UK Leverhulme Doctoral Scholarships Opening in November 2025
Imagine standing at the edge of a life-changing academic journey—only to realize you didn’t prepare early enough to seize it. That’s exactly why you need to start thinking now about the Leverhulme Centenary Doctoral Scholarships (LCDS) 2026, one of the UK’s most competitive and prestigious funding programmes for doctoral study.
With applications opening in November 2025 and closing in March 2026, the clock is already ticking. Let’s break down what makes this opportunity unique and how you can best prepare yourself.
What Makes Leverhulme Doctoral Scholarships Different?
Unlike many scholarships where you apply directly, the Leverhulme Trust doesn’t accept individual student applications. Instead, funding is awarded to UK universities, which then recruit students into interdisciplinary doctoral programmes they design. This means your strategy isn’t just about waiting for the call—it’s about knowing where to look and how to position yourself.
For 2026, thanks to the Trust’s £100 million anniversary commitment, the programme is expanding with:
- More doctoral places for both UK and international students.
- Additional scholarships for underrepresented groups through a Master’s plus PhD pathway.
- Funding for research costs, training, and cohort-building activities.
- New postdoctoral opportunities for LCDS graduates.
Key Details You Need to Know
- Value: Up to £5 million per award for each university, funding 18 UK/home PhDs and 6 international PhDs.
- Duration: Each award runs for 9 years, with doctoral scholarships lasting 4 years.
- Master’s + PhD option: Available for low-income and Black students in the UK who don’t yet hold a master’s degree.
- Disciplines: Universities propose their own priority research themes—these could be broad but always interdisciplinary.
How Students Should Prepare for Leverhulme Scholarship?
Since you can’t apply directly to Leverhulme, here’s what you should do:
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Track Eligible Universities
Keep an eye on which UK universities win these awards when announcements are made in mid-to-late 2025. These universities will advertise their LCDS-funded PhD places afterward.Advertisement -
Strengthen Your Research Profile
Start developing a clear research interest that aligns with interdisciplinary themes. Universities value candidates who can fit into large research cohorts. -
Prepare for Competition
Expect rigorous selection. A strong academic record, research potential, and alignment with the chosen research theme are essential. -
For Underrepresented Students in the UK
If you qualify for the Master’s + PhD route, gather your eligibility documents (e.g., proof of low-income status or ethnicity category). This route could provide a stepping stone into doctoral study even if you haven’t yet pursued a master’s. -
Stay Alert for Announcements
Universities will publish scholarship adverts on their websites and doctoral recruitment pages. Don’t miss deadlines—these places fill quickly.Advertisement
Why This Matters for You?
Doctoral study can be financially daunting, but the Leverhulme Doctoral Scholarships offer fully-funded opportunities with additional support structures, making them one of the most comprehensive PhD funding packages in the UK. Whether you’re an international student dreaming of UK research or a UK student looking for a funded pathway into academia, this programme can be your launchpad.
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