Leeds University Business School has opened applications for its Prestigious PhD Excellence Scholarships 2026, offering outstanding researchers worldwide the chance to join one of the UK’s top business schools. Known for world-class research, international collaborations, and high-impact academic training, Leeds University Business School invites driven individuals aiming to advance knowledge across major business and economic disciplines.
A Fully Funded Research Opportunity for Emerging Scholars
The 2026 PhD Excellence Scholarship continues its commitment to supporting global research talent through a comprehensive funding package. Selected scholars receive full PhD tuition fees for the entire duration of the programme—3.5 years for full-time study (part-time options are open only to UK applicants).
In addition, scholars receive a generous annual maintenance grant of £19,237, aligned with UKRI rates and adjusted annually to maintain competitive support.
The scholarship also grants access to a dynamic postgraduate research environment, interdisciplinary collaborations, professional development workshops, and networking with leading academics, making it a transformative starting point for an academic or industry research career.
Who Can Apply?
The scholarship remains open to applicants from all nationalities, including those already residing in the UK. To qualify, applicants must meet the following academic and language criteria:
Applicants should hold:
- A First-Class or Upper Second-Class (2:1) Bachelor’s degree from the UK or an international equivalent.
- A relevant Master’s degree, with minimum marks depending on the department:
- 60%+ for most departments.
- 70%+ for Accounting, Finance, and International Business (exceptionally strong applicants with 65% may be considered).
- Proof of English language proficiency, typically IELTS 7.0 overall with no component below 6.5, or an equivalent approved qualification. Test results must be valid within two years of the programme start date.
PhD Departments and Research Strengths for 2026 Entry
Applicants may pursue their doctoral research across seven departments at Leeds University Business School:
- Accounting and Finance
- Analytics, Technology and Operations
- Economics
- International Business
- Management and Organizations
- Marketing
- People, Work and Employment
The School’s research centres contribute to four globally relevant themes shaping policy and business today:
- Governance, financial systems, and economic well-being
- People, work, and organizational performance
- International business, marketing, and global networks
- Technology, innovation, and modern management practices.
How to Apply for the PhD Excellence Scholarship 2026?
Stage 1 – Apply for a PhD Position
Applicants must first submit a study application for a PhD programme at Leeds University Business School. This includes uploading all supporting documents and obtaining a 9-digit student ID number, which is required for the scholarship application.
Stage 2 – Submit the Scholarship Application: Once the PhD application is submitted:
- Visit the scholarship application page for your selected department.
- Complete and submit the scholarship form before the relevant deadline.
Only complete applications submitted on time will be considered for funding.
Application Deadlines for 2026 Entry
The University of Leeds offers several PhD start dates for the 2026 entry cycle, with deadlines varying for UK-based and international applicants. International candidates must apply for the PhD programme on a full-time basis, while UK applicants may apply for either full-time or part-time study.
For the September 2026 start date, UK applicants must submit their applications by 31 May 2026, while international applicants must apply earlier, by 30 April 2026. For those beginning in October 2026, the UK deadline is 30 June 2026, and the international deadline is 31 May 2026.
Candidates planning to start in February 2027 must follow autumn deadlines: UK applicants should apply by 31 October 2026, and international applicants must complete their submissions by 30 September 2026. The final available intake for this cycle is April 2027, with UK applications closing on 31 December 2026, and international applications due by 30 November 2026.