UKRI 2026

UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) is the United Kingdom’s national research and innovation funding body. Rather than operating as one single central scholarship application for all students, UKRI funding is usually offered through universities, doctoral training partnerships, research councils, collaborative projects, and fellowship schemes across the UK.

From the reference postings, UKRI support most commonly appears in PhD studentships and some postdoctoral research positions. These opportunities are hosted by individual institutions such as Newcastle University, Swansea University, the University of Leicester, the University of Liverpool, Queen Mary University of London, the University of Cambridge, and others. Funding typically includes tuition fees, a maintenance stipend at the UKRI standard rate, and often additional research training support for consumables, conferences, equipment, or fieldwork. In some cases, international applicants are eligible, though fee coverage may only extend to the home rate unless the host institution or project covers the difference.

UKRI-backed opportunities span a very wide range of subjects, from engineering, computer science, and environmental science to humanities, social sciences, health, and space-related research. Eligibility usually depends on the specific project and host university, but many postings require at least a 2:1 honours degree or equivalent in a relevant field, and some PhD projects also prefer or require a master’s degree. English language requirements are normally set by the host university.

To apply, students generally need to identify a specific UKRI-funded project or doctoral programme at a participating university and submit an application through that institution. Required materials commonly include academic transcripts, a CV, degree certificates, references, a personal statement, and sometimes a research proposal. Because rules differ by scheme, applicants should always check the exact funding, fee status eligibility, and deadlines on the host university’s official page.