The South East Doctoral Training Arc (SEDarc) offers fully funded PhD scholarships for UK and international students in the social sciences. Includes tuition coverage and a £22,780 annual stipend. Deadline: Jan 30, 2026.
SEDarc Scholarship UK Summary Table
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Host Country | United Kingdom (UK) |
| Category | Postgraduate Scholarships |
| Eligible Countries | All Countries (UK and International) |
| Reward | Full Scholarship |
| IELTS Requirement | No IELTS Required |
| Application Deadline | January 30, 2026 |
South East Doctoral Training Arc Scholarship Details
The South East Doctoral Training Arc (SEDarc) is a prominent partnership of six leading UK universities, funded by the Economic Social Research Council (ESRC), dedicated to providing world-class postgraduate research training in the social sciences.
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The SEDarc Scholarship aims to offer outstanding research training that propels discovery and fosters innovation in the region and globally. These fully funded doctoral studentships are designed to equip researchers to thrive in challenge-led, collaborative, and interdisciplinary contexts.
SEDarc Scholarship Benefits
Tier 1: Fully Funded Doctoral Studentships (£22,780 Stipend)
This tier represents the highest level of support for eligible doctoral candidates. The scholarship is comprehensive, covering both academic and living costs for the duration of the PhD program.
- Tuition Coverage: Full coverage of tuition fees at the UK/Home rate.
- Living Allowance: A generous living allowance (stipend) of £22,780 per year to cover all maintenance and accommodation costs.
Tier 2: Master’s Course Funding
SEDarc offers integrated funding for individuals who demonstrate high potential but may not yet possess the required academic background or research skills needed for direct entry into a PhD program.
- Master’s Eligibility: Students who do not already possess a Master’s degree in the social sciences may be eligible for funding to undertake an approved Master’s course within the SEDarc consortium.
- Purpose: This funding ensures that all successful candidates have a solid foundation in the research skills required to successfully complete their PhD project.
Tier 3: World-Class Research Training and Collaboration
Beyond financial assistance, the scholarship includes access to a world-class training environment provided by the ESRC-funded consortium of six leading universities.
- Training Focus: Access to a portfolio of specialist research training aimed at fostering innovation and discovery.
- Research Context: Opportunities to engage in challenge-led, collaborative, and interdisciplinary research projects across the partner institutions.
Eligibility Requirements for South East Doctoral Training Arc Scholarship UK 2026
To be considered for the SEDarc fully funded doctoral scholarship, candidates must meet the following criteria:
- Academic/Leadership: Must have qualifications or professional experience equivalent to a Master’s degree, or a Master’s degree and already possess the research skills needed to successfully complete the PhD research project.
- Study Status: Open to both UK and international students (the award includes tuition coverage at the home rate for international students).
- Program Admission: Must be nominated by one of the six SEDarc partner institutions to apply to the doctoral programme.
- Language: The scholarship details specify “No IELTS Required”, indicating an institutional waiver or alternative means of English proficiency assessment is accepted.
How to Apply for SEDarc Scholarship UK 2026 (Step by Step)
The application process is initiated at the institutional level through one of the six SEDarc partner universities.
- Step 1: Contact Chosen South East Doctoral Training Arc Institution Administrator: Candidates must first contact one of the Administrators at their chosen South East Doctoral Training Arc institution. Each institution has a different deadline and process for the initial application stage, making this the mandatory first step.
- Step 2: Institutional Application and Nomination: Submit the institutional stage application, which typically includes your updated CV, a cover letter highlighting research interests and relevant experience, and academic transcripts. Successful candidates will be nominated by the institution for the scholarship.
- Step 3: Formal Application to Doctoral Programme: Following nomination, complete the official application for the doctoral program at the host university, ensuring all required documents (including academic transcripts) are provided.
- Step 4: Final Evaluation and Notification of Award: The South East Doctoral Training Arc funding committee will conduct a final evaluation of nominated candidates, and successful applicants will be notified directly by the institution regarding their scholarship award.
Application Deadline: January 30, 2026
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is the South East Doctoral Training Arc?
The South East Doctoral Training Arc (SEDarc) is a consortium of six leading UK universities that collaborate to offer high-quality postgraduate research training in the social sciences.
2. Who funds the South East Doctoral Training Arc scholarships?
The SEDarc scholarships are primarily funded by the Economic Social Research Council (ESRC), which supports postgraduate research training in the social sciences in the UK.
3. What is the total monetary value of the South East Doctoral Training Arc scholarship reward?
The scholarship provides a full package, including full tuition fee coverage at the home rate and a yearly living allowance (stipend) of £22,780 to cover maintenance costs.
4. Is the IELTS English language test required for this scholarship?
No, the information provided explicitly states “No IELTS Required”, suggesting that the partner universities accept alternative qualifications or have processes to waive the requirement for nominated candidates.
5. Are international students eligible to apply for the SEDarc scholarship?
Yes, the scholarship is open to both UK and international students, offering an exceptional opportunity for global scholars to pursue a fully funded PhD in the UK.
6. Do I need a Master’s degree to be considered for SEDarc funding?
Candidates must have qualifications or professional experience equivalent to a Master’s degree. Additionally, funding is available to undertake an approved Master’s course for eligible students who do not already possess a relevant degree.
7. Which institutions are part of the SEDarc consortium?
The SEDarc consortium is a partnership of six leading UK universities dedicated to social sciences research training. Candidates must check the official SEDarc website for the exact list of participating institutions.
8. What is the application deadline for the SEDarc Scholarship UK 2026?
The main deadline for the SEDarc Scholarship application is January 30, 2026, although internal institutional deadlines may precede this date, making early contact essential.
9. What academic discipline does SEDarc focus on for research training?
SEDarc focuses specifically on offering world-class postgraduate research training in the Social Sciences, preparing researchers for challenge-led and interdisciplinary contexts.
10. What is the first and most crucial step in the SEDarc application process?
The most crucial first step is to contact the Administrator at your chosen SEDarc university. This is because each institution manages the initial nomination process and its own specific deadlines.
