phd scholarships in life sciences

• Life Sciences

Life Sciences Scholarships for International Students

Great News! Life Sciences Scholarships for Bachelors, Masters, and PhD programs are regularly offered by universities abroad. If you are a student of Life Sciences and are looking for a scholarship that can help you complete a higher education degree in Life Sciences, you may apply for any of the scholarships listed here. Remember, these scholarships in Life Sciences disciplines may require you to fulfils the admission criteria of the university. Life Sciences is an excellent discipline to pursue for a bright career as it has incredible scope and the job industry for Life Sciences is demanding more and more professionals. If you are seeking Life Sciences undergraduate or postgraduate degree programs without IELTS requirement, it is recommended to apply to Chinese universities or European universities.

University of Melbourne Rhodes Scholarship 2024 Australia (Fully Funded)

• Fully Funded
• University of Melbourne, University of Oxford
• All Subjects
• Domestic Students
• Australia, UK

This is a Graduate scholarships for Domestic Students at University of Melbourne, University of Oxford, Australia, UK. Students interested in All Subjects are advised to apply for University of Melbourne Rhodes Scholarship 2024 Australia (Fully Funded).

Central Washington University (CWU) International Student Scholarships 2024/2025 in USA

• Partial Funding
• Central Washington University
• Bachelor, Masters, PhD
• International Students

This is a Bachelor, Masters, PhD scholarships for International Students at Central Washington University, USA. Students interested in All Subjects are advised to apply for Central Washington University (CWU) International Student Scholarships 2024/2025 in USA.

Fulbright Australia Scholarships 2024/2025 (Fully Funded)

• USA Universities
• Graduate, Research
• USA, Australia

This is a Graduate, Research scholarships for Domestic Students at USA Universities, USA, Australia. Students interested in All Subjects are advised to apply for Fulbright Australia Scholarships 2024/2025 (Fully Funded).

Massey University PhD Scholarships 2024 in New Zealand

• Partial Funding, Tuition fee
• Massey University
• New Zealand

This is a PhD scholarships for International Students at Massey University, New Zealand. Students interested in All Subjects are advised to apply for Massey University PhD Scholarships 2024 in New Zealand.

University of Hamburg Merit Scholarships 2025 for International Students in Germany

• University of Hamburg

This is a Bachelor, Masters, PhD scholarships for International Students at University of Hamburg, Germany. Students interested in All Subjects are advised to apply for University of Hamburg Merit Scholarships 2025 for International Students in Germany.

Karsh International Scholarships 2025 at Duke University in USA (Fully Funded)

• Duke University

This is a Bachelor scholarships for International Students at Duke University, USA. Students interested in All Subjects are advised to apply for Karsh International Scholarships 2025 at Duke University in USA (Fully Funded).

University of Winnipeg Linda Brown and Vana Kirby Graduate Scholarship 2024 in Canada

• University of Winnipeg

This is a Graduate scholarships for International Students at University of Winnipeg, Canada. Students interested in All Subjects are advised to apply for University of Winnipeg Linda Brown and Vana Kirby Graduate Scholarship 2024 in Canada.

Knight-Hennesy Scholarships (KHS) 2025 at Stanford University in USA - Fully Funded

• Partial Funding, Full tuition fee
• Stanford University

This is a Graduate scholarships for International Students at Stanford University, USA. Students interested in All Subjects are advised to apply for Knight-Hennesy Scholarships (KHS) 2025 at Stanford University in USA - Fully Funded.

A*Star International Fellowships (AIF) 2025 in Singapore - Fully Funded

• Singapore Universities
• Fellowship, Post Doctorate

This is a Fellowship, Post Doctorate scholarships for Domestic Students at Singapore Universities, Singapore. Students interested in All Subjects are advised to apply for A*Star International Fellowships (AIF) 2025 in Singapore - Fully Funded.

Gilman-McCain Scholarship 2024/2025 in USA

• Undergraduate

This is a Undergraduate scholarships for International Students at USA Universities, USA. Students interested in All Subjects are advised to apply for Gilman-McCain Scholarship 2024/2025 in USA.

Malaysian Government MTCP Scholarship 2024/2025 (Fully Funded)

• Malaysia Universities

This is a Masters scholarships for International Students at Malaysia Universities, Malaysia. Students interested in All Subjects are advised to apply for Malaysian Government MTCP Scholarship 2024/2025 (Fully Funded).

Capital University International Scholarships 2024 in Ohio USA

• Capital University

This is a Undergraduate scholarships for International Students at Capital University, USA. Students interested in All Subjects are advised to apply for Capital University International Scholarships 2024 in Ohio USA.

Queensland University of Technology (QUT) Equity Scholarships 2024 in Australia

• Queensland University of Technology
• International Students, Domestic Students

This is a Bachelor, Masters, PhD scholarships for International Students, Domestic Students at Queensland University of Technology, Australia. Students interested in All Subjects are advised to apply for Queensland University of Technology (QUT) Equity Scholarships 2024 in Australia.

Slovak Government NSP Scholarships 2025/2026 (Fully Funded)

• Slovekia Universities
• Masters, PhD

This is a Masters, PhD scholarships for International Students at Slovekia Universities, Slovakia. Students interested in All Subjects are advised to apply for Slovak Government NSP Scholarships 2025/2026 (Fully Funded).

Malaysian Government Scholarships (MIS) 2024/2025 for International Students

• Full tuition fee
• PhD, Masters

This is a PhD, Masters scholarships for International Students at Malaysia Universities, Malaysia. Students interested in All Subjects are advised to apply for Malaysian Government Scholarships (MIS) 2024/2025 for International Students.

