Leeds University Business School PhD Excellence Scholarships 2026/27 – Apply Now

Leeds University Business School (LUBS) is a globally recognized institution, known for excellence in teaching and world-class research. In the last REF assessment, 90% of the School’s research was deemed “world leading” or “internationally excellent,” ranking 5th in the UK for research power in business and management studies.

The PhD Excellence Scholarships offer 21 fully funded opportunities across seven departments, covering tuition fees and providing a maintenance allowance for 3.5 years. These scholarships are open to both UK and international applicants who wish to start their PhD in 2026/27.

Key Information

Deadline: Wednesday, 11 March 2026
Start Date: Thursday, 1 October 2026
Funding: Full fees + maintenance allowance (£20,780 for 2025/26, rising annually)
Eligibility: International (open to all nationalities, including the UK)
Departments: Accounting & Finance, Analytics, Technology & Operations, Economics, International Business, Management & Organisations, Marketing, People, Work & Employment

Who Can Apply?

• Applicants must have an offer or apply for a PhD place at Leeds University Business School.

• Open to full-time or part-time candidates (part-time scholarships are pro-rata, UK only).

• Applicants should have at least a first-class or upper second-class Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent), and a Master’s degree or equivalent professional qualification.

• Specific department entry requirements:

  • Accounting & Finance / International Business: 70% or above (exceptional 65+ considered)

  • Economics, Management & Organisations, Analytics, Technology & Operations, Marketing, People, Work & Employment: minimum 60% or equivalent

Benefits

• Full tuition fees for 3 years (3.5 years maintenance allowance)

• Maintenance allowance aligned with UKRI rates (£20,780 for 2025/26)

• Access to a vibrant, inclusive research community of ~210 postgraduate researchers

• Opportunities for academic, career, and personal development

• Participation in academic and social events, networks, and societies

Note: Relocation expenses for international students (visa, insurance, NHS fees, flights) are not covered.

Research Areas

LUBS researchers focus on topics that combine academic rigor with societal impact, including:

• Strategic innovation in management and leadership

• Digitalization and its impact on work and employment

• UK growth and productivity

• Inclusion in workplaces and society

• Organizational and consumer behavior

• Sustainable business futures

• Global markets and international systems

How to Apply

Stage 1 – Apply for a PhD Place

1. Complete a study application form for your chosen department.

2. Submit all required supporting documents.

3. Receive your 9-digit student ID number.

4. Deadline: Wednesday, 4 March 2026 (for consideration for the scholarship).

Stage 2 – Apply for the Scholarship

1. Complete the relevant department scholarship application form:

   • Accounting & Finance

   • Analytics, Technology & Operations

   • Economics

   • International Business

   • Management & Organisations

   • Marketing

   • People, Work & Employment

2. Deadline: 12pm, Wednesday, 11 March 2026.

3. Provide evidence of English proficiency (IELTS 7.0 overall, minimum 6.5 per component, or equivalent).

Applications are considered based on academic merit only.

Diversity & Inclusion

LUBS values a diverse and inclusive community and strongly encourages applications from:

• Black, Asian, and minoritized ethnic communities

• LGBT+ individuals

• People with disabilities

All applicants are assessed based on merit and ability.

Contact

For more information, email the Admissions Team at phd@lubs.leeds.ac.uk

For more such opportunities, click here.