Eligibility Criteria

Qualifications

Applicants must hold, or expect to obtain before September 2025, an undergraduate degree (or equivalent qualifications gained outside the UK) in a relevant area. Ideally, the DTP would expect applicants to hold a 1st or 2.1 Honours undergraduate degree. Where applicants hold a 2.2 undergraduate degree (or equivalent), they should very clearly show their relevant prior experience and skills, and their suitability to undertake a PhD, in their application to provide a competitive comparison.

Those applying for +4 Studentships should also preferably hold, or expect to obtain, a relevant Masters, or have a combination of relevant qualifications and experience which demonstrates equivalent ability and attainment. This may include a period of employment or internship in a relevant environment. Both transcripts and employment history will be reviewed.

Some projects have more specific requirements. These are outlined in the project’s detailed information available via links from the Projects List.

Nationality

All applicants can apply for these studentships, regardless of nationality.

International students should note, though, that there some differences in awards offered to those who do not meet Home fee status requirements (mostly non-UK nationals) because of funder rules. These are:

  • MRC LID is limited to awarding up to two studentships per year to applicants who do not meet ‘Home’ fee status requirements. This means that competition is very strong.
  • The funder only provides tuition fees at the ‘Home’ fee rate. This means that further funds are required to cover the remainder of fees.

Please see MRC LID Applicant Guidance and FAQs on the MRC LID How to Apply page for further information.

For further information on Home or Overseas Fee Status
UKCISA: Clear outline of UK government regulations which universities use to make fee status assessments.

English Language Proficiency

International students may be required to show that they meet the English language requirements of their primary institution (where their proposed primary/lead supervisor is based).

Applicants who are offered a studentship award will be expected to provide relevant proof at that stage.

 

 

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