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EMBL International PhD Programme

Unique in the world and waiting for you!

The EMBL International PhD Programme (EIPP), originally established in 1983, provides PhD students with an excellent starting platform for a successful career in science by  fostering early independence and interdisciplinary research .

EMBL is dedicated to  promoting excellence  in the molecular life sciences throughout Europe. To achieve this goal, we inspire and train talented young scientists to become skilled and creative future leaders in academia, industry and other sectors.

The EIPP provides comprehensive interdisciplinary training, maintaining a careful balance between theory and practice, close mentoring and creative freedom, collaborative teamwork and independence. These key characteristics make the EIPP a  role model , which has inspired similar programmes at research institutions throughout Europe and the world.

The  enriching  encounter of different nationalities, the  friendly and collaborative atmosphere , and the  passion for science  is what unites EMBL’s diverse staff and provides the ideal setting to forge long-lasting connections and make studying at EMBL a unique formative experience.

Acceptance rate of applicants                                                      

New PhD students admitted each year

Nationalities represented among PhD students

Average time to submission of thesis                                          

First-author papers  per  PhD student                      

Completion rate of thesis among PhD students                            

Application

Two recruitment rounds are organised each year across all EMBL sites. The application deadlines and all relevant information are published well in advance.

Registration for the 2024 PhD Summer Recruitment is now closed.

The next call for applications will open in September 2024.

Programme Overview

Explore the structure and content of the EMBL International PhD Programme.

Research at EMBL

Find out more about the cutting-edge Research Topics investigated across our different Research Units .

The complexity of current biological research questions increasingly calls for interdisciplinary approaches . To prepare our students for this challenge, the EIPP puts great emphasis on bringing together different fields of expertise: we actively encourage candidates with backgrounds in chemistry, physics, mathematics, molecular medicine, computer science or engineering to apply and work closely with biologists to answer fundamental questions in life sciences.

PHD Symposium

Since its first edition in 2000, the annual EMBL International PhD Symposium in Heidelberg developed into a well-recognized and highly appreciated scientific event.

It is always EMBL’s first year PhD students who take on the responsibility for the conceptual development and organization of the meeting. The symposia provide a great platform for networking and scientific exchange, featuring lectures by top-level scientists as well as plenty of opportunities for young researchers to present their work. 

See the full list of past symposia

Upcoming symposium

Biology Outside The Box

2-4 December 2024 EMBL Heidelberg

Monika Lachner

Interim Head of EICAT

Fulvio Grigolato

Project and Programme Manager

Postdoctoral Programme

ORCID: 0000-0001-5989-7260

Anna-Kreetta Alasalmi

Programme Officer / Training & Events

ORCID: 0000-0002-9375-5407

Programme Officer / Graduate Recruitment

EMBL Graduate Office

EMBL Heidelberg Meyerhofstraße 1 69117 Heidelberg Germany

Tel: +49 6221 387-8612/8896 Fax: +49 6221 387-8400 Email:   [email protected]

Life Sciences

The Graduate School of Arts and Sciences (GSAS) at Harvard University provides exceptional opportunities for study across the depth and breadth of the life sciences through the Harvard Integrated Life Sciences (HILS) federation. The HILS federation comprises 14 Ph.D. programs of study across four Harvard faculties—Harvard Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Harvard Medical School, and Harvard School of Dental Medicine. HILS offers flexibility, including options to take courses, do laboratory rotations, and even choose a dissertation advisor from across the HILS federation, subject to specific program requirements and lab availability.

Study Postgraduate

Phd in life sciences (2024 entry).

Course code

30 September 2024

3-4 years full-time; 5-7 years part-time

Qualification

Life Sciences

University of Warwick

Find out more about our Life Sciences PhD.

Study your PhD in the vibrant community of Warwick's School of Life Sciences, with 90% of our research rated as 'world leading' or 'internationally excellent' in the REF 2021 assessment. Pursue both subject-specific and general research expertise on the practical-based PhD in Life Sciences.

Course overview

This is a practical course based on a single research project, carried out under the training and supervision of one of our Research Leaders. Assessment is by dissertation and oral examination. All students also participate in a programme of transferrable and research skills training.

Being funded for your studies from one of our Doctoral Training Programmes means that certain bespoke training activities are required under that programme. Our  School of Life Sciences website  offers further information on Postgraduate Research courses and funding.

General entry requirements

Minimum requirements.

2:1 undergraduate degree (or equivalent) in a Life Sciences related subject.

English language requirements

You can find out more about our English language requirements Link opens in a new window . This course requires the following:

• IELTS overall score of 6.5, minimum component scores not below 6.0.

International qualifications

We welcome applications from students with other internationally recognised qualifications.

For more information, please visit the international entry requirements page Link opens in a new window .

Additional requirements

There are no additional entry requirements for this course.

Our research

Areas for phd supervision.

• Cells & Development
• Environment & Ecology
• Microbiology & Infectious Disease
• Neuroscience
• Plant & Agricultural Biosciences
• Quantitative, Systems & Engineering Biology

Full details of our research interests are listed on the School of Life Sciences website Link opens in a new window .

Find a supervisor

You can identify potential supervisors in the area(s) that are of interest you via the Research pages on the School of Life Sciences website. The academic staff in the School welcome enquiries from potential research students, so you are advised to contact them directly. Send your research proposal or explain that you would like to discuss possible research projects with them and detail how you plan to fund your studies.

For further information, see How to Apply.

Tuition fees

Tuition fees are payable for each year of your course at the start of the academic year, or at the start of your course, if later. Academic fees cover the cost of tuition, examinations and registration and some student amenities.

