Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) 2026

The Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) is part of UK Research and Innovation and funds doctoral research across the arts and humanities in the United Kingdom. Rather than operating as a single direct scholarship application for all students, AHRC funding is commonly offered through universities and partner organisations via schemes such as Doctoral Landscape Awards, Collaborative Doctoral Partnerships, and other doctoral training initiatives.

AHRC-supported awards are primarily for PhD study. Based on current postings, these opportunities are usually fully funded or substantially funded for eligible candidates, commonly covering tuition fees at the UK home rate and providing a maintenance stipend at the UKRI rate. Some awards also include access to research training, placements, professional development, or additional research support. In many cases, international applicants may apply, but they can be required to cover the difference between home and international tuition fees unless the host university confirms full international fee coverage.

AHRC funding supports a wide range of arts and humanities subjects, including history, literature, philosophy, linguistics, archaeology, heritage, theater, media, music, politics, digital humanities, and interdisciplinary projects that remain within AHRC's remit. Projects are often hosted by UK universities and may involve collaboration with museums, archives, galleries, creative organisations, or cultural institutions.

Eligibility and application requirements vary by host institution and project. Typical expectations include a strong academic background relevant to the proposed doctoral research, often at least a UK upper second-class undergraduate degree or equivalent, and sometimes a master's degree or relevant professional experience. English language requirements are set by the host university.

Students usually apply through the relevant university or project page, not through a universal AHRC application portal. Applicants should identify an eligible project or supervisor, confirm that their research fits AHRC subject remit, and carefully check the funding terms for tuition coverage, stipend arrangements, nationality rules, and any placement or residency conditions.