The Leverhulme Centenary Doctoral Scholarships (LCDS) 2026 represent one of the UK’s most prestigious funding schemes for doctoral research. Established to mark the Leverhulme Trust’s 100th anniversary, this programme provides fully funded PhD opportunities for both UK and international students. With a landmark investment of £100 million, the scheme supports interdisciplinary doctoral training, expands opportunities for underrepresented groups, and offers postdoctoral pathways for graduates.
Degree Level
- PhD (Doctoral Level)
- Master’s + PhD pathway (available to eligible UK students from underrepresented backgrounds)
Available Subjects
- Open to interdisciplinary research themes identified as priorities by applying UK universities
- Universities may design programmes supporting up to 30 doctoral students each
Excluded fields:
- Medical and clinical research
- Policy-driven projects
- Commercially focused research
- Database-heavy projects
Scholarship Benefits
For UK Doctoral Students
- Full tuition fees (UK rate)
- Maintenance allowance (at UKRI base levels)
- £10,000 research and training grant
For International Doctoral Students
- Tuition fees covered (up to £25,000 per year)
- Maintenance allowance (UKRI base levels)
- £10,000 research and training support
For Master’s + PhD Pathway (UK students only)
- Master’s year: Tuition fees (up to £12,000) + maintenance allowance
- PhD (up to 4 years): Tuition fees (UKRI base levels) + maintenance allowance
- £10,000 research and training grant (shared across both stages)
Additional Programme Support
- £75,000 for cohort-building activities
- £400,000 for postdoctoral opportunities for LCDS graduates
- £225,000 for programme administration
Eligible Nationalities
- UK students (Home rate)
- International students (Overseas rate) – limited to six places per award
Eligibility Criteria
For Universities
- Must be a UK university with degree-awarding powers
- Applications may be submitted individually or jointly by up to two universities
For Students
- PhD Scholarships: Open to outstanding UK and international candidates (students apply directly to the host university once funding is allocated)
- Master’s + PhD Pathway: Reserved for UK-domiciled students from underrepresented groups who:
- Do not already hold a Master’s degree from the host university
- Come from a low-income background (e.g., received full maintenance loan as undergraduates)
- OR belong to one of the following ethnic groups:
- Black African
- Black Caribbean
- Black Other
- Mixed – White and Black Caribbean
- Mixed – White and Black African
- Other mixed background including Black African/Black Caribbean/Black Other
Application Process
University Stage
- Only UK universities may apply directly to the Leverhulme Trust (not students)
- Applications may be submitted individually or as a consortium of two universities
Student Stage
- Once awards are confirmed, participating universities will advertise their Leverhulme Doctoral Scholarships
- Prospective students must apply directly to the host university
Timeline (for Universities)
- Opens: 3 November 2025
- Closes: 6 March 2026 (12pm UK time)
- Results Announced: July 2026
Summary
The Leverhulme Centenary Doctoral Scholarships 2026 offer one of the most comprehensive fully funded doctoral opportunities in the UK. Covering tuition, living costs, research support, and even postdoctoral development, the programme is designed to nurture the next generation of researchers across diverse disciplines. Students interested in applying should monitor announcements from UK universities participating in the scheme, as applications will be managed by the host institutions.