Find your research course fees

Fee Status Guidance

We carry out an initial fee status assessment based on the information you provide in your application. Students will be classified as Home or Overseas fee status. Your fee status determines tuition fees, and what financial support and scholarships may be available. If you receive an offer, your fee status will be clearly stated alongside the tuition fee information.

Do you need your fee classification to be reviewed?

If you believe that your fee status has been classified incorrectly, you can complete a fee status assessment questionnaire. Please follow the instructions in your offer information and provide the documents needed to reassess your status.

Find out more about how universities assess fee status

Additional course costs

As well as tuition fees and living expenses, some courses may require you to cover the cost of field trips or costs associated with travel abroad.

For departmental specific costs, please see the Modules tab on the course web page for the list of core and optional core modules with hyperlinks to our  Module Catalogue  (please visit the Department’s website if the Module Catalogue hyperlinks are not provided).

Associated costs can be found on the Study tab for each module listed in the Module Catalogue (please note most of the module content applies to 2022/23 year of study). Information about module department specific costs should be considered in conjunction with the more general costs below:

• Core text books
• Printer credits
• Dissertation binding
• Robe hire for your degree ceremony

Scholarships and bursaries

Scholarships and financial support

Find out about the different funding routes available, including; postgraduate loans, scholarships, fee awards and academic department bursaries.

Living costs

Find out more about the cost of living as a postgraduate student at the University of Warwick.

Life Sciences at Warwick

Warwick Life Sciences is an international centre of excellence with more than 90% of our research rated as 'world leading or internationally excellent' in the REF 2021 assessment. Our focus is in excellent teaching and research with impact.

Find out more about us on our website Link opens in a new window

Our Postgraduate Taught courses

• Biotechnology, Bioprocessing and Business Management (MSc)
• Environmental Bioscience in a Changing Climate (MSc)
• Food Security (MSc)
• Medical Biotechnology and Business Management (MSc)
• Sustainable Crop Production: Agronomy for the 21st Century (MSc)

Our Postgraduate Research courses

• MSc by Research in Life Sciences
• PhD in Life Sciences

How to apply

The application process for courses that start in September and October 2024 will open on 2 October 2023.

For research courses that start in September and October 2024 the application deadline for students who require a visa to study in the UK is 2 August 2024. This should allow sufficient time to complete the admissions process and to obtain a visa to study in the UK.

How to apply for a postgraduate research course  

After you’ve applied

Find out how we process your application.

Applicant Portal

Track your application and update your details.

Admissions statement

See Warwick’s postgraduate admissions policy.

Join a live chat

Ask questions and engage with Warwick.

Warwick Hosted Events Link opens in a new window

Postgraduate fairs.

Throughout the year we attend exhibitions and fairs online and in-person around the UK. These events give you the chance to explore our range of postgraduate courses, and find out what it’s like studying at Warwick. You’ll also be able to speak directly with our student recruitment team, who will be able to help answer your questions.

Join a live chat with our staff and students, who are here to answer your questions and help you learn more about postgraduate life at Warwick. You can join our general drop-in sessions or talk to your prospective department and student services.

Departmental events

Some academic departments hold events for specific postgraduate programmes, these are fantastic opportunities to learn more about Warwick and your chosen department and course.

See our online departmental events

Warwick Talk and Tours

A Warwick talk and tour lasts around two hours and consists of an overview presentation from one of our Recruitment Officers covering the key features, facilities and activities that make Warwick a leading institution. The talk is followed by a campus tour which is the perfect way to view campus, with a current student guiding you around the key areas on campus.

Connect with us

Learn more about Postgraduate study at the University of Warwick.

We may have revised the information on this page since publication. See the edits we have made and content history .

Why Warwick

Discover why Warwick is one of the best universities in the UK and renowned globally.

9th in the UK (The Guardian University Guide 2024) Link opens in a new window

69th in the world Link opens in a new window (QS World University Rankings 2025) Link opens in a new window

6th most targeted university by the UK's top 100 graduate employers Link opens in a new window

(The Graduate Market in 2024, High Fliers Research Ltd. Link opens in a new window )

About the information on this page

This information is applicable for 2024 entry. Given the interval between the publication of courses and enrolment, some of the information may change. It is important to check our website before you apply. Please read our terms and conditions to find out more.

• Applying to a Life Sciences Program

While each program has its own admissions requirements and committee, all HILS programs take an integrated look at each application, holistically evaluating all aspects of the application rather than relying on any single factor to determine admission.

• Dissertation
• Fellowships
• Maximizing Your Degree
• Before You Arrive
• First Weeks at Harvard
• Harvard Speak
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• Alumni Council
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All HILS programs strive to promote and cultivate a culture of equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging based on the belief that diversity in every dimension makes our programs stronger. While each program has its own admissions requirements and committee, all HILS programs take an integrated look at each application, holistically evaluating all aspects of the application rather than relying on any single factor to determine admission.

If you are interested in applying to a program affiliated with the HILS alliance , be sure to review the specific application requirements for your program of interest and the general Harvard Griffin GSAS application instructions. GRE scores are not required by any HILS program. However, some do allow the submission of scores if you choose to do so.

Applying to Multiple Programs in the HILS Federation

While prospective students are encouraged to carefully choose the HILS program that best fits their academic goals, interested applicants may apply to up to three programs and pay only one application fee. If you elect to apply to three programs, only two may be programs in the Division of Medical Sciences (these programs are biomedical informatics, biological and biomedical sciences, immunology, neuroscience, speech and hearing bioscience and technology, and virology). The fee waiver for additional applications is ONLY available for those applying to multiple programs in the HILS alliance. See Completing Your Application for information about fee waivers related to financial hardship.

