The University of Reading is delighted to offer a number of PhD bursaries to support residents of Reading and the surrounding area to achieve their highest academic potential, enhance their professional prospects and pursue research in an area they are passionate about.
Our regional PhD bursaries provide candidates with the chance to study at an institution that is among the top 30 UK universities in world rankings (the University is ranked 26th out of 90 UK universities featured in the QS World University Rankings 2024).
Candidates will also benefit from a suite of professional researcher development training and a range of support from the Doctoral and Researcher College. Our fee bursaries are available either full-time or part-time, and may be combined with employment and other responsibilities. Applications are now invited for doctoral study in a broad range of areas.
Who can apply?
These bursaries are available for either part-time or full-time PhD research in a broad range of subject areas. Applicants must permanently reside in Reading or within 25 miles of the University and demonstrate a connection to the region.
Candidates must satisfy the normal entry requirements for PhD study at Reading (normally an upper second class undergraduate degree or a master's degree, depending on the subject area). This scheme is not open to students who have already started a PhD at the University of Reading.
What does a bursary cover?
These bursaries cover the full cost of tuition fees at the UK/Republic of Ireland rate. This is not provided as a cash bursary.
What is the duration of an award?
Up to five years for part-time study or up to three years full-time study.
Find out more about how part-time study works
What is the application deadline and how can I apply?
Applications are now invited with the deadline of Friday 3 May 2024 to start in September 2024. The application process is as follows:
1. Apply online for a PhD place at Reading. Please note: it is important that you have been offered a PhD place (or are soon to be offered a PhD place) prior to applying for the regional bursary. Please make sure you apply for a PhD place at least six weeks in advance of the closing date of 3 May 2024. Applications without a place of admission will not be considered for the regional bursary.
2. Submit to Submit to doctoralstudentshipsofficer@reading.ac.uk:
- a case for support (using the form below) for a University of Reading regional PhD bursary; the case should demonstrate (1) the nature of your connection with the region; (2) why you have chosen the University of Reading; and (3) how you expect to benefit from PhD study.
- a copy of your CV.
Guidance on applying can be found here:
Download the guidance on applying for the regional bursary document
When emailing your case for support and CV, we ask that you use the subject line "Application for University of Reading Regional PhD Bursary".
Download the regional bursary case for support form (Word document, 0.43 MB)
Notification of outcomes
Successful candidates will be notified by June 2024.
Further information
Please email the Doctoral Studentships Officer (doctoralstudentshipsofficer@reading.ac.uk).
Find out about doctoral loans and other PhD funding opportunities
The University is committed to having a diverse and inclusive student community. It supports the gender equality Athena SWAN Charter and the Race Equality Charter, and champions LGBT+ rights equality.
The University of Reading Equal Opportunities policy applies:
The University of Reading is committed to a policy of equal opportunities and non-discriminatory treatment for all members of its community regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marital or civil partner status, pregnancy or maternity, race (to include colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin), religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation.