UNIVERSITY OF LEEDS (LEEDS UNIVERSITY BUSINESS SCHOOL)
Leeds University Business School PhD Excellence Scholarships
full · phd
- ~20,000 pounds / year stipend (est.)Maintenance allowance
- Full tuition feesTuition coverage
- Up to 3.5 yearsFunding duration
- PhD onlyDegree level
- 210+ postgraduate researchersResearch community
- United KingdomWhere you study
At a glance
full
Funding
€23k
Max amount
Mar 28, 2027
Deadline
Open to international students
Country
University of Leeds (Leeds University Business School)
Provider
The Leeds University Business School PhD Excellence Scholarships fund full-time doctoral study at the University of Leeds, a Russell Group university in the United Kingdom. The award is open to both international and domestic students across business and management subjects including Accounting, Finance, Economics, International Business, Management, Marketing, Business Analytics, and Work and Employment Relations. Each scholarship covers full tuition fees and pays a maintenance stipend set at UK Research Council rates, reported at 19,237 pounds for the 2024/25 cycle and uplifted each year, so applicants should plan for a figure of roughly 20,000 pounds or more for the 2026/27 intake. Funding runs for up to 3.5 years of full-time study and is renewable subject to satisfactory annual progress; part-time students receive a pro-rata amount. The school hosts a community of more than 210 postgraduate researchers and organises its work around 4 research themes. Relocation costs, visa fees and the immigration health surcharge are not covered. Because stipend rates and the closing date are reset every cycle, confirm the exact current-cycle figures and deadline on the official Leeds University Business School scholarships page before you apply.
What's covered
- Full tuition fees — Covers the full PhD tuition fee at the UK or international rate for the duration of the award.
- Maintenance stipend — An annual living stipend set at UK Research Council rates, reported at 19,237 pounds for 2024/25 and expected to be around ~20,000 pounds (est.) for the 2026/27 cycle, uplifted each year.
- Funding duration — Support for up to 3.5 years of full-time study, renewable each year subject to satisfactory academic progress.
- Part-time option — Part-time registered students receive a pro-rata share of the stipend and fee support.
- Research environment — Access to the school's research training, supervision and facilities within a community of more than 210 postgraduate researchers.
How to apply
Applying is a two-stage process: you first secure a PhD research place, then submit a separate scholarship application to your department before the closing date.
- Apply for a research place — Complete the online application for a PhD research place at Leeds University Business School, including your research proposal and supporting documents.
- Receive your student ID — Once your application is processed you receive a nine-digit student identification number, which you need for the scholarship form.
- Complete the scholarship application — Submit the PhD Excellence Scholarship application form specific to your chosen department, quoting your student ID.
- Submit all documents — Upload every required document and submit before the published noon deadline, checking the department-specific requirements carefully.
- Await the outcome — Departments shortlist and select scholarship holders after the deadline; successful applicants are contacted with an offer.
Eligibility
Academic backgroundA first-class or upper second-class (2:1) undergraduate degree in a relevant subject.
Master's degreeA relevant master's degree achieved with a grade of roughly 60-70% or higher.
English proficiencyIELTS 7.0 overall with no individual component below 6.5, or an accepted equivalent.
Research placeHold or be in the process of securing an offer of a PhD research place in an eligible department.
Study modeAvailable for full-time study (with a pro-rata option for part-time registration).
Specific entry requirements and document deadlines vary by department, so check the requirements of your chosen department before submitting.
Eligible countries
Open to international students, United Kingdom (domestic students)
Deadlines
2026/2027 PhD intake~28 March 2027 (est.)
Selection
Selection is competitive and made at department level. Shortlisting panels assess the strength of the research proposal and its fit with the school's research themes, the candidate's undergraduate and master's results, references and overall research potential. The most promising applicants in each department are offered the funded scholarship alongside their research place.
Verified sources
- PhD Excellence Scholarships - Leeds University Business Schoolbusiness.leeds.ac.ukofficial
- PhD applications - University of Leedsphd.leeds.ac.ukofficial
About the provider
The University of Leeds is a Russell Group university in the United Kingdom, and its Leeds University Business School is one of the largest business schools in the country, hosting more than 210 postgraduate researchers and organising its work around four research themes spanning finance, international business, technology and management, and work and employment.
Frequently asked questions
Answers below are best-effort estimates from the most recent application cycle. Values marked ~ or (est.) may shift year-to-year — confirm specifics on the official scholarship page.
Who is eligible for the Leeds University Business School PhD Excellence Scholarships?
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Both international and UK domestic applicants who secure a PhD research place at the school and meet the academic and English-language requirements are eligible.
What does the scholarship cover?
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It covers full tuition fees plus a maintenance stipend at UK Research Council rates (about 19,237 pounds in 2024/25, expected near 20,000 pounds for 2026/27) for up to 3.5 years.
How much is the stipend?
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The stipend was 19,237 pounds for full-time study in 2024/25 and is uplifted annually, so the 2026/27 figure is estimated at around 20,000 pounds. Confirm the exact rate officially.
How long does the funding last?
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Funding is provided for up to 3.5 years of full-time study and is renewable each year subject to satisfactory academic progress.
Which subjects are covered?
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Business and management fields such as Accounting, Finance, Economics, International Business, Management, Marketing, Business Analytics, and Work and Employment Relations.
What are the English language requirements?
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Applicants normally need IELTS 7.0 overall with no component below 6.5, or an accepted equivalent test score.
What academic qualifications do I need?
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A first-class or upper second-class undergraduate degree and a relevant master's degree graded around 60-70% or higher in a relevant field.
Are part-time students eligible?
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Yes. Part-time registered students can hold the award and receive a pro-rata share of the stipend and fee support.
What costs are not covered?
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Relocation expenses, visa fees and the UK immigration health surcharge are excluded and must be funded by the student.
How do I apply?
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First apply for a PhD research place, then submit the department-specific scholarship application form using your nine-digit student ID before the deadline.
When is the application deadline?
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The 2024/25 cycle closed at noon on 28 March; the 2026/27 deadline is estimated around 28 March 2027. Check the official page for the confirmed date.
Where can I confirm the current figures and dates?
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Always confirm the latest stipend rate, eligibility rules and deadline on the official Leeds University Business School PhD Excellence Scholarships page before applying.