You may begin and work on multiple applications through the application home page. Each application must be unique, containing a separate statement of purpose, transcripts, recommendations, and test scores. Please note that if you use the same recommenders for multiple applications, they must upload their letter of recommendation for each application.

After you submit your first application and pay the application fee, the fee will be waived for subsequent submissions.

You may submit a maximum of three applications to Harvard Griffin GSAS during the course of your academic career, which includes applications to multiple programs in the HILS federation, regardless of whether you submitted them under a single application fee.

Harvard Integrated Life Sciences

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Study at Cambridge

About the university, research at cambridge.

• Undergraduate courses
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• Postgraduate School of Life Sciences
• About us overview
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• Research Themes overview
• Cardiovascular Science and Medicine
• Clinical Sciences
• Epidemiology and Public Health
• Functional and Evolutionary Genomics
• Infection and Immunity
• Medical Imaging
• Metabolic Medicine and Endocrinology
• Molecules and Cells
• Neuroscience, Psychology and Behaviour
• Organisms, Evolution and Planetary Resilience (including Plant Biology)
• Reproduction, Development and Lifelong Health (including Physiology)
• Women's Health
• Researcher Development overview
• Training Opportunities for Postdocs
• Training Courses
• Funding Opportunities overview
• SBS Master's Bursary Award
• Funded Programmes and Projects
• Research Councils
• University and College Funding
• Why Cambridge?
• Contact Us overview
• PSLS Mailing List
• Research Themes
• Researcher Development
• 1 Funded Projects
• 2 Funded Programmes
• 2.1 BBSRC DTP PhD in Biological Sciences
• 2.2 Cardiovascular Research 4-Year Cambridge-BHF PhD Programme
• 2.3 Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute MPhil and PhD in Medical Science
• 2.4 CRUK Cambridge Centre MRes + PhD in Cancer Biology
• 2.5 CRUK Cambridge Centre Clinical Research Fellowships
• 2.6 EMBL-EBI International PhD Programme
• 2.7 Herchel Smith Cambridge Harvard PhD Programme
• 2.8 MRC Biostatistics Unit
• 2.9 MRC Cognition and Brain Sciences Unit 
• 2.10 MRC DTP and iCASE Programme
• 2.11 MRC Epidemiology Unit
• 2.12 MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology
• 2.13 MRC Mitochondrial Biology Unit
• 2.14 National Institutes of Health Oxford-Cambridge Scholars Programme 
• 2.15 Wellcome 1+3 Programme in Stem Cell Biology & Medicine
• 2.16 Wellcome Sanger Institute

Funded Projects

Within the PSLS there are a number of opportunities to work on funded projects. Please see the  Job Opportunities website  for more details, or view the list along the right hand side of this page. 

Funded Programmes

The University and its Partner Institutions offer a number of programmes that are funded by the Research Councils or major charities, such as the Wellcome Trust, British Heart Foundation, Cancer Research UK etc. 

These programmes advertise studentships that are awarded specifically for the particular programme of study on a strictly competitive basis; candidates are normally interviewed in Cambridge for these awards. These programmes mean that successful candidates receive a combined offer of a place on the course and funding. 

The Programmes currently available in the PSLS are listed below:

BBSRC DTP PhD in Biological Sciences

Applications for the BBSRC DTP PhD studentships starting in October 2024 are now closed. 

Details concerning opportunities for study in October 2025 will be announced via the BBSRC DTP  website .

Find out more

Cardiovascular Research  4-Year  Cambridge- BHF PhD Programme

The goal of this 1+3 MRes + PhD programme in Cardiovascular Research is to train scientists in cross-disciplinary research related to cardiovascular disease, particularly those who can work effectively across traditional disciplines and lead collaborative research projects. The programme combines formal training in molecular and cellular biology, physiology of model organisms, human physiology, human genetics, genomics and population health sciences.

The programme brings together world-leading expertise, drawing on faculty at the University of Cambridge’s Schools of Medicine and Biological Sciences and several interdisciplinary institutes: the Wellcome Sanger Institute, Institute of Public Health, Institute of Metabolic Science, and Laboratory for Regenerative Medicine.

The programme provides a generous living allowance and full fees at the ‘home’ rate.

How to apply?

Applicants apply directly via the  Postgraduate Applicant Portal .

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Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute MPhil and PhD in Medical Science

The PhD in Medical Science in CRUK CI is a research course in which each student studies in the research laboratory of their principal supervisor, with close interaction with their graduate and post-doctoral colleagues. Each student will be work on a specific project that will be aligned with and contribute to the overall objectives of the lab. Students are expected to take ownership of their projects and to drive them forward with assistance from other members of the Institute. Students are supported to submit their theses within 4 years of commencing study, and to prepare their research findings for publication in scientific journals.

About half of our PhD students receive studentships from Cancer Research UK. In addition, studentship funding is available from grants held by individual research groups and we also host students on the MB/PhD programme and clinical research training fellows. We welcome applications from students who have won competitive fellowships.

The CRUK also offers one funded place per year on the MPhil in Medical Science at CRUK CI. 

Projects will be advertised via the Department website  and along the right hand side of this page.  

Applicants apply for the course directly via the Graduate Applicant Portal for the MPhil and the PhD . 

CRUK Cambridge Centre MRes + PhD in Cancer Biology

Seven (5 +2 Black leaders studentships) CRUK Cambridge Centre MRes + PhD studentships are available for non-clinical applicants, to commence in October 2024. 

