The Bristol Postgraduate Research Scholarships 2026 provide fully funded opportunities for outstanding students who wish to pursue a PhD programme at the University of Bristol, United Kingdom.
The scholarships aim to support talented researchers regardless of their financial background by providing funding equivalent to major UK Research Council awards. Successful candidates receive full tuition fee coverage and an annual stipend to support living expenses.
The scholarships are available across multiple faculties and research areas at the University of Bristol.
Bristol Postgraduate Research Scholarship Summary
- Host Country: United Kingdom
- Host Institution: University of Bristol
- Study Level: PhD / Postgraduate Research
- Category: Research Scholarships
- Eligible Countries: International and Domestic Students
- Scholarship Type: Fully Funded
- Benefits: Full Tuition Fee Funding + Annual Living Stipend
- Stipend Value (2026/27): £21,805 per year
- Deadline: Varies by Faculty / Not Specified
Bristol Postgraduate Research Scholarship Details
The Bristol Postgraduate Research Scholarships are designed to attract talented researchers who demonstrate strong academic potential and the ability to contribute to their chosen research field.
The scholarships provide funding at the same level as major Research Council awards and are available across various academic disciplines.
Eligible PhD programmes include research opportunities within:
- Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship
- School of Arts
- School of Economics
- School for Education
- School of Humanities
- School of Modern Languages
- School for Policy Studies
- School of Sociology, Politics and International Studies
- University of Bristol Business School
- University of Bristol Law School
Bristol Postgraduate Research Scholarship Benefits
Successful recipients will receive:
- Full tuition fee funding
- Annual stipend for living costs
- Funding equivalent to major UK Research Council scholarships
For the 2026/27 academic year:
- Annual stipend: £21,805
Some applicants may also be considered for Graduate Teaching Assistantships (GTA), which provide opportunities to gain teaching experience alongside doctoral research.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must:
- Apply for an eligible PhD programme at the University of Bristol with a September 2026 start date.
- Meet the standard admission requirements for their chosen PhD programme.
- Demonstrate strong potential for doctoral-level research.
- Receive and accept an offer of admission before or at the same time as receiving the scholarship offer.
For Graduate Teaching Assistantships (GTA), applicants must additionally:
- Demonstrate potential for doctoral research and undergraduate teaching.
- Apply for a campus-based PhD programme.
- Have the right to work in the UK if required for the teaching contract.
Applicants holding UK Student Visas should note that teaching work contributes toward the permitted working hours limit during studies.
Application Deadline
Not specified
Deadlines vary depending on the faculty and research programme. Applicants are encouraged to begin their applications early to allow sufficient time for preparation.
How to Apply
To apply for the Bristol Postgraduate Research Scholarships:
- Explore available PhD programmes at the University of Bristol.
- Identify a suitable research area and prospective supervisor.
- Review the specific requirements and application process for your chosen faculty.
- Prepare the required supporting documents.
- Submit an online PhD application through the University of Bristol application portal.
- Follow the faculty-specific scholarship application instructions.
Applicants are encouraged to contact potential supervisors before applying to discuss research interests and suitability for the programme.