centres and interdisciplinary research environment
- Close supervision by globally recognised academic experts
- Participation in research seminars, workshops, and international conferences
- Advanced doctoral training and career development support
- Strong pathways into careers in academia, government, consulting, and global business.
Eligibility Needed to Apply
Applicants must demonstrate strong academic excellence and a clear research vision aligned with Durham University Business School’s expertise. And to be eligible, applicants should:
- Be international or home (UK) candidates from any country
- Apply for full-time PhD or Integrated PhD programmes at Durham University Business School
- Hold an excellent academic background suitable for doctoral research
- Submit a rigorous and innovative research proposal
- Demonstrate motivation for an academic, research, or policy-focused career
- Meet English language and university doctoral admission requirements
- Be ready to work within research areas such as Accounting, Economics, Finance, Management, or Marketing
How Can You Apply for Durham PhD Opportunities?
Applying for the Durham University 60th Anniversary PhD Studentships is a structured but straightforward process if you prepare early.
Start by identifying your research interest and exploring Durham Business School’s research centres and suggested PhD topics here https://www.durham.ac.uk/business/programmes/phd/phd-scholarships/. Once you refine your research direction, contact a potential supervisor whose expertise aligns with your proposed topic and discuss your research idea.
Next, prepare your full PhD application package including a detailed research proposal (maximum 2,000 words), updated CV, academic transcripts, and two references. Complete the official Durham University postgraduate research application form and submit all required documents to the relevant department email for your chosen discipline.
After submission, shortlisted candidates will be evaluated and final offers are expected to be announced in May 2026 for an October 2026 start.
Application Deadline
The last date to apply for the 60th Anniversary PhD Studentships 2026 at Durham University Business School is 15 February 2026.