About the opportunity
The University of Warwick Doctoral College offers up to 80 Postgraduate Research (PGR) scholarships for Autumn 2027 entry through a single application process spanning six distinct streams: Faculty Chancellors, Interdisciplinary Chancellors, AHRC Doctoral Scholarships, Doctoral Access – Pathway, Doctoral Access – Sanctuary, and the China Scholarship Council. Successful applicants will join eligible research degree programs such as PhD, MPhil/PhD, and EngD starting in the 2027/28 academic year. The competition provides comprehensive financial support covering academic fees and a maintenance stipend, alongside professional development and research training grants depending on the specific stream.
Funding and benefits
- Full payment of academic fees (UK or international rates).
- Tax-free maintenance stipend to support living costs.
- Full-time or part-time study options, with part-time funding at 60% and a proportionally longer funding period.
- Up to 8 weeks of annual leave per year.
- Option to suspend studies temporarily for health or personal reasons.
- Additional support for disabled Postgraduate Researchers and access to personal and professional development opportunities.
- Specific streams include additional benefits such as a £5,000 Research Training and Support Grant (RTSG) and paid family or medical leave.
Who can apply?
- Must apply for an eligible Postgraduate Research Course at the University of Warwick to begin in October 2027 (such as PhD, MPhil/PhD, EngD, or the PhD stage of a combined course).
- Must be starting in the academic year 2027/28, as scholarships cannot be deferred.
- Current postgraduate research students are generally not eligible to apply.
- Specific streams have additional criteria, such as proposing an interdisciplinary project, an AHRC-remit project, self-identifying as Black or of Black heritage for the Pathway stream, holding a recognized UK asylum or sanctuary status for the Sanctuary stream, or holding a PRC passport for the China Scholarship Council stream.
Required documents
- Course application for an eligible postgraduate research program.
- Scholarship application submitted via the scholarships portal.
- Evidence of relevant Home Office status for Doctoral Access – Sanctuary applicants.
- Completed scholarship statements for specific funding streams where applicable.
When to apply
- Call for applications opens on 5 October 2026.
- Course Applications deadline: 7 December 2026 (16:59 GMT).
- Scholarship Applications deadline: 10 December 2026 (16:59 GMT).
- References deadline: 21 December 2026 (16:59 GMT).
- Mid-stage Notification: 25 January 2027.
- Offers Released: 5 March 2027.
How to apply
- Read the PGR Scholarship Competency-Based Assessment Criteria and Applicant Guidance Notes.
- Submit your course application by the course application deadline.
- Receive an automated email with a 7-digit applicant ID number (allow at least 48 hours).
- Register your ITS applicant account.
- Submit your scholarship application and required supporting documents by the scholarship application deadline.
Additional information
- Late submissions are not accepted, and applicants are strongly advised to prepare well in advance.
- Applicants submit a single application to be considered across multiple eligible scholarship streams.
Our Take on This Opportunity
This section reflects Open Opportunities’ own analysis of the opportunity from an applicant’s perspective.
You may be a strong fit if…
- Strong fit for prospective doctoral researchers aiming to commence PhD, MPhil/PhD, or EngD studies at a top UK institution in October 2027.
- Excellent for candidates seeking fully funded doctoral opportunities that cover both tuition fees and living stipends.
- Well-suited for researchers whose topics align with specific priority areas, interdisciplinary spotlights, or arts and humanities research councils.
What should you think carefully about?
- Strict deadlines apply for course applications, scholarship applications, and references, with no late submissions accepted.
- Current postgraduate research students are not eligible to apply for these specific streams.
- Scholarships cannot be deferred to a future academic year, requiring readiness to start in October 2027.
How could this fit your current goals and plans?
This opportunity provides a comprehensive financial and academic foundation for individuals pursuing a structured doctoral research career in the UK, making it ideal for those seeking to secure multi-year funding before beginning their postgraduate research journey.
Our take
Prospective doctoral candidates aiming to begin their studies at the University of Warwick in Autumn 2027 should carefully review the specific stream criteria and submit their course and scholarship applications well ahead of the December 2026 deadlines.
Ready to apply?
Review the opportunity on the official website before applying.
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