Inter­national Partnership PhD studentships

Embark on a global research journey in collaboration with our international partner institutes.

Our fully funded International Partnership PhD studentships are designed to enable postgraduate researchers in biology, medicine and health to undertake a PhD at Manchester and spend time at one of our international partner institutions.

This programme will allow you to gain a global perspective on your specialist area of research, while learning from leading academics and benefitting from research expertise and facilities at both universities.

Applications will open for 2027/28 entry on Monday, 9 November 2026.

On this page:

Related pages:

• About the studentships
• International partners
• Projects
• Eligibility
• International applicants
• Making an application
• Key dates
• Keep up-to-date
• Contact us
• Funding and fees
• Understanding funding
• Funded programmes
• Fees and costs
• Other funding support

Fully funded four-year studentships

These studentships are open to both home and overseas candidates and will cover:

Please note, candidates will need to cover the cost of relocation and any associated costs (for example, visa, health surcharges).

• An annual stipend at the UKRI rate
• Tuition fees at home or international rate
• £5,000 p/a Research Training Support Grant (RTSG)
• £1,000 contribution towards postgraduate research travel costs

Our programme partner institutions

For 2026/27 entry, projects were available in partnership with a range of global universities and research institutes including:

Candidates will be expected to spend time at Manchester and the partner institute, and this will be funded and supported through the studentship .

Further details on the time spent at the partner institute can be discussed with project supervisor prior to applying for the project.

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• University of Helsinki (Finland)
• University of Lausanne (Switzerland)
• University of Padua (Italy)
• KTH Royal Institute of Technology (Sweden)
• Université libre de Bruxelles (Belgium)
• Université Côte d’Azur (France)

Discover an International Partnership PhD Studentship project you're passionate about.

Projects for 2027/28 entry will be advertised from Monday, 9 November 2026.

Interested in more than one project? You can apply for up to two projects as part of this programme.

Please note, we are unable to provide information about projects before they are advertised.

In the meantime, visit our projects page to browse other currently live projects from across the Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health.

Browse all live projects

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Entry requirements

Competition for this programme is expected to be very high.

These studentships available to both UK and international applicants.

We require applicants to hold, or be about to obtain a minimum Upper Second class UK honours degree, or the equivalent qualifications gained outside the UK, in a relevant subject area for entry to this funded PhD programme. As this is a highly competitive programme, many of our applicants also hold a Masters-level qualification.

Applications are welcome from all backgrounds. We actively encourage applications from a diverse range of backgrounds. We seek to create equality of opportunity for all our applicants and postgraduate researchers.

Find out more about equality, diversity and inclusion at Manchester .

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Entry requirements

These studentships will only be awarded to exceptional quality international candidates, due to the competitive nature of this scheme.

International applicants must ensure they meet the academic eligibility criteria, including English language requirements , before applying. Visit our eligibility and entry requirements page to find out more about the eligibility criteria at Manchester.

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Step-by-step guide to applying

Applications will open for 2027/28 entry on Monday, 9 November 2026.

Want to be considered for an International Partnership PhD Studentship?

Find out what you need to do before you apply and how to make an application with our step-by-step guide below.

You may apply for up to two projects as part of this programme. Please note, each project must be submitted as a separate application.

Check you’re eligible

Ensure you meet the entry requirements for this programme and check you have the skills and characteristics we’re looking for in our postgraduate researchers.

More about eligibility and entry requirements

Find a project

Browse all of our International Partnership PhD Studentship projects once they're live. Discover one you're passionate about which matches your interests, ambitions and goals.

Interested in more than one project? You can apply for up to two projects as part of this programme. If you wish to apply for two projects, you must submit a separate application for each, including a supporting statement tailored to the specific project.

Browse projects

Contact a supervisor

Found a project you're interested in? Contacting your potential supervisor and speaking to them about their project is your next step and is one of the most important things you need to do before you apply.

Learn more about contacting a supervisor

Prepare your supporting documents

Before you complete your application you'll need to prepare the following supporting documents:

A research statement is not required for this programme.

All supporting documents must be uploaded as part of the formal online application. Applications submitted without the required documentation will be considered incomplete and will not be processed.

Learn more about applying

• Supporting statement;
• Reference details;
• Degree certificates and final/interim transcripts (If you are currently enrolled in a Master's programme and do not yet have an interim transcript, please provide alternative proof of enrolment, such as an offer letter);
• Official English language certificates (if applicable);
• Curriculum Vitae (CV).

Complete your application

Found a project and contacted the listed supervisor?

Apply online

When completing your application ensure you use the following details:

For the funding section you should select:

More about applying

• Level of study: Postgraduate Research
• Entry year: 2026/27
• Supervisor name: Specify the name of the main supervisor only, if the supervisor isn't listed you can enter it manually.
• Intake: September
• Funding: 'Yes' from the drop-down
• Type of funding: 'Uni of Manchester scheme'
• Awarding body: International Partnership PhD Studentship
• Status of funding: Awarded
• Funding covers: Fully Funded

Interview

We will contact you directly by email if we wish to invite you to one of our interview days following supervisor nominations.

If you are not nominated by a supervisor for a panel interview, we will notify you that your application has been unsuccessful.

Interviews take place via Teams and will consist of a panel of up to three academic staff from across the University.

You will be required to give a short presentation (not exceeding 10 minutes) on the project you are interested in. Presentations can be made in PowerPoint format or verbally.

Post-interview the recruitment committee will assess candidates based on the interview, their CV, academic record and references.

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Dates for 2026 entry

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• Projects announced: Monday, 9 November 2026
• Applications open: Monday, 9 November 2026
• Applications close: Friday, 11 December 2026
• Interviews take place: Week commencing 22 February 2027
• Studentships awarded: Week commencing 8 March 2027
• Studentships begin: October 2027

Sign up for updates

Be the first to hear about funded programmes and funding opportunities when they launch.

Receive our monthly newsletter for prospective applicants which includes updates on featured projects, our latest events and application tips.

Register your interest

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Have any questions? Get in touch.

For queries regarding the application process, the projects on offer or your eligibility, please contact the Doctoral Academy.

Email: fbmh.doctoralacademy.admissions@­manchester.ac.uk Tel: +44 (0)161 275 5608

You may wish to contact supervisors directly about projects.

See more contact information .

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Research areas