Funding and scholarships

There are a range of different funding sources available to apply for. These include doctoral training pathways and University-funded scholarships.

Overview of funding types

University of Bristol scholarships

Bristol Postgraduate Research Scholarships

For 2025 entry, we are offering scholarships to outstanding postgraduate research candidates. These are equivalent to a Research Council provision, offering full fees and a stipend to cover living costs each year. Applications are open for programmes beginning in 2025. To learn more, visit our scholarships' page.

Bristol PhD Scholarships for Black and mixed Black heritage applicants

As part of our commitment to an inclusive and representative student community, we are offering specific PhD scholarships for applicants of Black and mixed Black heritage starting their programme in 2025. These are fully funded scholarships covering fees and an annual living cost at Research Council rates, which is currently £19,237 for full-time study. The information page provides application details and faculty deadlines.

Doctoral Training Centre studentships

We currently have 29 funded Doctoral Training Centres offering excellent funded postgraduate research opportunities and a wide range of skills training. Funded studentships on these programmes enable study as part of a cohort of researchers and usually cover fees and living costs. PhD students within these cohorts gain a broad range of skills and knowledge that can be applied across a wide variety of careers within and outside of academia.

Explore our Doctoral Training Centres

 

Self-funded study

If you intend to fund yourself, you might be considering studying part-time in order to work alongside your research to help cover your living costs. Find out more about the cost of living in Bristol and part-time working.

Doctoral loans

Students living in England and Wales can apply for a postgraduate doctoral loan. This can help with your tuition fees and living costs while studying for a postgraduate research degree.

Find out about doctoral loans

Employer sponsorship

It might be possible for your employer or company to support your studies, particularly if the research is valuable to professional development and your employer. Securing sponsorship can give you financial support while your employer could benefit from the research you undertake and the skills you bring back to the company.

Your prospective school can support opportunities within this category, so please get in touch with them before applying.

Search for other funding opportunities

In addition to the above opportunities, external institutions also offer funding sources. Use the student funding search tool to explore current options. You can filter for postgraduate research funders by selecting 'postgraduate research' under 'study level'.