NOTTINGHAM TRENT UNIVERSITY (NTU)
Nottingham Trent University PhD Studentships
full · phd
- Fully fundedTuition fees plus living costs covered
- ~GBP 19,000 (est.)Approximate annual PhD stipend
- 3 themesResearch areas: digital, health, sustainability
- IELTS 6.5Minimum English requirement (no band below 6.0)
- 1,500 wordsProject understanding statement required
- International + UKWho may apply
At a glance
full
Funding
€23k
Max amount
Feb 14, 2027
Deadline
United Kingdom
Country
Nottingham Trent University (NTU)
Provider
Nottingham Trent University (NTU) offers fully funded PhD studentships for international and UK students across its Strategic Research Themes. The studentships cover tuition fees and living costs, removing the financial barrier to doctoral study, and span 3 broad research areas: Digital, Technology and Creative studentships in fields such as artificial intelligence, virtual reality and digital design; Health Innovation studentships advancing healthcare and quality of life; and Safety and Sustainability studentships focused on environmental and public-safety solutions. Funded UK doctoral studentships typically pay a stipend at the UKRI national minimum, around GBP 19,000 per year (roughly EUR 23,000), alongside the tuition waiver. To be eligible you need a first or upper second-class honours degree, or its international equivalent; a lower second-class degree is accepted if combined with a master's at Merit or higher. Non-native English speakers need an IELTS score of at least 6.5 overall, with no component below 6.0. Applications are made online through an NTU Doctoral Admissions account against a specific project, and include a 1,500-word document on your understanding of the project and proposed methodology, plus 2 referees. Stipend figures and the exact 2026/27 cycle dates change each year, so confirm the current details on NTU's official research degrees pages before you apply.
What's covered
- Full tuition fees — All tuition fees are covered for the duration of the PhD, at the rate applicable to the funded studentship.
- Living-cost stipend — A maintenance stipend covering living costs, typically around GBP 19,000 (~EUR 23,000 (est.)) per year at the UKRI national minimum rate, paid for the funded period.
- Strategic research projects — Access to high-impact projects within NTU's Strategic Research Themes, with supervision and research facilities.
- Research environment — Collaboration with researchers internationally and engagement with NTU's digital, health and sustainability research communities.
- Doctoral training — Structured doctoral training and development as part of the funded studentship within the relevant research theme.
How to apply
Applicants apply online via an NTU Doctoral Admissions account against their chosen PhD project, completing the form, uploading documents and a 1,500-word project document, and arranging 2 references.
- Verify eligibility — Confirm you meet the academic qualifications and the IELTS 6.5 (no band below 6.0) English requirement.
- Begin your application — Use the 'Apply now' button on the PhD project page of your choice; create an NTU Doctoral Admissions account if you are new to the system.
- Complete the application form — Provide personal and academic information, upload certificates and transcripts, answer the competency-based questions, and upload a 1,500-word document on your understanding of the project and proposed methodology.
- Provide referee information — List 2 referees (excluding your proposed supervisors) and ensure they submit references by the reference deadline.
- Submit supporting documents and apply — Include certified copies of degree certificates, transcripts, proof of English proficiency and relevant achievements, then review carefully and submit, as no changes can be made afterwards.
Eligibility
Academic qualificationsA first or upper second-class honours degree, or international equivalent. A lower second-class degree is accepted with a master's at Merit or higher.
English proficiencyNon-native English speakers need IELTS 6.5 overall, with no individual component below 6.0 (or an accepted equivalent).
Project fitApplicants apply against a specific advertised PhD project and must show understanding of that project and a proposed methodology.
ReferencesTwo referees are required (excluding the proposed supervisors), who must submit references by the stated reference deadline.
Applicants create an NTU Doctoral Admissions account if new to the system. Referees must submit their references by the reference deadline, historically in early April, for the application to be complete.
Eligible countries
United Kingdom, Open to international students
Deadlines
2027 October entry~14 February 2027 (est.)
2026 October entry~14 February 2026 (est.)
Selection
Applications are reviewed against the academic entry standard, the strength of the 1,500-word project understanding and proposed methodology, fit with the advertised project and supervisory team, and references. Shortlisted candidates are invited for interview between February and May before successful applicants are notified.
Verified sources
- Research Degrees - Nottingham Trent Universityntu.ac.ukofficial
- Nottingham Trent Universityntu.ac.ukofficial
About the provider
Nottingham Trent University (NTU) is a large public university in Nottingham, United Kingdom, known for applied, industry-engaged research organised around Strategic Research Themes in areas such as digital technologies, health innovation, and safety and sustainability. NTU offers fully funded PhD studentships to international and UK doctoral researchers across these themes.
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.
What do the NTU PhD studentships cover?
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They are fully funded, covering all tuition fees plus a living-cost stipend of around GBP 19,000 (~EUR 23,000 (est.)) per year at the UKRI national minimum rate.
Who is eligible?
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International and UK applicants with a first or upper second-class honours degree (or equivalent). A lower second-class degree is accepted with a master's at Merit or higher.
What English score do I need?
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Non-native English speakers need IELTS 6.5 overall, with no individual component below 6.0, or an accepted equivalent.
Which research areas are funded?
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Three broad themes: Digital, Technology and Creative (including AI and virtual reality); Health Innovation; and Safety and Sustainability.
How do I apply?
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Apply online via an NTU Doctoral Admissions account against a specific PhD project, completing the form and uploading the required documents.
What is the 1,500-word document?
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A required statement describing your understanding of the chosen project and your proposed methodology; it is central to the selection decision.
How many references do I need?
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Two referees, excluding your proposed supervisors, who must submit their references by the reference deadline (historically early April).
When is the application deadline?
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Historically around 14 February. Confirm the exact 2026/27 date on NTU's official research degrees pages.
When would I start?
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Successful candidates typically start on 1 October, after notification in around mid-May.
Can I change my application after submitting?
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No. Once submitted, no further changes can be made, so review everything carefully before submission.
Are international students fully funded?
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Yes, where the studentship is advertised as fully funded for international students, both tuition and living costs are covered. Confirm the funding scope on the specific project page.
Where can I confirm the current details?
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On NTU's official research degrees and studentship pages, which list available projects, the current stipend and the 2026/27 deadlines.