Find out more about the course  

Students will apply for one of the 7 studentships and, if successful, will start in October 2024. Two students of the seven are recruited through the  Black Leaders In Cancer PhD Scholarship programme .  

Students apply directly via the Postgraduate Applicant Portal . 

CRUK Cambridge Centre  Clinical Research Fellowships

One of the main principles of the Cancer Research UK Cambridge Centre is the open exchange of scientific knowledge and skills across the many disciplines involved in cancer science, creating a culture of continuous learning and development for all members. In keeping with this aim, the Centre also supports a broad programme of formal education and training designed to nurture the next generation of cancer researchers and clinicians.

We provide funding for Clinical Research Training Fellowships comprising of a 3-year PhD for candidates who have completed their medical training.

By being part of the CRUK Cambridge Centre, clinical students will also have the opportunity to attend a number of lecture series, workshops and meetings aimed at facilitating and strengthening collaborations between complementary disciplines and across different departments and institutes.

EMBL-EBI International PhD Programme

Established in 1983, the EMBL International PhD Programme provides students with the best starting platform for a successful career in science. Characterised by first-class training, internationality, dedicated mentoring and early independence in research, it is among the world's most competitive PhD training schemes. All of EMBL's six sites participate in the programme.

The typical duration of a PhD thesis at EMBL is 3.5 to 4 years. EMBL predoctoral fellowships are initially awarded for 3.5 years, with the possibility of a half-year extension. The stipend is competitive by international standards and includes broad health care benefits and pension.

Projects are advertised on the Department website  

Application opens:  August 2023

Application submission deadline:  09 October 2023, 23:59 CEST

Reference deadline:  11 October 2023, 23:59 CEST

Interview dates:  To be confirmed

Written application results:  Will be announced around mid-November 2023

Expected start date:  Flexible, by October 2024 at the latest

Herchel Smith Cambridge Harvard PhD Programme

Funded by a generous bequest from Dr Herchel Smith the University is pleased to offer a PhD studentship programme for prospective Harvard and Cambridge students. Cambridge presently recruits four PhD students annually (for a four-year period of study), while Harvard recruits six PhD students annually (for a two-year period of study).

The Herchel Smith Research Studentships are among the most prestigious studentships offered by the Universities. Students are selected at both institutions within the broad area of Life Sciences and regular meetings of students and Managers are incorporated into the scheme,.

At Cambridge the Herchel Smith Research Studentships provide:

Tuition Fees (fully or partially covered by a college)

Stipend at the Wellcome Trust rates for four years

Research Support grant (£5,000 a year)

Visa costs (for the overseas students)

Successful applicants may have the opportunity to apply to undertake a one- or two-month research project at Harvard University as part of their studies.

To view Terms and Conditions, please click  here.

There is no separate form of application for Herchel Smith Studentships; all eligible applicants who apply through the Postgraduate Applicant Portal will be considered.

MRC Biostatistics  Unit

The MRC Biostatistics Unit at the University of Cambridge (MRC BSU) aims to advance understanding of the cause, natural history and treatment of disease, and to evaluate public health strategies, through the development of statistical methods and their application to the design, analysis and interpretation of biomedical studies.

The BSU is an internationally recognised research unit and part of the University of Cambridge, specialising in statistical modelling with application to medical, biological or public health sciences. Details of the work carried out in the Unit appear on our Research page.

The BSU provides an ideal place to commence a career in Biostatistics. Our thriving PhD programme is hugely successful and competition for places is high. The BSU’s relaxed yet enthusiastic, dedicated and stimulating environment provides students with the essential tools, both in research and transferrable skills, to set them on their way to a successful career as an independent researcher.

A BSU Studentship covers all fees at the University of Cambridge home/EU rate, a taxfree stipend or living allowance and a generous travel and training budget.

PhD opportunities will be advertised on the Unit’s website and applicants apply directly via the Postgraduate Applicant Portal.

MRC Cognition and Brain Sciences Unit 

The MRC Cognition and Brain Sciences Unit (MRC CBU), at the University of Cambridge, is one of the largest and most enduring contributors to the understanding of human cognition and its disorders. The unit explores cognitive activities such as attention, emotion, language and memory. The research carried out spans the spectrum from basic to translational science including developing new treatments for depression, improving hearing through cochlear implants and helping children to overcome memory problems.

We host 20-30 graduate students at any time and applications are invited from prospective PhD students wishing to pursue research in areas covered by any of our research programmes. Our approaches include experimental cognitive psychology, neuropsychology, computational modelling and neuroimaging using MRI, MEG, and EEG.

The programme is funded by the MRC and students received a living stipend and full fees at the Home/EU rate.

Students apply directly via the Postgraduate Applicant Portal for the MPhil or the PhD .  

MRC DTP and iCASE Programme

The Cambridge MRC DTP is offering  5 fully funded MRC Industry Partner (iCASE) PhD studentships  commencing in October 2024. Please see the list for projects currently available. Further projects will be added once confirmed.

The industry partner specifies a research project that will be of importance to them, and provides a placement at their premises for the student of at least 3 months, together with an additional non-academic supervisor. Students will need to select from a list available projects , based either in the School of Clinical Medicine, or the School of Biological Science. 

These studentships   allow postgraduate research students to receive high quality research training, with the additional benefit of working closely with an industrial partner. These collaborations will provide MRC iCASE students with unique technical and transferable skills, as well as an insight into how commercial science is conducted, and entrepreneurial opportunities.

Each iCASE studentship is fully funded, and includes an annual stipend for 4 years at the UKRI minimum rate, plus an additional stipend top-up per annum, University fees and research costs.

