President’s Doctoral Scholar Award. Fully funded scholarships to support the most outstanding biology, medicine and health PhD candidates from around the world.

Fully funded scholarships to support the most outstanding biology, medicine and health PhD candidates from around the world.

The President's Doctoral Scholar (PDS) Award is The University of Manchester’s flagship funding initiative for international candidates, giving outstanding students from around the world a foundation to support research training.

These awards are allocated to the most outstanding international (non-UK) applicants seeking PhD opportunities in the Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health at Manchester and are open to all nationalities and research areas.

Applications for our President’s Doctoral Scholar Award for 2025/26 are now open and will close on 15 January 2025

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Why apply for the President’s Doctoral Scholar Award?

·         Funding: Receive a full-funded scholarship including tuition fees at international rate and a tax-free annual stipend (at UKRI rate) plus a £1,000 stipend enhancement

·         Research leadership: Benefit from international research leadership under distinguished scholars

·         Prestige: Become affiliated with one of our major funded PhD programmes, enhancing your academic and professional profile.

·         Exclusive events: You’ll be invited to exclusive events with our President and Vice Chancellor, academic community and other PDS Awards students

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Who is eligible?

These scholarships are open to international PhD applicants who:

·         hold a conditional/unconditional offer for a PhD programme in the Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health to commence in September 2025;

·         hold (or are about to obtain) a first-class honours undergraduate degree (or international equivalent) from a reputable institution;

·         ideally, hold a master's-level qualification at merit or distinction (or international equivalent);

·         have a track record of engaging with research. This may include contributions to publications/articles, promoting their research to a wider audience, prizes for research or project work;

·         be interested in attending a series of exclusive events to facilitate interactions with our academic community and network with other PDS Award holders.

Next steps

1.      Check if you meet our eligibility criteria listed above

2.      Find a project that matches your research passion

3.      Contact the listed supervisor to express your interest in the project and mention you’re interested in being nominated for the President’s Doctoral Scholar Award

4.      Apply online once you’ve checked you’re eligible

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Key dates

Deadline for applications: 15 January 2025

Deadline for supervisor nominations: 15 February 2025

Interviews: March 2025