Funding for postgraduate researchers

There are a wide range of funding sources available to help support you while you're undertaking a postgraduate research degree at Leeds.

Postgraduate Doctoral Loan 

If you are a UK national starting a doctoral degree you may be able to apply for a Postgraduate Doctoral Loan to help with course fees and living costs. The loan is a contribution towards the costs of study; it will not necessarily cover all tuition and living costs.

Scholarships 

You can search the funding section of our research opportunities directory for information about scholarships from across our schools and subject areas.

Trusts, charities and foundations

The types of award vary widely, some amount to a few hundred pounds a year and may only cover research expenses such as travel and fieldwork.

Prospects provides information about funding postgraduate study in the UK. It offers guidance on finding funding from public funding bodies as well as charities, trusts and foundations.

The government also publishes a useful advice page about postgraduate funding, as does Leeds University Union.  

Reference books such as the Grants Register and the Directory of Grant-Making Trusts are available from the Leeds University Library.

Student Ideas Fund

The Student Ideas Fund is a collaboration between the University, Leeds University Union and students and provides funding of between £500 to £5000 to help bring your idea for improvig the University and student experience to life.

Cumberland Lodge

The Cumberland Lodge Fellowship offers doctoral students who are firmly committed to promoting social progress the chance to set themselves apart by deepening their understanding of pressing societal issues from a cross-sector perspective. They are offered the chance to develop valuable skills in public engagement, networking, communication and interdisciplinary working for a period of two years.

It is open to all students enrolled on a doctoral programme, inlcuding full time or part time, and to those undertaking professional doctorates as well as more traditional paths of study.

British Federation of Women Graduates (BFWG)

The British Federation of Women Graduates (BFWG) aims to promote women's opportunities in education and public life. National BFWG scholarships are awarded to women research students in their final year of formal study towards a PhD degree. 

Sports scholarships programme

Sport and Physical Activity offers two sports scholarship programmes to support elite athletes as they combine academic and sporting excellence during their time at the University.