Fully Funded 4-Year PhD in the UK: University of Manchester Bicentenary Studentships 2026.
To celebrate 200 years of innovation and groundbreaking research, the University of Manchester in the United Kingdom has announced a prestigious new scholarship program. The Faculty of Science and Engineering Bicentenary PhD Studentships are now open, offering a remarkable opportunity for postgraduate researchers to pursue a fully funded PhD.
Commencing in September 2026, this program will provide more than 45 fully funded PhD scholarships for projects across several major, high-impact research themes. This is a chance to make life-changing breakthroughs at a world-leading institution. Consequently, if you are a high-achieving student with a passion for research in science and engineering, this is an opportunity you must not miss.
Scholarship Summary at a Glance
- Host Country: United Kingdom (UK)
- University: The University of Manchester
- Degree Level: PhD (Doctoral)
- Duration: 4 Years
- Financial Benefits: Fully Funded (Tuition + Stipend + Research Grant)
- Start Date: September 2026
Unmatched Financial & Professional Benefits
The Bicentenary Studentship is a fully funded program that provides comprehensive support, allowing you to focus entirely on your research.
- Full Tuition Fees: The scholarship covers the full cost of tuition fees for all four years.
- Generous Annual Stipend: You will receive a tax-free annual stipend at the UKRI rate, which for 2025/26 is £20,780 per year.
- Research Training Support Grant: In addition, an extra £5,000 per year will be provided as a research training support grant (RTSG) to cover costs for equipment, travel, and conferences.
- Expert Supervision: You will be supported by an expert supervisory team at a world-leading research institute with strong industry links.
- Doctoral Academy: Furthermore, you will become part of a diverse and welcoming Doctoral Academy, accelerating your development and professional profile.
Key Research Themes
The 45+ available projects fall under the Faculty's major research themes:
- Digital and AI
- Environment and climate change
- Health inequalities
- Creative industries
Who is Eligible to Apply?
To be considered for this prestigious studentship, you must meet the following criteria:
- You must have, or expect to achieve, at least a 2.1 honours degree (or equivalent) in a relevant science or engineering discipline.
- A Master's degree in a relevant field is also highly regarded.
- You must have previous experience in research.
- The general admission requirements for a PhD program at the University of Manchester must also be met.
How to Apply (Step-by-Step)
The application process is project-specific and requires you to be proactive.
- Explore Projects: First, you must visit the official Bicentenary Studentship webpage (link available on the university's scholarship site) to browse the list of available PhD projects.
- Select a Project: Select a project that strongly matches your academic interests and background.
- Contact the Supervisor: This is a crucial step. You must contact the supervisor(s) for your chosen project to discuss it before you submit a formal application.
- Submit Formal Application: Once you have spoken with the supervisor, you can complete a formal application for admission through the university's online application portal.
- Check Project Details: We encourage you to check the details of your selected project carefully, as each may have its own specific requirements or application instructions.
Application Deadline
The deadline for these studentships is not specified in a single date. Each project may have its own application window. Therefore, you are strongly encouraged to start this process as soon as possible to ensure you meet the deadlines for your chosen project for the September 2026 start.