Leeds University Business School PhD Excellence Scholarships 2026/27

Leeds University Business School, a globally recognized institution for excellence in teaching and impactful research, is offering 21 highly competitive PhD Excellence Scholarships for the academic year 2026/27. These scholarships are designed to attract outstanding postgraduate researchers from around the world and provide them with full financial support and career development opportunities.

The scholarships cover full tuition fees and include a maintenance allowance aligned with UKRI rates (£20,780 in 2025/26, rising annually) for up to 3.5 years.

Key Facts

• Deadline for PhD application (Stage 1): Wednesday, 4 March 2026
• Deadline for scholarship application (Stage 2): Wednesday, 11 March 2026 (12pm UK time)
• Funding start date: Thursday, 1 October 2026
• Number of awards: 21 scholarships across seven departments
• Eligibility: Open to UK and international applicants (all nationalities)
• Duration:
  • Full-time: 3 years tuition + 3.5 years maintenance
  • Part-time: Pro-rata basis
• Funding coverage: Tuition fees + maintenance allowance (£20,780 in 2025/26, adjusted annually)
• Relocation costs: Not included (visa, insurance, NHS fees, flights are the applicant’s responsibility)

Eligible Departments

Scholarships are available across the following seven departments:

• Accounting and Finance
• Analytics, Technology and Operations
• Economics
• International Business
• Management and Organisations
• Marketing
• People, Work and Employment

Research Areas

Postgraduate researchers at Leeds University Business School engage in diverse and impactful research. Areas of focus include:

• Strategic innovation in management and leadership
• Digitalization and its impact on work and employment
• Stimulating UK growth and productivity
• Promoting inclusion in workplaces and society
• Understanding organizational and consumer behavior
• Building sustainable business futures
• Navigating global markets and international systems

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Hold at least a first-class or upper second-class British Bachelor’s Honours degree (or equivalent) in a relevant discipline.
• Possess a British Master’s degree (or equivalent from overseas) or a professional qualification.
• Department-specific requirements:
  • Economics, Management and Organisations, Analytics, Technology and Operations, Marketing, People, Work and Employment: Minimum 60% average (or equivalent).
  • Accounting and Finance, International Business: Minimum 70% average (exceptional candidates with 65%+ may be considered).
• English language requirement: IELTS 7.0 overall, with at least 6.5 in each component (reading, writing, listening, speaking). Test must be dated within 2 years of the course start.
• Applicants must live within reasonable distance of the University of Leeds during the scholarship period.
• Scholarships are not available to students already registered for PhD study.

Application Process

Stage 1 – Apply for PhD Place

• Complete the PhD study application form by Wednesday, 4 March 2026.
• Clearly state the department scholarship you intend to apply for.
• Submit all required supporting documents.
• Receive your 9-digit student ID number.

Stage 2 – Apply for Scholarship

• Complete the relevant department scholarship application form by Wednesday, 11 March 2026 (12pm UK time).
• Ensure you apply to the department scholarship corresponding to your PhD application.
• Only complete applications will be considered.

Selection Process

• Scholarships are awarded based on academic merit only.
• Financial hardship is not considered.
• All applications are reviewed after the deadline.
• Applicants will be notified of the outcome within 6–8 weeks of the deadline.

Support and Community

Leeds University Business School hosts a vibrant community of around 210 postgraduate researchers. Scholarship recipients benefit from:

• Access to career and personal development opportunities.
• Participation in academic and social events, networks, and societies.
• An inclusive environment that encourages diversity and welcomes applicants from underrepresented groups, including:
  • Black, Asian, and minoritized ethnic communities
  • LGBT+ individuals
  • People with disabilities

Why Apply?

This scholarship offers more than financial support, it provides entry into a world-class research environment where scholars can:

• Contribute to impactful research with global relevance.
• Build networks across academia, policy, and industry.
• Develop leadership and innovation skills.
• Join a diverse, inclusive, and supportive postgraduate community.

Learn more and Apply before the deadline.