The Leverhulme Centenary Doctoral Scholarships (LCDS) represent one of the UK’s most ambitious funding programmes for research students. Designed to mark the Leverhulme Trust’s centenary, the scheme aims to strengthen interdisciplinary research by bringing bright minds together across different fields. Rather than funding individual PhD students directly, the scheme awards universities up to £5 million each, which they then use to recruit and support new doctoral candidates.
Key Takeaways
What Are the Leverhulme Doctoral Scholarships?
Each funded institution builds a cohort of researchers around a particular theme, from climate resilience and AI ethics to heritage studies or biomedical frontiers. The idea is to create not just isolated PhDs, but interconnected research communities where ideas bounce across disciplines. For students, this means you’re not only funded but also immersed in a network of peers, mentors, and resources that can shape your academic career.
Who Can Apply and What Makes You Eligible?
The Leverhulme scheme operates differently from traditional scholarships, where students apply directly to the funder. Instead, universities that win funding will advertise their available PhD positions, and that’s where students step in. Eligibility is generous: both UK/Home and international students can apply, though the scheme sets quotas to ensure fairness. Typically, each university receives funding for 18 UK/Home PhD positions and 6 international PhD positions.
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One of the standout features of the 2025–26 round is the introduction of a Master’s + PhD pathway. This pathway is aimed at underrepresented groups in UK higher education, particularly students from low-income households and Black students who may not already hold a master’s degree. The Leverhulme Trust recognises that doctoral education should not be reserved for those with prior advantages, so it has created a mechanism to level the playing field. If you’re a UK student in that category, this could be your entry into a research career.
How Much Funding and Support Do These Awards Provide?
The Leverhulme Trust is known for being generous, and the LCDS proves that reputation. The award package covers full tuition fees, regardless of whether you’re a home or international student. On top of that, students receive a stipend to cover living costs, which means you can focus on your research without worrying about rent and groceries. Universities also receive funding for training activities, specialist research costs, and even opportunities to support cohort-building.
What does “cohort-based learning” mean in practice? Imagine being part of a group of twenty-plus doctoral students, all linked by a shared research theme but approaching it from different academic angles. You may be a historian working alongside a computer scientist, or a sociologist collaborating with an ecologist. Beyond your individual thesis, you’ll attend seminars, joint workshops, and retreats designed to strengthen your collective thinking. This model not only enhances your research skills but also prepares you for careers where interdisciplinary collaboration is increasingly valued.
Which Universities and Research Themes Are Included?
Here’s the catch: students can’t yet apply because universities are still in the competition phase. The Leverhulme Trust will accept bids from universities between November 2025 and March 2026, and only after that will we know which institutions have secured the £5 million awards. Each winning university will propose an interdisciplinary theme around which its PhD cohort will be organised.
For prospective applicants, this means a little patience is required. You’ll need to watch closely which universities get funded and what themes they announce. If a theme aligns with your research interests, that’s your cue to prepare an application. Universities typically begin advertising their funded PhD projects soon after receiving confirmation from Leverhulme. Following your target universities’ graduate schools, mailing lists, and social media channels will be essential if you want to act quickly.
How and When to Apply for the Scholarships
Applications for students won’t open until after the Trust announces which universities have been successful, likely sometime in mid-to-late 2026. However, the timeline for universities is fixed: the window for them to apply runs from November 2025 until March 2026. Once awards are made, universities will begin advertising fully funded PhD places across their websites and PhD portals.
If you’re a prospective student, what should you do now? Start preparing the materials you’ll need for a competitive PhD application: a strong CV, a sample of academic writing, and a draft research proposal. While you don’t have to submit a full plan at this stage, being clear about your interests and how they fit within interdisciplinary themes will give you an edge later. It’s also wise to reach out to potential supervisors informally to gauge interest and advice.
Tips to Strengthen Your Application
Competition for Leverhulme-funded PhDs will be fierce, so preparation is key. First, build your research profile now. This doesn’t mean publishing multiple journal articles overnight, but it does mean sharpening your academic writing, engaging in conferences or workshops if possible, and demonstrating a genuine passion for research.
Also Read: How to Secure a Fully Funded PhD at Wellington University in 2026?
Second, align your application with the themes announced by universities. Leverhulme insists on interdisciplinarity, so a proposal that bridges two or more fields will stand out. For example, instead of studying climate change purely from an environmental science angle, you could explore its cultural, technological, and social dimensions. Show that you can think broadly as well as deeply.
Finally, don’t underestimate the importance of a clear and compelling personal statement. Selection panels are looking for not just bright scholars, but also team players who will thrive in a cohort setting. Communicate why you want to pursue research, how your background has prepared you for it, and what you’ll contribute to a diverse, interdisciplinary environment.
Conclusion: Why You Should Keep an Eye on the LCDS
The £5 million Leverhulme Doctoral Scholarship Awards represent more than just financial support; they’re a chance to join a world-class research community that thrives on crossing academic boundaries. For many, it will be the most accessible and well-funded route into a PhD in the UK, particularly with the introduction of pathways designed to support underrepresented groups.
Though applications for students won’t open until universities secure their awards, now is the perfect time to prepare. Keep an eye on announcements, strengthen your profile, and align your ambitions with interdisciplinary research. If you’re ready, the Leverhulme scheme could be your gateway into a transformative research journey.