In addition to excellent research facilities, students will have access to a wide variety of training and researcher development activities, many of which are offered through the  Postgraduate School of Life Sciences  and the wider University, and access to the  MRC flexible supplement,  which can be used to fund a wide range of additional training activities, and opportunities.

Please see the  How to Apply  page for further details on how to fill out your application form. The final closing date for all applications will be  1st  December 2023.

For general enquiries, please email  [email protected]

The Medical Research Council (MRC) and University of Cambridge actively support equality, diversity and inclusion, and we encourage applications from eligible applicants from all sections of society.

MRC Epidemiology Unit

The MRC Epidemiology Unit at the University of Cambridge (MRC EU) studies the genetic, developmental and environmental factors that cause obesity, diabetes and related metabolic disorders. The outcomes from these studies are then used to develop strategies for the prevention of these diseases in the general population.

The MRC Epidemiology Unit is a research department in the School of Clinical Medicine at the University of Cambridge and investigates the causes and prevention of obesity and diabetes. The department also hosts the Centre for Diet and Activity Research (CEDAR), a UKCRC Centre of Excellence in Public Health Research. CEDAR studies the population-level determinants of dietary and physical activity behaviours, develops and evaluates public health interventions and is helping to shape public health practice and policy.

Our PhD students have the opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge research under the supervision of senior scientists supported by postdoctoral researchers and a large team of fieldworkers, data managers, statisticians, study coordinators, technical and administrative staff.

MRC Studentships (when available) offer Full Funding for applicants who are both UK nationals and UK residents, to cover the University Composition Fee and a stipend (see MRC student eligibility criteria). For other European Economic Area (EEA) applicants, MRC Studentships offer only Partial Funding, covering only the University Composition Fee. More information about financing your studies can be found here .

Applicants apply directly via the Postgraduate Applicant Portal for the PhD .

MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology

The MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology (LMB) is a research institute dedicated to the understanding of important biological processes at the levels of atoms, molecules, cells and organisms. Our work covers a broad range of science, employing the diverse methods of physics, chemistry and biology to advance the knowledge needed to solve key problems in human health.

We believe that major challenges are best addressed in a multidisciplinary environment with long-term support and where detailed molecular studies are channelled into opportunities for medical benefits or major technical innovation. The LMB has four Research Divisions with distinct but well aligned research priorities:

• Cell Biology: To discover the molecular mechanisms of fundamental cellular processes with potential medical significance
• Neurobiology: To understand fundamental properties of nerve cells in health and disease through the elucidation of molecular mechanisms
• Protein & Nucleic Acid Chemistry: To obtain insights into human biological diseases at the molecular and structural level
• Structural Studies: To understand the mechanisms underlying fundamental biological processes

Our scientists tackle fundamental, often difficult, and long-term research problems. The LMB has made revolutionary contributions to science, such as pioneering X-ray crystallography to determine protein structures, the sequencing of DNA and the development of monoclonal antibodies. Eleven Nobel Prizes have been awarded for work carried out by LMB scientists: the most recent one – in 2017 to Richard Henderson, for developments in cryo-electron microscopy for the solution of the atomic structures of macromolecules.

About a fifth of the scientists at the LMB are graduate students, often driving the most creative areas of scientific research. We recruit 15-20 PhD students every year.

During the application process you will automatically be considered for the appropriate LMB funding:

• Full MRC Studentships for UK and eligible EU graduates
• Full International Scholarships for other graduates from the EU, the Commonwealth and world wide candidates
• César Milstein Studentship for Argentinian Nationals

Students apply directly via the Postgraduate Applicant Portal. 

Here is a list of current projects and how to find out more about us

MRC Mitochondrial Biology Unit

Research at the MRC Mitochondrial Biology Unit (MRC MBU) is focussed on the biology of mitochondria and their dysfunction in an ever-increasing range of human diseases. The Unit combines studies exploring the molecular function of the mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation system, the mitochondrial proteome and genome, and how mitochondria interact with the cell through homeostatic, signalling and execution pathways. Combined with the wealth of clinical, genetic and biochemical data provided by mitochondrial medicine, and the use of model systems with perturbed mitochondrial physiology, the Unit aims to exploit its findings for the development of new therapies to treat human disease.

The Mitochondrial Biology Unit has an active post-graduate programme for training students for the PhD or occasionally MPhil degrees. The programme aims to provide high quality training in both research and in transferable skills. The students are supervised and assessed by a research supervisor and a separate advisor, under the overall supervision of the Unit's postgraduate education committee consisting of three of the Unit's Faculty. 

Each year, the Unit awards up to four UKRI/MRC PhD studentships on a competitive basis to eligible students. The studentship pays for Cambridge University and College fees, and each student receives a generous full stipend of £18,000 per year, payable for up to four years. Three of these studentships are available for UK/Irish citizens or UK permanent residents and one is available to EU/international students.

Applicants apply directly via the Postgraduate Applicant Portal for the  PhD .

National Institutes of Health Oxford-Cambridge Scholars Programme 

Us citizens only.

The National Institutes of Health Oxford-Cambridge Scholars Program is an accelerated, individualized doctoral training program for outstanding science students committed to biomedical research careers. The program is based on the British system, in which students perform doctoral research without required formal courses other than those students choose to take in relationship to their own interests. Students selected for admission to the program have already developed a passion for science through engagement in summer, job related, or undergraduate research programs. The program is available to US citizens available to US citizens or US permanent residents.  

Students will receive tuition and stipend support, based on NIH policy, for the duration of the program (approximately 4 yrs.)

Applicants apply to NIH first - How to Apply

Then apply to the University of Cambridge Postgraduate Applicant Portal.

