Starting a Postgraduate Research (PGR) degree, such as a PhD, is a commitment that requires secure financial backing. At the University of Bristol, the goal for most aspiring doctoral candidates is a fully funded studentship, which covers both tuition fees and living costs. This guide focuses on the major scholarship schemes and funding routes available to prospective PGR students.

Part 1: Fully Funded Studentships and What They Cover

The best form of funding is a studentship, which typically provides financial support aligned with UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) rates.

1. Tuition Fees: The studentship covers your full tuition fees for the duration of the programme (usually three to four years). This often applies to both Home and International students, depending on the specific award.
2. Stipend (Living Costs): You receive an annual, tax-free maintenance grant (stipend) to cover your living expenses. This rate is set nationally by UKRI and is highly competitive (for 2025/26, this is at least £20,780 annually for full-time study).
3. Research Training: Studentships usually include dedicated funding for research expenses, such as conference travel, equipment, and specialist training.

Part 2: Major University of Bristol Scholarship Schemes

Bristol offers several major scholarship schemes for outstanding candidates, regardless of whether they have secured external funding.

These are prestigious, University-funded scholarships aimed at attracting exceptional students from around the world.

1. Who is Eligible: Open to both UK and International applicants across all faculties.
2. What they Offer: They typically provide a full fee waiver and a stipend at the standard UKRI rate.
3. Application Tip: These awards are highly competitive and are usually decided based on academic excellence, research potential, and the fit of your project within the school's priorities. Application deadlines are generally early in the calendar year.

As part of the University’s commitment to addressing under-representation in research, these targeted scholarships are a significant initiative.

1. Eligibility: These are specifically for UK-domiciled, Home fee applicants who are of Black African, Black Caribbean, or other Black or mixed Black heritage.
2. What they Offer: They are fully funded, providing the same high level of support as the main Research Council studentships—full fee waiver and an annual stipend.
3. Added Support: Successful applicants often gain access to dedicated support programmes designed to assist them throughout their doctoral journey, like the Pathways to Doctoral Success (PDS) programme.

Part 3: External Funding and Training Routes

Many PGR places at Bristol are funded through large, government-backed partnerships.

Bristol is a host or partner institution for numerous Doctoral Training Partnerships (DTPs) and Centres for Doctoral Training (CDTs), funded by bodies like the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) and the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC).

1. What they are: These are large, multidisciplinary cohorts of PhD students who receive structured training alongside their research.
2. Funding: DTE studentships are competitive but provide full funding (fees and stipend).
3. Focus: They are often focused on specific, strategic areas of research (e.g., climate change, advanced materials, social science). When applying, you usually select a pre-defined project linked to the DTE.

For UK students who are not awarded a fully funded studentship, the government offers financial assistance.

1. Postgraduate Doctoral Loan: UK-domiciled students may apply for a loan from the UK Government (Student Finance) to help cover costs.
2. How to Use It: The loan can be used towards tuition fees and/or living costs. This loan is paid directly to the student over the course of the study.

Part 4: How to Apply for Funding

You cannot be awarded a scholarship without first having a successful application for a place on the research programme.

1. Find Your Supervisor: Before applying for a PhD, identify and contact a potential supervisor at Bristol. They can guide you on available funding within their research group or specific department deadlines.
2. Check Deadlines: Funding deadlines (especially for studentships) are much earlier than general programme application deadlines, often falling between November and February for a September start. Check both the academic school's and the scholarship scheme’s specific deadlines.
3. Submit the Course Application: Apply for your PhD programme via the online portal.
4. Complete the Scholarship Section: Ensure you indicate on your application form that you wish to be considered for funding, and in some cases, you may need to submit a separate online scholarship form or essay, as required by the specific scheme.

By planning early and targeting these major scholarship opportunities, you significantly increase your chance of undertaking fully funded, world-class research at the University of Bristol.

References

1. University of Bristol: Funding and scholarships - Postgraduate Research
2. University of Bristol: Scholarships for Postgraduate Research
3. University of Bristol: Black Heritage PhD Scholarships