PhD students

Funding opportunities for PhD candidates in the School of Literatures, Languages and Cultures.

Postgraduate study can be expensive, and the funding available is highly competitive.

Some scholarship schemes are open to candidates on PhDs in any subject in the School of Literatures, Languages and Cultures (LLC). Others are only open to candidates in specific subjects. See individual scholarship listings for details.

Application processes and deadlines vary from scholarship to scholarship and you should carefully check the Terms and Conditions of any funding sources. Where the University of Edinburgh is the funding body, the University reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to amend or withdraw any of the advertised scholarships, without notice.

Generally speaking:

  • the scholarships we have listed on this page are for applicants starting in September 2027 and January 2028 (where applicable). 
  • students who commence their programme in January 2027 are not eligible for scholarships offered to applicants starting in September 2027 and January 2028.
  • where a deadline has passed, we have indicated this in our listings, along with a note for applicants on when successful candidates can expect to be contacted.
  • where possible, we have also provided a link to further information, noting where this takes you to an external website, or to a different part of the University's website.
  • to increase your chances of being eligible for a range of scholarships and other awards, you are strongly encouraged to apply for your PhD as soon as possible. Typically, applications for all programmes open in October each year, but closing dates may differ from programme to programme. See the University's Degree Finder for individual programme application deadlines.

Browse Degree Finder for postgraduate research programmes

We're part of the Scottish Graduate School of Social Science (SGSSS), a consortium of 16 universities funded by the ESRC to support postgraduate studentships and training in the Social Sciences in Scotland. PhD studentships are typically available for candidates on our Islamic and Middle Eastern Studies (IMES) PhD and Chinese PhD programmes within the SGSSS Linguistics Unit of Assessment.

The application process for 2027 entry has two stage deadlines in mid November 2026 - one to apply to study, one to apply for funding.


This scheme funds a limited, and highly competitive, number of awards in Literatures, Languages and Cultures covering full tuition fees with an annual stipend (set to the UKRI level) for a maximum of three years. For 2027 entry, we anticipate being able to offer an award to two candidates.

The application window for 2027 entry is now open. The deadline for submitting an application is Tuesday 2 February 2027. 

You are strongly advised to submit your application at least five working days before the closing date, so by Tuesday 26 January 2027. 

To be eligible to apply for the funding, you must also make a full PhD application by Tuesday 2 February 2027 (or by the time you submit your funding application, if earlier). A full application means your research proposal and all supporting documents, where available.

As part of the selection process, shortlisted nominees will be invited to attend an interview. Following the interview stage, we hope to be able to advise the successful candidate[s] by end of May 2027.


These scholarships are for UK and overseas candidates applying to start their first year of on-campus PhD study. They are awarded by the University of Edinburgh. Each scholarship covers tuition fees and provides a stipend for between three and four years as agreed by the School/Deanery (or pro-rata for part time). For 2027 entry, we anticipate being able to offer an award to one candidate.

The application window for 2027 entry is now open. The deadline for submitting an application is Tuesday 2 February 2027. 

You are strongly advised to submit your application at least five working days before the closing date, so by Tuesday 26 January 2027. 

To be eligible to apply for the funding, you must also make a full PhD application by Tuesday 2 February 2027 (or by the time you submit your funding application, if earlier). A full application means your research proposal and all supporting documents, where available.

As part of the selection process, shortlisted nominees will be invited to attend an interview. Following the interview stage, we hope to be able to advise the successful candidate[s] by end of May 2027.


This award for our PhD in English Literature is for candidates with an outstanding track record of academic achievements and research potential. 

One scholarship is available to an applicant of home fee status for 2027 entry - students with international fee status are not eligible to apply. The award provides full tuition fees with an annual stipend (set to the UKRI level) for three years and a Research Training Support Grant. 

The application window for 2027 entry is now open. The deadline for submitting an application is Tuesday 2 February 2027. 

You are strongly advised to submit your application at least five working days before the closing date, so by Tuesday 26 January 2027. 

To be eligible to apply for the funding, you must also make a full PhD application by Tuesday 2 February 2027 (or by the time you submit your funding application, if earlier). A full application means your research proposal and all supporting documents, where available.

As part of the selection process, shortlisted nominees will be invited to attend an interview. Following the interview stage, we hope to be able to advise the successful candidate by end of May 2027.


Designed to support the development of Japanese Studies in the UK, this scheme provides a limited number of postgraduate awards. Applicants to our PhD programme in Japanese or to our PhD in East Asian Studies who have a research focus on Japan are automatically considered for this award [when available]. 

For September 2027 entry, details to follow.


What other sources of funding are available?

The University publishes details of other funding sources. These range from awards sponsored by external organisations, to UK Government loans. Typically, you are eligible for these opportunities based on factors such as your nationality. 

Many schemes enable you to study on a programme of your choosing at the University of Edinburgh, including lots of programmes in the School of Literatures, Languages and Cultures. So it is worth having a look at what else is available beyond opportunities unique to our School. 

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