The UK has just opened one of its most respected and career-defining research scholarships for 2026 entry — the ESRC White Rose Social Science Doctoral Training Partnership (DTP) Scholarships. Funded by the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC), the country’s leading agency for social and economic research, this prestigious program is calling international talent, research-driven graduates, and future social science leaders to apply.
The ESRC funds over 4,000 postgraduate students and researchers each year, and the White Rose DTP is one of its strongest collaborative hubs. This partnership brings together seven major British universities — Leeds, Sheffield, York, Sheffield Hallam, Hull, Bradford, and Manchester Metropolitan University — offering a powerful interdisciplinary training environment for rising researchers.
For the 2026 admission cycle, the ESRC White Rose DTP has officially released its call for nominations, presenting multiple fully-funded scholarships across key social science pathways.
What This Scholarship Offers?
Successful applicants receive a fully funded research studentship, including:
- Full tuition fee coverage
- Annual tax-free maintenance stipend at the UKRI standard rate
£20,780 for 2025/26 - Research Training Support Grant (RTSG) for conferences, data collection & academic activities
- Opportunities to apply for additional support such as:
- Overseas fieldwork funding
- Language training support
- Overseas institutional visit funding.
These awards are available under several competitive categories:
- Pathway Awards (including two Interdisciplinary Research Awards)
- Stuart Hall Foundation Awards for Black British students
- Advanced Quantitative Methods (AQM) Awards
- Advanced Data Analytics (ADA) Awards
- Supervisor-Led Collaborative Awards (advertised separately from February 2026).
Applicants may choose from a vast number of social science specializations across participating universities.
Who Can Apply?
The ESRC White Rose DTP Scholarships welcome applications from UK/Home and international students (including EU citizens). Key requirements include:
- A minimum UK 2:1 Honours degree or international equivalent
(Lower grades may be accepted if supported by a relevant Master’s degree.) - For +3.5 awards, applicants must already have completed full research training through:
- A Master’s in Social Science Research, or
- Equivalent professional or academic experience
- Applicants whose first language is not English must meet the University of Sheffield English Language Requirements
- Students must reside within reasonable distance to the University of Sheffield during the studentship (except during fieldwork).
These scholarships are designed for motivated researchers committed to social, economic, and policy-driven inquiry.
How to Apply?
Applications for Pathway, AQM, and ADA awards must be submitted via the University of Sheffield Postgraduate Online Application system. Follow these steps:
1# Start Your PG Application: Select start date: 1 October 2026
(This is mandatory to unlock the ESRC Scholarships section in the portal.)
2# Access the ESRC WRDTP Application Form
- A separate WRDTP attachment (Word document) will appear in the portal
- Download, complete, and upload this form before submitting your full PG application.
3# Follow the Strict Instructions
- Word counts are strictly enforced — exceeding them results in automatic disqualification
- Only use the current version of the WRDTP form available via the portal
- Do not recycle forms from earlier application cycles.
4# Submit Before Both Deadlines
- Some academic departments at Sheffield may require earlier internal deadlines
- Applicants must ensure timely submission to both department and scholarship deadlines.
Application Deadline (2026 Entry)
The last date to apply for ESRC White Rose DTP Scholarships is Wednesday, 21 January 2026 at 17:00 GMT.
Department-level internal deadlines may be earlier, so applicants must verify requirements directly with their School.
Meanwhile, ESRC White Rose DTP Collaborative Awards (supervisor-led) will be advertised starting February 2026.