Fully Funded UK AI PhD Scholarship 2026 | SUSTAIN AI CDT PhD Studentship with £10,000 Extra Stipend
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Summary
The SUSTAIN AI CDT PhD Studentship 2026 offers a fully funded 4-year doctoral programme in Artificial Intelligence in collaboration with UK universities and industry partners. Students work on real-world industry challenges through structured doctoral training and research projects. The programme is part of a national AI training initiative supported by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI). Selected students receive full funding and, under the TechExpert Pilot Programme, home students receive an additional £10,000 annual stipend. Applicants select up to three projects aligned with their expertise. Application deadline: 20 March 2026 (12:00 GMT).
Scholarship Name
SUSTAIN AI CDT PhD Studentship 2026
Host / Partner Organisation
SUSTAIN AI CDT
Supported by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI)
Level / Type
PhD (Doctoral Research Programme)
Value / Benefits
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Full PhD funding (tuition covered)
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UKRI doctoral stipend
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Additional £10,000 yearly stipend for home students through the TechExpert pilot
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Industry collaboration and training
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Access to industry partners and research networks
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Structured doctoral training and professional development
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must:
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Hold a First Class or 2:1 Bachelor’s degree, or a Master’s degree with Merit, in a relevant field
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Demonstrate academic and research potential in AI or related disciplines
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Meet English language requirements (IELTS 6.5 or equivalent if applicable)
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Be able to reside in the UK for the majority of the programme
International students may apply, but are limited to 30% of each intake cohort under UKRI funding rules.
Application Timeline
Application opening: Round 2 is currently open
Deadline: 20 March 2026 (12:00 GMT)
How to Apply
Applications follow a two-stage process:
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Submit the online application form, including personal statements and project preferences.
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After submission, email supporting documents, including:
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CV
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Academic transcripts
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Immigration check codes (if applicable)
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English language certificates (if applicable)
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Shortlisted candidates will later be invited to interview and present their project interests.
Additional Notes
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Applicants must choose up to three research projects in order of preference.
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Personal statements must be anonymous (no identifying details).
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References are not required at the initial application stage but may be requested after interviews.
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The programme emphasises industry collaboration and real-world AI applications.
For more information and application:
Visit the official website of the SUSTAIN AI CDT PhD Studentship 2026
