The Queen Mary University of London PhD Research Studentships 2026/2027 are highly competitive, fully funded opportunities for exceptional graduate students to pursue doctoral research across various faculties. The studentships typically cover full tuition fees (often including the international fee differential for specific awards) and provide a generous, tax-free annual stipend (currently £21,874) for up to three years of full-time study. Eligibility requires a minimum 2:1 undergraduate degree or equivalent, and applicants must secure a supervisor and submit a strong research proposal before the general funding deadline of January 28, 2026, with selection based on academic merit and research potential.
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Fully Funded Queen Mary University PhD Research Studentships 2026 Summary Table
| Field | Detail |
|---|---|
| Institution | Queen Mary University of London (QMUL) |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Degree Level | PhD (Doctoral Research) |
| Target Audience | All Nationalities (Home and International) |
| Coverage | Full Tuition, Annual Stipend, Research Funds |
| Reward Value/Range | Full Funding + Stipend (approx. £21,874 pa) |
| Deadline | January 28, 2026 |
| Academic Year | 2026/2027 |
Queen Mary University of London PhD Research Studentships 2026/2027 Details
Queen Mary University of London (QMUL) is a leading research-intensive university inviting applications for its prestigious PhD Research Studentships for 2026/2027. These studentships offer an exceptional, fully funded pathway for academically gifted individuals from around the world to pursue cutting-edge doctoral research across the Faculties of Humanities and Social Sciences, Science and Engineering, and the School of Medicine and Dentistry.
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As part of a thriving community of researchers, successful candidates receive comprehensive financial support, allowing them to focus entirely on producing high-impact, original research. QMUL offers over 100 funded opportunities annually, either through its own schemes (like the Principal’s Studentships) or via Doctoral Training Partnerships (DTPs) with UK Research Councils.
Key Benefits and Financial Coverage
Queen Mary PhD studentships provide comprehensive financial arrangements to ensure doctoral candidates are fully supported throughout their research period. The structure of the award typically follows a tiered system:
Tier 1: Fully Funded Doctoral Studentship (Up to Full Funding)
This tier ensures the foundational cost of your education is removed.
- Tuition Fee Waiver: Full payment of tuition fees for the duration of the PhD (typically three years). For many centrally funded schemes, this includes covering the difference between Home and International tuition fees, making the awards fully funded for all successful international candidates.
Tier 2: Annual Maintenance Stipend (Fixed Value)
This tier provides a generous, tax-free income to cover living expenses.
- Annual Stipend: A generous annual maintenance stipend for up to three years of full-time study. The current rate is set at approximately £21,874 per annum, aligning with the UK Research Council (UKRI) London rate.
Tier 3: Research and Training Support
This tier provides additional funds and resources essential for high-quality doctoral work.
- Research Training Funds: Access to funds for essential training, software, and necessary research equipment.
- Travel and Conference Allowance: Support for travel to relevant academic conferences, fieldwork, and research trips.
- Dedicated Doctoral College Support: Access to the Doctoral College’s suite of professional development workshops and resources.
Eligibility Requirements for Queen Mary PhD Studentship 2026/2027
To be considered for a fully funded PhD Studentship, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Academic/Leadership: Hold at least an Upper Second-Class Honours (2:1) degree or its international equivalent. For most competitive and funded PhD places, a Master’s degree (at Merit or Distinction level) in a relevant subject is strongly preferred or mandatory.
- Study Status: Must be applying to study for a full-time PhD (or part-time pro-rata, where permitted).
- Visa Status: Open to all nationalities (Home and International). While all are eligible to apply, some UK Research Council-funded DTPs may require international students to cover the fee differential unless the studentship explicitly states it covers the international fee rate.
- Program Admission: Must submit a strong, original research proposal and secure a formal offer of admission to a specific PhD program by a QMUL supervisor/school.
How to Apply for Queen Mary PhD Studentships 2026/2027 (Step by Step)
The application process is typically unified for admission and funding consideration.
- Identify a Research Match: Thoroughly review the available funded PhD projects or identify a research area and a potential supervisor whose expertise strongly aligns with your proposed doctoral research. It is highly recommended to contact the potential supervisor to discuss your project before submitting a formal application.
- Submit Program Application: Complete the official Queen Mary online application form for admission to the chosen PhD program. Crucially, ensure you clearly indicate on the application form that you wish to be considered for QMUL funding/studentships.
- Gather Supporting Documents: Prepare and upload all mandatory documents, including academic transcripts (undergraduate and postgraduate), proof of English language ability (if required), a comprehensive research proposal, a compelling personal statement of purpose, and two strong academic references.
- Await Nomination and Offer: The relevant School or Faculty will assess your application based on academic merit and the quality of your proposal. Successful candidates will receive a combined offer of both the PhD place and the associated Studentship award (notifications are typically sent around March 2026).
Application Deadline: January 28, 2026
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the stipend amount for the 2026 entry?
The annual maintenance stipend is currently set at approximately £21,874, aligning with the UK Research Council (UKRI) London rate. This amount is generally paid tax-free.
Are these studentships available to international students?
Yes, many centrally funded QMUL studentships (like the Principal’s Studentships) and certain DTPs are open to all nationalities and cover the full international tuition fee difference, making them fully funded for overseas candidates.
What is the required minimum academic grade for consideration?
You must hold at least an upper second-class honours degree (2:1) or its international equivalent. For competitive doctoral programs, a Master’s degree at Merit or Distinction is strongly preferred.
What is the maximum duration of the studentship?
The studentship typically provides full funding and stipend coverage for three years of full-time PhD study. Some DTPs may offer 3.5 years of funding.
Is a Master’s degree mandatory to apply?
While a 2:1 Bachelor’s degree is the technical minimum, holding a relevant Master’s degree with high grades significantly increases your competitiveness and research readiness for a funded PhD position.
Is there a separate application process for the funding?
For most QMUL-funded studentships, no separate funding application is required. You must indicate clearly on your PhD admission application form that you seek funding consideration.
When is the final deadline to apply for funded positions?
The general deadline for most centrally funded PhD Studentships at QMUL is January 28, 2026, though specific project-based deadlines may vary.
Does the studentship cover relocation or flight costs?
The core maintenance stipend is intended for living expenses. While some specialist Doctoral Training Partnerships may offer limited research/travel allowances, the main studentship does not typically cover initial relocation or flight costs.
What research areas are eligible for funding?
Studentships are available across all QMUL faculties: Humanities and Social Sciences, Science and Engineering, and the School of Medicine and Dentistry, often tied to specific research projects advertised by individual schools.
Do I need to contact a supervisor before submitting my application?
Yes, it is highly recommended and essential for a competitive application to contact and secure agreement from a potential supervisor to support your research proposal before submitting your official PhD application.
