PhD scholarships

Our prestigious PhD scholarships aim to encourage the best basic scientists and non-medical healthcare professionals (including nurses and allied health professionals) to embark on a research career in any discipline relevant to arthritis and related musculoskeletal diseases.

Who should apply?

Scholarships are awarded annually, by open competition, for projects that have clear relevance to our aims and provide training in research in a multidisciplinary environment.

Students supported by these awards can be basic scientists or non-medical healthcare professionals (including nurses and allied health professionals), medical graduates are not eligible.

Applications should be made by the proposed supervisor at an eligible institution. Proposals may also be submitted for collaborative studentships by institutions with an industrial sponsor/supervisor. Due to funding regulations, applicants must be based in the UK.

Applicants can either apply with a named student or with projects alone, with student recruitment to be carried out at a later date. We would still recommend that where possible a named student is associated with the application, and those without named students at this stage will be asked to submit relevant information (CV and supporting statements) when the student is appointed.

What does the scholarship offer?

Versus Arthritis will provide up to four years of support for these scholarships. Applicants can apply for one of two models of funding:

1+3-year model will allow for the completion of a relevant MRes/MSc in year one, followed by three years of PhD funding. Stipend and tuition fees will be paid for the four years; consumables will be paid for years two – four only
3+1-year model will provide three years of PhD funding (stipend, fees and consumables) with the option of applying for supplemental funding for year four if required.
The funding model requested should be outlined in the relevant section of the application form, with information on any proposed MRes/MSc course, where applicable. These scholarships provide a generous tax-free incremental stipend, UK tuition fees, improved running costs of £10,000 per year (capped at £7,500 in year four of a 3+1 model) and a travel grant for conference attendance. We will not pay overseas tuition fees.

How are they funded?

These scholarships are awarded by a panel consisting of members of the fellowship expert group alongside appropriate experts. Since the number of awards is limited, geographic/numerical limitations may apply to the number of studentships held by a single department. Applications should be made through Grant Tracker.

Further information and FAQs about applying for PhD scholarships, are available here.