The University of Birmingham is proud to celebrate its remarkable 125-year journey and announce the launch of a ground-breaking scholarship initiative designed to empower and support Black British researchers in their pursuit of doctoral education.

20 competition-funded PhD projects are open for students to apply to across the University's five Colleges: there will be four projects open per College. The successful awardees will begin their full-time PhD studies in October 2025. The available fully-funded PhD projects can be found at the bottom of this page.

Students can submit an application to their desired PhD project(s) until the deadline of 23:59 (UK time) on Wednesday 30 April 2025. For each project, during May, the shortlisted candidates will be interviewed. The outcome of your application will be confirmed by 3 June 2025.

Key features of this innovative scholarship initiative include:

1. Full Funding: Recipients will receive substantial financial support, including a stipend at UKRI rates, which is set at £20,780 per year for the 2025/26 academic year, which will be paid to you in regular instalments. Successful awardees will also have their tuition fees covered at a minimum of £5,006 per year.
2. Research Training Support Grant: Scholars will also receive a research training support grant at £2,250 across the duration of the PhD. This grant is intended to support conference attendance, fieldwork, and other essential activities that enhance their research and academic growth.
3. Mentorship and Guidance: Scholars will benefit from mentorship opportunities and guidance from accomplished faculty members who are dedicated to helping them succeed in their academic and research endeavours.
4. Research Opportunities: We are committed to providing an exceptional research environment. Students will have access to state-of-the-art facilities, cutting-edge resources, and a vibrant scholarly community.
5. Community Building: A key component of the scholarship programme is the creation of a supportive community of Black British researchers pursuing PhDs. This network will foster collaboration and peer support among scholars.
6. Commitment to Inclusivity: We are dedicated to building an inclusive academic environment that values diversity and ensures equitable access to education.

Who can apply?

These scholarships are designed to create opportunities and address the under-representation of talented Black or Black mixed heritage students in academia. We welcome applications for full-time study. Applicants who meet all of the following criteria are eligible to apply:

1. Students classified as 'Home' for tuition fee payments
2. Members of 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 (to include Black African, Black Caribbean or Black Other)
3. Not already enrolled on a PhD programme at the University of Birmingham