Deadline for Applications: 6 January 2026
The University of Sussex is currently inviting applications for its prestigious Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Scholarships for the academic year 2026. These scholarships are part of the EPSRC Doctoral Landscape Award, aimed at supporting doctoral candidates undertaking research across a variety of disciplines including Materials Physics, Chemistry, Engineering, Mathematics, and Computing.
Whether your interests lean towards collaboration with industrial partners or you are drawn to purely theoretical challenges, Sussex offers an extensive selection of research projects and themes within its EPSRC brochure, designed to commence in autumn 2026.
Benefits and Funding Package
Successful EPSRC-funded students will become part of a dynamic and supportive doctoral research community at the University of Sussex. The scholarship provides comprehensive support, including:
- Funding for 3.5 years covering tuition fees (either UK or international PhD rates) along with a tax-free living stipend set at the Research Council’s standard rate, which is £20,780 for the 2025-26 academic year.
- An optional additional 3-month grant to support placements outside of academia, allowing applicants to gain valuable industry or alternative sector experience.
- Financial support to cover training activities and research-related expenses such as attending conferences or costs associated with experiments.
- Supervision by internationally recognized academics who are leaders in their respective fields.
- The opportunity to participate in the University of Sussex Entrepreneurship Summer School, as well as Responsible Research and Innovation workshops, tailored specifically for researchers in engineering and physical sciences.
- Access to the University’s Researcher Development workshops alongside relevant taught modules that complement your research project.
Type of Award
This scholarship supports postgraduate research leading to a PhD degree. Prospective students are encouraged to review supervisors listed by the University of Sussex, who are eager to discuss their research interests and help guide applicants in formulating robust project proposals.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants should have obtained, or expect to achieve, at least a 2:1 undergraduate honours degree in a relevant field. Additionally, candidates must meet the University of Sussex’s English language proficiency requirements. Both UK and international students are eligible to apply; however, due to EPSRC funding regulations, awards for international applicants will be limited.
The University strongly values diversity within its research community and is dedicated to addressing systemic and individual barriers that may hinder progression into postgraduate research. Applicants have the option to submit a brief, confidential statement providing contextual information regarding any obstacles encountered on their academic journey that are not addressed elsewhere in the application.
Number of Scholarships Available
Approximately 10 Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Scholarships will be awarded for the 2026–2027 academic year.
Application Process
To begin your application, first consult the EPSRC supervisors’ brochure to identify potential supervisors and projects. Some supervisors specify broad research areas, while others propose detailed project outlines. You should contact prospective supervisors directly to discuss their research and clarify expectations for PhD candidates.
Applicants must follow the University’s guidance on submitting PhD applications and use the online PhD application system to apply.
When submitting your application, choose the PhD program associated with your preferred supervisor’s department—for example, Informatics, Physics, Engineering, or Chemistry. Be sure to indicate your preferred supervisor and specify “EPSRC DLA 2026” in the “sources of funding” field.
Alongside your application, you must complete the EPSRC application form and upload it under the “Research Proposal” section of your PhD application. You may also submit an optional Contextual Information form to provide further insight into any challenges faced during your academic progression.
Note: If you encounter issues downloading the forms using the Chrome browser, please try Microsoft Edge or Firefox. Remember to include your CV, degree certificates and transcripts, as well as English language qualification evidence (if applicable) before submitting your application online.
Sponsorship
These scholarships are generously funded by the UK Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC).
