Liverpool John Moores University (LJMU) has announced the opening of applications for theVice-Chancellor’s PhD Scholarships Scheme 2026, now in its eleventh round. The program invites outstanding applicants with high-quality research projects and strong supervisory support to apply.
Scholarship Details
- Application opens:September 22, 2025
- Deadline:January 30, 2026
- Host institution:Liverpool John Moores University
- Number of awards:Up to 20 scholarships in 2026
- Focus:The scheme supports high-quality, multidisciplinary research projects and encourages collaboration with global institutions.
- Part of:LJMU Strategy 2030 for Research and Knowledge Exchange
Funding Coverage
The scholarship provides:
- Full tuition fee coveragefor full-time PhD students.
- Annual living stipendof£20,780 per year, starting from October 2025, paid monthly.
- Annual bench feeof£1,600, awarded to the lead supervisor to support research and laboratory costs.
Forpart-time students:
Only tuition fees and bench fees are covered; no living stipend is provided.
Eligibility Criteria
For Students:
- Open to bothUK and international applicants(home and overseas fee status).
- Applicants currently enrolled in aMaster’s program (taught or research)must complete their degree before PhD registration inAugust/September 2026.
- Applicants who arecurrently enrolled in a PhD program at LJMUor in any other Level 8 qualification arenot eligible.
- The schemedoes not support professional doctoratesor any other non-PhD Level 8 qualifications.
For Supervisors:
- TheLead Supervisormust be apermanent academic staff memberat LJMU holding a position ofLecturer, Senior Lecturer, or above.
- Postdoctoral researchers and research assistantscannot act as lead supervisors.
- Staff may act asco-supervisorson multiple applications but can only serve aslead supervisoronone.
Selection Criteria
Applications will be assessed based on:
- Quality of the proposed research project, academic context, and proposed training plan.
- Clarity and accessibilityof theLay Summary(max 250 words), written for a non-specialist audience.
- Relevanceof the proposed project to the university’s or faculty’sResearch and Knowledge Exchange Strategy.
- Quality of proposed supervision.
- Priority will be given toexceptional projectswithinnovative potential.
How to Apply
Step 1: Download the Official Application Form
Both thestudent and the lead supervisormust download the officialApplication Form Templateavailable on theLJMU website(Word file, approx. 75.6 KB).
They mustjointly completethe form, as this step formalizes their collaboration in preparing the research proposal.
Step 2: Complete the Application Form and Upload the Required Documents
The completed form must include:
- Applicant’spersonal and academic details.
- ALay Summary(max 250 words) explaining the research idea and objectives in accessible language.
- Afull Research Proposalandtraining plan.
- AStatement of Link, explaining how the proposed project aligns with LJMU’sStrategy 2030or the faculty’sResearch and Knowledge Exchange plan.
- AnEqual Opportunities Monitoring Form, which must besubmitted directly by the applicantto the university via the official email address (not through the supervisor).
Step 3: Submit the Application
After completing all required sections, thefinal application must be submitted by the Lead Supervisoron behalf of the student via email:
📧[email protected]
Step 4: Application Deadline
All applications must be submittedby 5:00 PM (UK time) on January 30, 2026.
Late submissions, or applications without an eligible lead supervisor, willnot be considered.
Important Notes
- It is strongly recommended that thestudent and supervisor prepare the application collaborativelyfrom the start.
- Additional materialsbeyond those requested in the formwill not be consideredduring assessment.
- Successful applicants must complete the officialPGR Application Formonline to register with theDoctoral AcademyinAugust/September 2026.
Failure to do so may result in thewithdrawal of the offer.