President’s Doctoral Scholar Award. Fully-funded studentships for the most outstanding biology, medicine and health postgraduate researchers

Fully funded studentships to support the most outstanding biology, medicine and health postgraduate researchers.

The President's Doctoral Scholar (PDS) Award is The University of Manchester’s flagship funding initiative giving outstanding home and international candidates the opportunity to undertake innovative interdisciplinary research.

The programme draws together research strength and ambition from the University's three faculties to create an interdisciplinary cohort of exceptional PhD candidates.

For 2026/27 entry, there will be five fully-funded scholarships available within the Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health across the theme of 'Environmental challenges to human health, society, and productivity'.

President’s Doctoral Scholar Award projects are now live and applications for 2026/27 are now open until Friday 13 March.

Why apply for the President’s Doctoral Scholar Award?

• Funding: Receive a full-funded studentship including tuition fees at home or international rate and a tax-free annual stipend (at UKRI rate) plus a £1,000 stipend enhancement
• Research leadership: Benefit from international research leadership under distinguished scholars
• Prestige: Become affiliated with one of our major funded PhD programmes, enhancing your academic and professional profile
• Exclusive events: You’ll be invited to exclusive events with our President and Vice Chancellor, academic community and other PDS Awards students

Who is eligible?

These scholarships are open to home and international applicants who:

• hold (or are about to obtain) a first or upper second class UK honours degree (or international equivalent) in an appropriate subject area;
• ideally, hold a master's-level qualification at merit or distinction (or international equivalent);
• have a track record of engaging with research which may include contributions to publications/articles, promoting their research to a wider audience, prizes for research or project work;
• interested in attending a series of exclusive events to facilitate interactions with our academic community and network with other President’s Doctoral Scholars.

Next steps

1. Check if you meet our eligibility criteria listed above
2. Find a President’s Doctoral Scholar Award project that matches your research passion
3. Contact the listed supervisor to discuss your suitability for the project
4. Prepare your supporting documents
5. Apply online once you’ve checked you’re eligible, found a project and spoken to the supervisor

Key dates

Applications open: 13 February 2026

Projects go live: 13 February 2026

Applications close: 13 March 2026

Interviews: w/c 18 May 2026

Studentships awarded: w/c 25 May 2026

Studentship begins: October 2026