Manchester Presidents Doctoral Scholar Award 2027/28 (Fully Funded)

The Manchester Presidents Doctoral Scholar Award funds PhD study in the United Kingdom. This scheme is fully funded. It brings together top talent across three faculties. Many students also compare it with other fully funded routes. For example, some look at the Imperial College Presidents PhD Scholarships, another major PhD option in the United Kingdom.

Overview

• Host country, United Kingdom
• Host school, University of Manchester
• Level of study, PhD only
• Field of study, Set themes, tied to each yearly cohort
• Nationality, Open to home and international students
• Funded by, University of Manchester

Benefits of the Manchester Presidents Doctoral Scholar Award

First, scholars get full tuition. Also, they get a yearly stipend. Plus, they get a stipend boost. In short, the award covers this.

• Full tuition fees, at the home or international rate
• A tax free annual stipend, at the UKRI rate
• An extra 1,000 Pound boost, on top of the base rate
• Access to exclusive events with senior school leaders
• Chances to manage funded projects, building real transferable skills

Who Should Apply

This award suits top graduates ready for a set research theme. It does not fit those with their own free topic. Meanwhile, students who want to propose their own area instead may prefer the Clarendon Fund Scholarship. That program funds research across almost any subject at Oxford.

Eligibility Requirements

Overall, applicants must meet these points.

• Hold, or be close to earning, a first class honours degree, or its equal
• Ideally hold a master’s degree at merit or distinction level
• Show a real track record of engaging with research
• Apply for a project matching the year’s set theme
• Be willing to join events and network with other scholars

Themes Change Each Year

Notably, the research theme shifts every year. Also, this depends on which faculty leads that cohort. This changing theme system is close to the setup used for the Trudeau Foundation Doctoral Scholarship, where set themes also shape each cohort.

Required Documents

• Completed PhD application through the school’s system
• Academic transcripts
• A personal statement or research proposal
• Letters of reference
• Proof of English language skill, where required

How to Apply

First, watch for the project list to open. Projects vary by faculty and year. Next, choose a project that fits your background and interests. Then, submit your full application before the published date. Also, this early project search step is close to the one used for the Warwick Chancellors International Scholarship.

Application Deadline

Applications for 2027/28 entry open on October 30, 2026. So, this cycle has not opened yet, which gives you real time to prepare a strong application before the projects go live.

Apply Now

Final Thoughts

Overall, this award gives strong, complete funding for PhD study in the United Kingdom. However, if you want full control over your own research topic instead, check other options too. For instance, the Clarendon Fund Scholarship funds research across almost any subject at Oxford.