Key facts
- Deadline
- Friday 27 February 2026
- Funding start date
- Thursday 1 October 2026
- Number of funding places
- 1
- Country eligibility
- International (open to all nationalities, including the UK)
- Source of funding
- University of Leeds
- Schools
- School of Electronic and Electrical Engineering
- Research groups/institutes
- Institute of Communication and Power Networks, Institute of Robotics, Autonomous Systems and Sensing, Pollard Institute
A highly competitive School of Electronic and Electrical Engineering Scholarship providing full Academic Fees at the UK fee rate (currently £5,006 in academic session 2025/26) or international fee rate of £32,000, together with a tax-free Maintenance grant (currently £20,780 for academic session 2025/26) per year for 3.5 years.<br /> <br /> You will be responsible for paying the overtime fee in full in your writing up/overtime year (£340 in Session 2025/26), but the scholarship maintenance allowance will continue to be paid for up to 6 months in the final year of award.<br /> <br /> Please note that there is only 1 funded place available. If you are successful in securing an academic offer for PhD study, this does not mean that you have been successful in securing an offer of funding.<br /> <br /> If you are successful in securing this award, you must be able to start on 1 October 2026.<br />
<p><strong>Important:</strong> Please note that that the award does <em><strong>not</strong></em> cover the costs associated with moving to the UK. All such costs (<a href="https://www.leeds.ac.uk/international-visas-immigration/doc/applying-student-visa">visa, Immigration Health Surcharge</a>, flights etc) would have to be met by yourself, or you will need to find an alternative funding source. </p> <p>Please refer to the <a href="https://www.ukcisa.org.uk/">UKCISA</a> website for information regarding Fee Status for Non-UK Nationals.</p> <p>This funding is linked to specific project(s), therefore, please see project opportunities below.</p> <p><strong>Why do your PhD at Leeds?</strong></p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing"><strong>World-leading research environment (REF 2021)</strong></p> <p>At Leeds, our research in major engineering disciplines, mathematics and physical sciences addresses the most prevalent real-world challenges – providing solutions that have had both a national and global impact.</p> <p><strong>Study in an active research environment</strong></p> <p>Studying your PhD with us means you’ll be working in a professional research environment, using UK-leading facilities to bring your project to life – alongside active researchers who are at the forefront of their area.</p> <p><strong>A strong network of support</strong></p> <p>The Leeds Doctoral College connects our community of researchers and can offer you the guidance, services and opportunities you’ll need to get the most out of your PhD.</p> <p><strong>Close industry links</strong></p> <p>Our partnerships and links to companies and academic institutions give you the opportunity to network at industry talks, seminars and conferences, building connections that'll benefit your next steps after you complete your PhD.</p> <p><strong>Professional skills development</strong></p> <p>We think of the whole picture at Leeds. That’s why we offer a range of workshops and courses that'll enhance your skillset further and transfer into your professional career.</p> <p><strong>Personal and wellbeing services</strong></p> <p>Mental health and wellbeing support are integral to who we are at Leeds and you’ll have access to the full range of services we offer to ensure you’re feeling your best – and reaching your potential in your studies.</p> <p><strong>Join our global community</strong></p> <p>We welcome students, researchers, academics, partners and alumni from more than 140 countries, all over the world. This means, as a university, we’re bringing together different cultures and perspectives which helps strengthen our research – and societal impact.</p>
<p>Please visit the <a href="https://eps.leeds.ac.uk/electronic-engineering">School of Electronic & Electrical Engineering</a> to find out more about the School and our current Research activities.</p> <p><strong>Selection Process:</strong></p> <ul> <li>Applications will be processed after the closing date of 27 February 2026 (please ensure that all documentation to support your application is submitted by this date).</li> <li>Once processed, applications will be circulated to supervisors who will shortlist and interview</li> <li>Please note that you may be considered for an academic offer, however, you may not be considered for funding, these are 2 separate processes</li> <li>Supervisors will select their top candidates and put them forward to be considered for the School of Electronic & Electrical Engineering Funding by the School Selection Panel</li> <li>The School Selection Panel will take place to determine the candidates who will be awarded funding, along with reserve candidates</li> <li>Academic and funding offers to be issued by no later than 30 April 2026</li> <li>Unsuccessful applicants will be notified by no later than 30 May 2026.</li> </ul>
<p>Formal applications for research degree study should be made online through the <a href="https://www.leeds.ac.uk/research-applying/doc/applying-research-degrees">University of Leeds website</a>. Please state clearly in the Planned Course of Study section that you are applying for <em><strong>PHD Electronic & Electrical Engineering FT</strong></em>, in the Research Information section please state clearly <em><strong>the project you are applying for and the name of the academic supervisor</strong></em>. <em><strong>Please state clearly in the Finance section that the funding source you are applying for is</strong></em> <em><strong>School of Electronic & Electrical Engineering Scholarship 2026/27</strong></em>.</p> <p>Applications will be considered after the deadline. Potential applicants are strongly encouraged to contact the supervisors for an informal discussion before making a formal application. We also advise that you apply at the earliest opportunity as the application and selection process may close early, should we receive a sufficient number of applications or that a suitable candidate is appointed.</p> <p>Please note that you must provide the following documents in support of your application by the closing date of 27 February 2026:</p> <ul> <li>Full Transcripts of all degree study or if in final year of study, full transcripts to date including grading scheme</li> <li>Personal Statement outlining your interest in the project</li> <li>CV</li> </ul> <p class="MsoNoSpacing">If English is not your first language, you must provide evidence that you meet the University's minimum English language requirements (below).</p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing"><em>As an international research-intensive university, we welcome students from all walks of life and from across the world. We foster an inclusive environment where all can flourish and prosper, and we are proud of our strong commitment to student education. Across all Faculties we are dedicated to diversifying our community and we welcome the unique contributions that individuals can bring, and particularly encourage applications from, but not limited to Black, Asian, people who belong to a minority ethnic community, people who identify as LGBT+ and people with disabilities. Applicants will always be selected based on merit and ability.</em></p>
Applicants to research degree programmes should normally have at least a first class or an upper second class British Bachelors Honours degree (or equivalent) in an appropriate discipline. The criteria for entry for some research degrees may be higher, for example, several faculties, also require a Masters degree. Applicants are advised to check with the relevant School prior to making an application. Applicants who are uncertain about the requirements for a particular research degree are advised to contact the School or Graduate School prior to making an application.
The minimum English language entry requirement for research postgraduate research study is an IELTS of 6.0 overall with at least 5.5 in each component (reading, writing, listening and speaking) or equivalent. The test must be dated within two years of the start date of the course in order to be valid. Some schools and faculties have a higher requirement.
<p>For further information about this scholarship and how to apply, please contact PGR Admissions by email to <a href="mailto:phd@engineering.leeds.ac.uk">phd@engineering.leeds.ac.uk</a>.</p> <p>Please select the project you are interested in the Linked Project Opportunities section below for contact details of academic supervisors.</p>
<h2 class="heading heading--sm">Linked project opportunities</h2>
<h2 class="heading heading--sm">Linked research areas</h2>