Wellcome 1+3 Programme in Stem Cell Biology & Medicine

Wellcome generously funds our highly competitive 4-Year MRes + PhD (1+3) PhD Programme in Stem Cell Biology & Medicine. The Cambridge Stem Cell Institute offers a unique environment for high-level research training in stem cell biology, with our research groups working across three key research themes: Stem Cell States, Stem Cells in Disease and Stem Cells & Therapeutics. The University of Cambridge is exceptional in the depth and diversity of its research in this field, and has a dynamic and interactive research community, ranked amongst the foremost in the world. Our Programme in Stem Cell Biology & Medicine enables students to take advantage of the strength and breadth of stem cell research available in Cambridge, plus the added benefits that the unique culture of College life and membership of the University of Cambridge provide.

This programme provides students with an opportunity to spend time in three different labs during their first 'rotation' year, before making a decision about where they would like to undertake their thesis work in years 2-4.　

These studentships are considered once each year and are relevant to prospective students who have not decided on a specific supervisor and/or do not have their own funding.

Up to five studentships are available on this programme each year. Funding includes a generous stipend, plus research costs and tuition fees at the home rate.

Applicants apply directly via the Postgraduate Applicant Portal.

Wellcome Sanger Institute

The Wellcome Sanger Institute uses sequencing, informatics and analysis of genetic variation to further our understanding of gene function in health and disease, and to explore the diversity of complex organisms.

The Institute’s PhD programmes aim  to provide training and research opportunities in the field of genomic science that reflect the unique nature of Sanger Institute science, with an emphasis on large-scale, high-throughput approaches and the development of a blend of wet-lab and computational skills. The Institute also aims to provide students with general research and transferable skills training in addition to training in their specific research area. Applicants will generally have a bioscience background, but applicants with a computational or mathematical background can also apply.

The Sanger 4-year PhD programme provides 12 funded PhD studentships per year and the Clinical PhD programme provides 2 funded clinical PhD fellowships per year. 

The Wellcome Sanger Institute occasionally takes on MPhil students providing they have their own funding. Before applying for the MPhil course, applicants must have the support of a faculty member at the Institute.

Sanger Institute 4-year PhD programme: Applications are submitted first via the  Sanger Institute application process .

PhD Programme for Health Professionals: Applicants apply directly via the  Postgraduate Applicant Portal .

MPhil students: Applicants apply directly via the  Postgraduate Applicant Portal . 

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• Department of Life Sciences
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• Departments, institutes and centres
• Postgraduate
• PhD Opportunities

2024/25 Departmental Studentships

2024/25 studentships, leverhulme funded phd position on plant-pollinator holobionts.

Supervisor: Dr Richard Gill , Dept. of Life Sciences, Silwood Park, Imperial College London (ICL)

Co-supervisors & collaborators: Prof. Ian Barnes (NHM London), Dr Gavin Broad (NHM London), Dr Alan Buddie (CABI), Dr Peter Graystock (ICL)

Project Title: Fungal disease risks under landscape homogenisation: tracking fungal transmission across plant-pollinator networks using contemporary and historic museum specimens

Project Description: Mapping how microbial pathogens are vectored through ecological networks is important to understand how direct and indirect species interactions contribute to transmission dynamics. In the case of plant-pollinator networks, however, we understand little about how flowers act as pathogen transmission hubs and how pollinators act as pathogen vectors through complex networks. Furthermore, we know little about how fungal pathogens are transmitted through networks despite fungi posing significant risks to plant crop, wildflower, and insect pollinator brood health.

How landscape context can increase fungal transmission across modules of plant-pollinator networks is an important outstanding question. For example, landscape homogenisation now epitomises widespread habitat change driven primarily by agricultural intensification. This can lead to functional homogenisation across plant and pollinator communities, increasing the likelihood of pollinators sharing plant hosts and vice versa that may not have occurred historically (Fig. 1). This project will first ask whether transmission of fungal species previously restricted within specific pollinator taxonomic clades has become more prevalent across more distant evolutionary related clades. For instance, could fungal pathogens normally restricted to transmission between beetle pollinators hypothetically spill-over to bee clades? Second, could such an increased ‘reach’ of fungal pathogens across the pollinator community increase transmission risk to wildflowers and important flowering food crops?

This PhD will assess how fungal species are associated with plants and pollinators in contemporary networks when sampled across a landscape homogenisation gradient (varying levels of agricultural intensification). Then, through targeted sampling of museum specimens, we will determine historic fungal species prevalence in populations before major land-use transitions in agricultural intensification occurred (i.e., early 1900s). Evolutionary relationships between hosts will be considered to develop a more predictive framework and lay the foundation for exploring how fungal species that have evolved to increase transmission under increasingly functionally homogenised communities.

The student will be able to learn a variety of skills, including employing modern DNA sequencing approaches and ancient DNA-techniques, handling big data, script writing and developing bioinformatic pipelines, conduct fieldwork sampling and surveys of plant-pollinator networks, and working with museum collections. The student would join the Leverhulme Centre for the Holobiont (www.imperial.ac.uk/holobiont/), a multi-institutional research centre devoted to understanding interactions between microbes and their multicellular hosts.

The student would join the Leverhulme Centre for the Holobiont ( www.imperial.ac.uk/holobiont/ ), a multi-institutional research centre devoted to understanding interactions between multicellular hosts and their microbial symbionts.

Informal enquiries are welcomed and should be sent to Dr Richard Gill ( [email protected] )

How to apply:

Please email Dr Richard Gill ([email protected]) and include in your application:

• - Statement of purpose (max. 2 pages A4, Arial/Calibri font size 11)
• - Please arrange for two academic reference letters to be sent directly to Dr Gill.

