Leverhulme Trust 2026
About this scholarship
The Leverhulme Trust funds a wide range of research scholarships, studentships and fellowships, mainly in the United Kingdom, across disciplines from humanities to sciences.
The Leverhulme Trust is a United Kingdom charitable foundation that supports original research and education. Rather than operating as a single standard scholarship with one universal application route, it funds a broad range of PhD studentships, doctoral programmes, postdoctoral posts, and research fellowships hosted by universities and research institutions.
Opportunities supported by the Trust span the humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, engineering, and interdisciplinary research. Reference postings show Leverhulme-funded projects in areas such as psychology, geography, migration studies, literature, ecology, environmental science, mathematics, physics, structural biology, and engineering. Many awards are based at UK universities, though some projects include international fieldwork or welcome international applicants.
Funding is typically fully funded or substantial, but the exact package depends on the specific award. Leverhulme-supported opportunities may include tuition fees, a stipend or salary, travel, and research costs. In some cases, awards cover home fees only; in others, both home and international fees are covered. Postdoctoral opportunities are often salaried research positions rather than student scholarships.
Eligibility varies by scheme and host institution. Some Leverhulme-funded PhD projects require a strong undergraduate degree, while others prefer or require a relevant master’s qualification. Certain opportunities are open only to UK or home students, while others are open worldwide. Some projects may also include widening-participation criteria or discipline-specific experience requirements.
Students and researchers usually apply through the host university or project advertisement, not directly through one central scholarship portal for all awards. If you are interested in Leverhulme Trust funding, the best approach is to search for current Leverhulme-funded vacancies at UK universities, review the project-specific eligibility and funding details carefully, and then submit your application according to the host institution’s process.
Eligibility
Who can apply for this scholarship
Eligibility depends on the specific Leverhulme Trust-funded scheme or project. Opportunities may require a strong academic background in a relevant subject, such as a first-class or upper second-class degree, and sometimes a relevant master's degree. Some awards are open only to home or UK applicants, while others welcome international applicants. Certain projects may include additional criteria linked to discipline, research experience, or widening-participation priorities.
Requirements
Documents typically needed to apply
Language requirements
Varies by host university; English proficiency may be required for applicants who do not meet the host institution's standard exemption criteria.
Where you can use this
Open positions accepting Leverhulme Trust.
