Research funding
Funding options for research students, including university‑funded studentships, external funding, and postgraduate loans.
Studentships
Throughout the year, a number of funded studentship opportunities may become available and will be advertised via the Doctoral Academy as well as jobs.ac.uk. Please check regularly to see if there is an opportunity within your research area.
Studentships typically cover the costs of tuition fees for UK students (or up to UK level if an international student) and have a bursary attached to cover living expenses. Please check the terms and conditions of the individual advert for full details.
How does a studentship work?
A studentship will usually cover tuition fees for three years as well as pay the student a stipend for three years, paid monthly. You’ll find more details about what is covered for a studentship on the application page.
Project area
The project area and sometimes the project itself will already be decided.
How to apply
You will need to submit your application by the closing date on the application page. Applications will be shortlisted for interview and following the interview, the successful candidate(s) will be awarded the studentship.
Financial considerations
Being in receipt of a studentship might have tax/benefits implications for you, ensure that you have checked how this may effect your current circumstances.
Self-funded research
If your research area falls outside our advertised positions, you will need to cover the costs of tuition fees, project fees (if applicable) and living expenses personally or arrange for a sponsor or external body (for example an employer or government sponsor) to fund your research project. You will need to clearly state how you intend to fund your studies when making an application.
Postgraduate Doctoral Loan
If you are a prospective UK doctoral student, and you normally live in England, you may be able to apply for a UK government Postgraduate Doctoral Loan to support your postgraduate research degree study.
University funding sources
- The UWE Bristol Alumni Scholarship offers a discount to PGRs who have completed an eligible programme at UWE Bristol. This discount is only on the first year of study if your course is full time, and only the first two years of study if on a part-time course.
- The UWE Bristol Fund can provide grants to students facing financial difficulty, support student-led community projects and fund students extra-curricular activities.
Money and finance support
The University's money and finance section is full of resources and helpful advice to help you manage your money. This includes Blackbullion, an award-winning education technology company offering free financial advice online, equipping students and graduates with money skills for life.
Money and financeCollege conference funding support for PGRs
If you are a postgraduate research student looking to secure funding for conference attendance, you should contact the Doctoral Academy directly to request the appropriate application form for your specific college.
- Arts, Technology and Environment: Contact doctoralacademy@uwe.ac.uk
- Business and Law: Contact doctoralacademy@uwe.ac.uk
- Health, Science and Society: Contact doctoralacademy@uwe.ac.uk
View all UWE Bristol scholarships and bursaries.
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Contact the Doctoral Academy
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