EPSRC DTP PhD Studentships at the University of Exeter

The EPSRC Doctoral Training Partnership (DTP) studentships at the University of Exeter are fully funded PhD awards in engineering and physical sciences, supported by the UK Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC). Each cycle offers up to 15 studentships across fields ranging from digital innovation to sustainable energy, based at Exeter, a Russell Group university in Devon. Each award provides an index-linked stipend of around GBP 18,622 per year (full-time) for up to 3.5 years, a full tuition fee waiver for Home students, and a Research Training Support Grant (RTSG) of GBP 5,000 spread over the 3.5 years to fund research expenses. Both Home and international students may apply, though only a limited number of fully funded places are open to international applicants, who must also pay visa costs and the immigration health surcharge. Candidates normally need a First or Upper Second Class UK Honours degree in science, engineering or technology, and applications are submitted through the lead supervisor's department with a CV, research summary form, application letter, transcripts and two references. The 2027-entry deadline is expected around 19 February 2027. Stipend rates, the number of studentships and exact dates are reset each cycle, so confirm the current figures on the official Exeter EPSRC DTP page before you apply.

What's covered

• Annual stipend — An index-linked stipend of around ~GBP 18,622 (est.) per year (full-time) for up to 3.5 years, adjusted pro-rata for part-time study.
• Tuition fee waiver — Full payment of tuition fees at the Home rate; international awardees receive a fee waiver but must cover visa and health surcharge costs themselves.
• Research Training Support Grant — A Research Training Support Grant (RTSG) of ~GBP 5,000 (est.) distributed over 3.5 years to help with research consumables, travel and training.
• Doctoral College support — Access to Exeter's Doctoral College, supervisory team and researcher development training across the 3.5-year programme.
• Interdisciplinary project scope — Support for ambitious projects spanning disciplines and collaboration with industry or external organisations, with no extra cost to the student.

How to apply

Applications are made through the lead supervisor's department at Exeter. A typical route:

1. Identify a supervisor and project — Find your lead supervisor's department and discuss your research interests and proposal with them before applying.
2. Prepare your documents — Assemble your CV, the research summary form, an application letter, interim or final transcripts and English proficiency proof if needed.
3. Complete the research summary form — Fill in the research summary form in full and write an application letter highlighting your research experience and motivation.
4. Arrange your references — Ensure two referees email their references from institutional accounts to the postgraduate research applications inbox by the deadline.
5. Submit through the department — Submit your complete application (preferably as clearly named PDFs in English) through the relevant department before the deadline.