The University of Reading has announced its International PhD Studentships for students starting in October 2027. The studentships cover research in science, life sciences, social sciences, arts and humanities, and Henley Business School.
This guide explains what the studentships offer, who can apply, how the two-stage competition works and the steps to apply. Please read the stipend and competition sections carefully, because they affect how realistic an application is.
Quick Answer
According to the university, the International PhD Studentships cover tuition fees at the International rate and a £1,000 per year training and development allowance. Students who intend to study based at Reading also receive a stipend, which is £21,805 for 2026/27. The application deadline is Friday 15 January 2027.
Studentship Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| University | University of Reading, United Kingdom |
| Level | PhD |
| Start date | October 2027 |
| Research areas | Science, life sciences, social sciences, arts and humanities, and Henley Business School |
| Duration | Up to 4 years full-time, up to 6 years part-time |
| Application deadline | Friday 15 January 2027 |
What the Studentships Offer
The university states that the studentships provide:
- Tuition fees at the International rate
- A £1,000 per year training and development allowance
- For applicants intending to study based at Reading only, a stipend broadly in line with the UKRI minimum stipend
The 2026/27 stipend rate is £21,805. Because the stipend follows the UKRI minimum, the amount may change in future years, so please confirm the current rate with the university.
Reading-Based and Off-Campus Students
Applicants may apply to study either based at Reading or off campus/by distance. The stipend is paid only to students based at Reading. Applicants studying off campus or by distance are eligible only for the tuition fees and the training and development allowance, and the award does not include a stipend.
Who Can Apply?
Applications are invited from students who have applied for a place on a PhD programme at the University of Reading. The university describes the studentships as being awarded to highly qualified applicants.
Before you apply, you should check with the postgraduate research administrator in your School or Department that your proposed research can be supervised there. You can also explore the university’s doctoral research areas and Find a PhD pages.
How the Competition Works
The competition has two stages:
- School selection. Each School carries out an internal selection and nominates one candidate for the final stage.
- University selection. The nominated candidates go to a final selection panel in the Doctoral and Researcher College.
Because each School nominates only one candidate, this is a highly competitive process. A strong application and a well-prepared proposal matter.
Key Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Application deadline | Friday 15 January 2027 |
| Final selection panel | Around the end of March 2027 |
| Award letters | Around the end of April 2027 |
The studentship award letter is provided separately from any offer of admission, and it is subject to standard checks for eligibility and other criteria.
How to Apply
- Contact your School or Department. Check that your proposed research can be supervised. You can find contacts through the Directors of Postgraduate Research Studies page.
- Apply for a place on a PhD programme. Submit your application through the university’s online admissions portal. Read the university’s guide on how to apply for a doctoral degree first.
- Quote the competition. In the “scholarships applied for” box in the funding section of your application, enter “International Research Studentship Competition”.
- Complete the studentship application form. Fill in the short International PhD Studentship Application Form. If you already applied without quoting the competition, the university says you should still complete this form, because it makes your School aware of your interest.
The form shows a “your response was submitted” screen when you finish, so you do not need to contact the university to check.
The Research Proposal
If your School nominates you, it will ask you to prepare a summary research proposal. According to the university:
- The proposal can be a maximum of 700 words, excluding the title and references.
- If you uploaded a longer proposal for your admissions application, it can be shortened for the funding competition.
- The proposal is an important part of the funding decision.
- It must be your own work, although your supervisor may guide and advise you.
Tips for a Stronger Application
- Start talking to your School early, as they must agree your research can be supervised.
- Choose a project that fits an active research area at Reading.
- Plan a clear, focused proposal that you can summarise in 700 words.
- Do not forget to quote the competition name in your admissions application.
- Complete the studentship form well before the deadline.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a stipend included?
Only if you intend to study based at Reading. Off-campus or distance students do not receive a stipend.
How long does the funding last?
Awards last up to four years for full-time study and up to six years for part-time study.
Do I need to submit a research proposal immediately?
No. The 700-word summary proposal is requested if your School nominates you.
Who can I contact with questions?
The university lists its Doctoral Studentships Officer as the contact for enquiries.
Official Links
- Official International PhD Studentships page
- International PhD Studentship Application Form
- How to apply for a doctoral degree
- Doctoral research areas
- Find a PhD
- Directors of Postgraduate Research Studies
Conclusion
The University of Reading International PhD Studentships offer funded doctoral study for October 2027, with tuition fees and a training allowance, plus a stipend for students based at Reading. Because the competition selects one nominee per School, early preparation is important. Always confirm the latest details on the official studentships page before you apply.
TechKarimi is an independent information website and is not affiliated with the University of Reading. Always confirm the latest details on the official university website.