Vice Chancellor’s PhD Scholarship Scheme 2026 – Fully Funded Doctoral Study at Liverpool John Moores University (LJMU) 

Vice Chancellor’s PhD Scholarship Scheme 2026: Overview

The LJMU Vice Chancellor’s PhD Scholarship Scheme 2026 is now open for applications from 22 September 2025 to 30 January 2026. This prestigious scheme, now in its 11th year, offers up to 20 fully funded PhD studentships for outstanding candidates across a wide range of disciplines.

The programme aims to attract exceptional research students and supervisors to contribute to LJMU’s world-class research in areas such as neuroscience, engineering, public health, and criminology. It aligns with LJMU’s Strategy 2030, which focuses on developing a vibrant research and knowledge exchange culture through high-quality doctoral research.

Vice Chancellor’s PhD Scholarship Scheme 2026: Eligibility

Applications are open to:

• UK and international applicants (both home and overseas fee status).

• Students applying for full-time (fees + stipend) or part-time (fees only) PhD scholarships.

• Applicants who have completed a Master’s degree before enrolment in August/September 2026.

Not eligible:

• Current LJMU PhD students or students enrolled in another Level 8 programme.

• Applicants for Professional Doctorates or other non-PhD programmes.

• Supervisors who are not permanent LJMU academic staff (Postdoctoral Researchers or Research Assistants cannot serve as lead supervisors).

Support for Ethnic Minority Applicants (UK)

Up to three scholarships will be reserved for talented UK applicants from underrepresented ethnic minority backgrounds, providing full funding and professional skill development opportunities.
This initiative promotes inclusivity under the Equality Act 2010 (s.158) and supports LJMU’s commitment to diversity through initiatives such as Athena Swan Silver and the Race Equality Charter Bronze Awards.

Benefits

• Full tuition fee coverage (for full-time and part-time applicants).

• Annual stipend for full-time students (to cover living expenses).

• Access to world-class research facilities and mentorship.

• Opportunities for career development through LJMU’s Doctoral Academy.

Application Requirements

Each application must include:

• Student details and project information.

• Lay Summary (up to 250 words) explaining the research purpose and impact in simple terms.

• Research Proposal detailing aims, objectives, and methodology.

• Training Plan outlining the applicant’s academic development.

• Statement of Link connecting the project to LJMU Strategy 2030 or Faculty Research Plans.

• Equalities and Opportunities Monitoring Form (sent separately to VCScholarships@ljmu.ac.uk).

Submission Process

• The Lead Supervisor must submit the final application on behalf of the student to VCScholarships@ljmu.ac.uk by 5 pm on 30 January 2026.

• Applications without an identified supervisor will not be considered.

• No additional materials should be submitted; extra content will not be reviewed.

Selection Process
The review process has two stages:

1. Faculty-Based Panel: Evaluates applications within each faculty based on research excellence and supervision quality.

2. University Panel: Chaired by the Pro Vice-Chancellor (Research & Knowledge Exchange), this panel reviews top-ranked faculty applications for final selection.

Assessment Criteria
Applications are judged based on:

• Academic calibre of the candidate (qualifications, research experience, and achievements).

• Supervisory team quality and expertise.

• Research project clarity and originality, including quality of lay summary and relevance to LJMU’s strategic priorities.

• Appropriateness of the training and development plan.

Key Dates

• Application opens: 22 September 2025

• Deadline: 30 January 2026 (by 5pm)

• Outcome notification: 15 April 2026

• Enrolment: August/September 2026

International Applicants
International students must contact InternationalAdmissions@ljmu.ac.uk to verify:

• English language requirements

• Visa eligibility

• Residency criteria (for those applying from abroad)

Important Note:
Successful candidates must complete the formal online PGR application form before enrolment. Offers not finalised by the August/September 2026 intake will be withdrawn.

For more information and application: 

Visit the official website of the Vice Chancellor’s PhD Scholarship Scheme 2026 – Fully Funded Doctoral Study at Liverpool John Moores University (LJMU)