ESRC 2026

The Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) is the United Kingdom's main public funder for social science research and training. It operates under UK Research and Innovation and supports doctoral researchers and early career researchers primarily through Doctoral Training Partnerships (DTPs) and doctoral training centres hosted by UK universities.

For students, ESRC funding most commonly appears as a fully funded PhD studentship in the social sciences or in interdisciplinary projects with a strong social science component. Reference postings show awards offered through partnerships such as the Welsh Graduate School for the Social Sciences (WGSSS) and the Grand Union Doctoral Training Partnership. Some calls also exist for postdoctoral fellowships aimed at researchers in the immediately postdoctoral stage who want to strengthen publications, networks, and professional skills.

Typical ESRC doctoral funding can include full tuition fees, a tax-free stipend at the UKRI minimum rate, and a Research Training Support Grant. Some projects may also include placements or collaborative training opportunities. In the postings provided, international students were eligible for some awards, and some explicitly stated that successful candidates would not be charged the difference between home and international tuition fees.

Eligibility usually requires a strong academic background, commonly a first-class or upper second-class honours degree or equivalent, and in some cases a relevant master's degree or equivalent experience. ESRC-funded projects are often open to applicants from non-traditional backgrounds where they can demonstrate appropriate preparation. English language evidence may be required for applicants who do not already meet institutional language standards.

Applications are generally made through the host university or DTP, not through a single central ESRC application portal. Available projects, pathways, eligibility rules, and deadlines vary by partnership and institution, so applicants should check the specific university or DTP call carefully before applying.