Postgraduate research funding
We are delighted to invite applications for postgraduate research funding. We cannot guarantee funding, but we are happy to offer advice, support, and feedback on funding applications and research proposals.
Your first step should be to get in touch with the member of staff you are hoping to work with. The funding application process is very competitive and, in addition to achieving a distinction/first class in your previous studies (Masters level and/or Bachelors level depending on the point at which you are applying), your proposal will need to be very carefully crafted.
We would, therefore, suggest this contact is made at least eight weeks before submitting a final funding application. This will allow your proposed supervisor to discuss your research proposal with you and offer advice on your application.
Once you have found a supervisor, you will then need to apply to the PhD programme. You will then need to follow the application process for your chosen form of funding. Funding application processes may vary so please carefully check the information for each source of funding below. You do not need to have received an offer before you submit your funding application.
If you are planning on applying for funding you will need to submit your application in advance of the funding deadline. You should make sure your referees are aware of the time-frame and that the reference will form part of your funding application.
University of Sheffield research scholarships
- University of Sheffield BAME Research Scholarships
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The Faculty of Arts & Humanities are accepting applications for the University of Sheffield Research Scholarships for applicants of Black or Black British (of African or Caribbean heritage), Asian or Asian British (of Bangladeshi, Pakistani and Indian heritage) or multiple ethnic background including one of the ethnicity groups listed above. Students must already have been accepted as PhD students before they apply for this funding.
Award Details:
The scholarships cover tuition fees and a tax-free stipend at the UKRI rate, as well as a generous training and development allowance. These scholarships fund up to three and a half years full-time or seven years part-time study, subject to satisfactory progress. Part-time studentships are paid at 50% of the full-time rate.
Guidance notes:
Please see here for more information on eligibility and how to apply. Students must apply by late January, and students must already have been accepted as PhD students before they apply for this funding.
- Sheffield China Scholarship Council funding
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The Sheffield China Scholarship Council funding provides academically excellent Chinese students with the opportunity to study for a PhD at the University of Sheffield. The scholarships are supported jointly by the China Scholarship Council and the University of Sheffield.
Award details:
The scholarship will cover University tuition fees, a grant for living costs and one return flight from China to the UK. Funding for each award will be up to 48 months. Successful candidates will be expected to have submitted their thesis and defended it via oral examination by month 48.
Eligibility:
You must be applying to start a new full-time PhD programme at Sheffield. You must be a national of and ordinarily resident in mainland China (not including Hong Kong or Macau). You must also be intending to return to China once your programme is completed. You will require an unconditional offer from the University of Sheffield so will be required to meet both academic and English language criteria.
Students must apply by late January, and students must already have been accepted as PhD students before they apply for this funding.
Postgraduate doctoral loans
Non-means-tested loans are available to home students studying postgraduate research courses.
Alumni awards
University of Sheffield graduates can also take advantage of a discount on tuition fees.
Other funding bodies
Many charities, foundations and trusts provide funding for postgraduate study, from small grants to full scholarships. Some are for specific subject areas while others have more general eligibility criteria. Please see our list of additional funding for more information.
Contact
For PhD funding related queries, we recommend that you contact our PGR lead, Seth Mehl (s.mehl@sheffield.ac.uk) for further information. You can also contact dhi-pgr@sheffield.ac.uk for more information.
Further information on scholarships can be found in the FAQs webpage, or you can email pgr-scholarships@sheffield.ac.uk for further guidance.