UNIVERSITY OF GLASGOW, SCHOOL OF SOCIAL AND POLITICAL SCIENCES
University of Glasgow School of Social and Political Sciences PhD Scholarship
full · phd
- Up to 3.5 yearsFunding duration
- ~GBP 19,237 / year (est.)Annual stipend (UKRI rate)
- Full tuition waiverHome or international rate
- 5 awardsScholarships per cycle
- PhDDegree level funded
- United KingdomWhere you study
At a glance
full
Funding
€26k
Max amount
Mar 31, 2027
Deadline
Open to international applicants (3 awards for OECD-classified lower-income economies)
Country
University of Glasgow, School of Social and Political Sciences
Provider
The University of Glasgow School of Social and Political Sciences (SPS) PhD Scholarship funds doctoral study in social and political science subjects for both international and home (UK) applicants. The award runs for up to 3.5 years and provides a full tuition fee waiver at the home or international rate, an annual stipend paid at the UKRI rate (around GBP 19,237 per year), a Research Training Support Grant of up to GBP 940 per year, and a one-time commencement bursary at the start of the PhD. A total of 5 scholarships are available each cycle: 3 international scholarships reserved for candidates from OECD-classified Least Developed, Low-Income, Lower-Middle or Upper-Middle Income countries, and 2 home scholarships for UK Widening Participation candidates. The University of Glasgow was founded in 1451 and is the fourth-oldest university in the English-speaking world; in the 2021 Research Excellence Framework more than 90% of the School's research was rated in the top two quality categories. Stipend rates and award counts change each year, so confirm the exact current-cycle figures, eligibility bands and closing dates on the official University of Glasgow scholarships page before you apply.
What's covered
- Tuition fee waiver — Full tuition fees are covered at either the home or the international rate, depending on the recipient's fee status, for the duration of the scholarship.
- Annual stipend — A living stipend paid at the UKRI rate of around GBP 19,237 (est.) per year for up to 3.5 years to cover living costs during the PhD.
- Research Training Support Grant — A grant of up to GBP 940 (est.) per year toward research training, fieldwork, conferences and other study-related costs.
- Commencement bursary — A one-time bursary paid at the start of the PhD to help with initial relocation and set-up costs (around GBP 1,000 est.).
- Supervision and research support — Access to academic supervision within the School of Social and Political Sciences and the University's wider research training infrastructure.
How to apply
Applications are submitted through the University of Glasgow Scholarships Application Portal and must include a research proposal and supervisor support.
- Check your eligibility — Confirm you meet the 2:1 (or first-class without a Master's) academic standard and fall within the international or home Widening Participation stream you intend to apply under.
- Identify a supervisor — Contact a prospective supervisor within the School of Social and Political Sciences and develop your research proposal with their input.
- Prepare your documents — Assemble the SPS PhD Scholarship Application Form with research proposal, transcripts, CV, two referee contacts and the supervisor's statement of support.
- Submit through the portal — Upload your complete application through the University of Glasgow Scholarships Application Portal before the deadline.
- Attend an interview if shortlisted — Shortlisted candidates may be invited to an online interview before final offers, which remain conditional on PhD admission.
Eligibility
Academic recordAt least an upper second-class honours degree (2:1) or overseas equivalent in a social science subject, with evidence of some first-class level performance.
Without a Master'sCandidates who do not hold a Master's degree are normally expected to hold a first-class undergraduate degree (or distinction equivalent).
Admission requirementAll offers are conditional on securing admission to a PhD programme within the School of Social and Political Sciences.
International streamThree international scholarships are reserved for candidates from OECD-classified Least Developed, Low-Income, Lower-Middle or Upper-Middle Income countries.
Home streamTwo home scholarships are reserved for UK Widening Participation candidates.
Applicants must meet the academic requirements by September of the start year. Demographic eligibility evidence (such as a passport and school transcripts) is required for international applicants applying under the lower-income-country stream.
Eligible countries
Open to international applicants (3 awards for OECD-classified lower-income economies), United Kingdom (2 Widening Participation awards)
Deadlines
2026/2027 entry~31 March 2026 (est.)
Selection
Candidates are assessed on academic record, the quality and feasibility of the research proposal, fit with the School's research strengths and supervisor support. Shortlisted applicants may be invited to an online interview. International awards are ranked among candidates from eligible lower-income economies, and home awards among UK Widening Participation candidates. All offers are conditional on successful admission to a PhD programme within the School of Social and Political Sciences.
Verified sources
- Scholarships - University of Glasgowgla.ac.ukofficial
- School of Social and Political Sciences - University of Glasgowgla.ac.ukofficial
About the provider
The University of Glasgow, founded in 1451, is a public research university in Scotland and the fourth-oldest university in the English-speaking world. Its School of Social and Political Sciences is one of the largest in the UK, with more than 90% of its research rated world-leading or internationally excellent in the 2021 Research Excellence Framework.
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 can apply for the SPS PhD Scholarship?
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It is open to both international and home (UK) applicants seeking PhD study in the School of Social and Political Sciences. Three awards are reserved for candidates from lower-income economies and two for UK Widening Participation candidates.
Which degree level does it fund?
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It funds PhD (doctoral) study only, within the School of Social and Political Sciences.
How long does the funding last?
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The scholarship provides funding for up to 3.5 years of full-time PhD study.
How much is the stipend?
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The annual stipend is paid at the UKRI rate, currently around GBP 19,237 (est.) per year. Confirm the exact current-cycle rate on the official University of Glasgow scholarships page.
Does it cover tuition fees?
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Yes. The award includes a full tuition fee waiver at either the home or the international rate, depending on your fee status.
Is there extra money for research costs?
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Yes. Recipients receive a Research Training Support Grant of up to GBP 940 (est.) per year, plus a one-time commencement bursary at the start of the PhD.
What academic record do I need?
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Normally at least an upper second-class honours degree (2:1) or overseas equivalent with some first-class level performance; candidates without a Master's are expected to hold a first-class undergraduate degree.
Do I need a supervisor before applying?
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Yes. You should identify a prospective supervisor in the School and develop your research proposal with their support, as a supervisor statement is required.
Is the scholarship conditional on admission?
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Yes. All offers are conditional on securing admission to a PhD programme within the School of Social and Political Sciences.
How do I apply?
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Applications are submitted through the University of Glasgow Scholarships Application Portal, including the application form with research proposal, transcripts, CV, referees and the supervisor statement.
Will there be an interview?
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Possibly. Shortlisted candidates may be invited to an online interview before final decisions are made.
What is the application deadline?
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The deadline is around 31 March 2026 (est.), with the programme starting around October 2026. Confirm the exact dates on the official University of Glasgow scholarships page.