Full applications made before 30th April 2024 will be considered at any time.

Funding and eligibility:

A fully funded 4 years Leverhulme Studentship, including tuition fees and a standard research council stipend (£19,668). The fees and stipend cover UK home applicants and standard research council eligibility criteria apply: https://www.ukri.org/what-we-offer/developing-people-and-skills/find-studentships-and-doctoral-training/get-a-studentship-to-fund-your-doctorate/

The successful applicant must hold or be expected to complete a Masters (MRes or MSc) or a four-year MSci with a grade of at least 2:1 level (or equivalent experience) in a relevant subject area, e.g., ecology, evolution, genetics, or microbiology.

Funded PhD studentship in XFEL Science at Imperial College London

Start date: 1 October 2024 or sooner

Duration: 4 years

Level of support: Home Studentship, fees and stipend

Supervisor: Prof Jasper van Thor, Molecular Biophysics, Imperial College London

Co-Supervisor: Prof Jon Marangos, Physics Department, Imperial College London

Location/Departments: Joined Life Science and Physics.

Project Description

A fully funded 4-year PhD position is available in the group of Professor Jasper van Thor at Imperial College London. The PhD is supported by the STFC UK Hub for the physical sciences on XFELs (HPSX) and Imperial College. The project will involve all aspects of executing and analysing ultrafast X-ray crystallography experiments at X-ray Fee Electron Lasers (XFELs). The project involves developing methods and experiments in order to increase the time resolution towards few-femtosecond and attosecond resolution. The PhD project will include experimental components involving sample environment, optics, diagnostics, beamline instrumentation and detector data processing, as well as computational aspects involving crystallographic data analysis and modelling. The project will be co-supervised by Professor Jon Marangos in the physics department. A part of the project will include work in the physics department on the configuration and use of a laser driven plasma hard X-ray source ‘The Imperial College Laboratory for Ultrafast X-ray Diffraction (LUXD)’. The new LUXD facility will allow pump-probe femtosecond chemical crystallography. Informal questions can be asked by email to JvT (email  [email protected] ) or JPM (email  [email protected] ).

Requirements and eligibility

You will have either a physics, chemistry or biochemistry undergraduate degree with a 2:1 result or better. Additionally, a Masters degree with Merit or better in a relevant physics or chemistry topic will be preferred. Only students classified as Home (UK) for fees purposes are eligible to apply.

The 4-year PhD studentship is jointly funded by STFC XFEL Physical Sciences Hub and Imperial College London Life Science Department. Applications should be sent to Jasper van Thor by email ( [email protected] ) and should include a CV and a cover letter with a personal statement. The CV should contain names and contact details for three references and details for courses taken and marks obtained.

4 year PhD Studentship funded by Defense Science and Technology Laboratory

Development of Novel Binding Partners for the Identification and Quantification of Small Molecules: Differentiable protein design for small molecule binding.

Dr James Murray and Prof Geoff Baldwin have been awarded a Defence Science and Technology Laboratory 4-year PhD to start in Oct 2024. This studentship includes stipend and tuition fees for UK students paid at the UKRI level.

The project is to design protein-based small molecule binding partners, for the purposes of detection, identification and quantitation of small molecules. We will create de novo protein binders with computational protein design, using a diffusion deep-learning generative models, and then synthesise and test them. There has recently been a quantum leap in the capabilities of protein design, due to the development of deep-learning based tools, kick-started by the release of AlphaFold2 in 2021. An important application of protein design is to bind small molecules for detection. Such proteins have usually been raised as antibodies or produced by screening libraries, but these processes are unreliable and labour-intensive. Here we propose to put together an entirely differentiable pipeline, where the binding energy of the ligand is another parameter to be optimised in a deep-learning protein design pathway. The student will design ligand binding proteins, then express and purify them.  We will then characterise the designs for binding to the target ligand, and then optimise the designs in an iterative process. Ligand binding will be tested via biochemical assays, including tryptophan based fluorescence and ELISAs.

Training will be gained in computational protein design, protein generative models, protein expression, purification and characterization. The project would suit a computationally oriented biochemist, or someone with a computational/physical science background and an interest in protein design.

Funding Notes and Eligibility: 

This project is funded by Dstl. Funding includes payment of college fees and a tax-free stipend for four years starting from October 2024.Please note that the nature of the sponsor means that only UK nationals, UK dual nationals, EU nationals with settled status, or foreign nationals with indefinite leave to remain are eligible. You will have an appropriate undergraduate  degree with a 2:1 result or better. Additionally, a Masters degree with Merit or better in a relevant topic will be preferred.

Informal enquires can be made to Dr James Murray ([email protected])

Please email Dr James Murray ([email protected] and include in your application:

- Personal Statement (max. 2 pages A4, Arial/Calibri font size 11)

- Please arrange for two academic reference letters to be sent directly to Dr James Murray

Full applications made before 30 th June 2024 will be considered at any time.

• Schools & departments

Biological Sciences PhD

Awards: PhD

Study modes: Full-time

Funding opportunities

Programme website: Biological Sciences

Upcoming Introduction to Postgraduate Study and Research events

Join us online on the 19th June or 26th June to learn more about studying and researching at Edinburgh.

Choose your event and register

Research profile

Based in King's Buildings Campus at the University of Edinburgh, our staff and students within the School of Biological Sciences are the modern inheritors of a 400-year-old reputation for excellence with Nobel laureates among our notable alumni.

Currently at the leading edge in teaching, research and innovation, we are ranked top 5 in the UK and top 30 in the world for biological sciences in both the QS and Times Higher Education world university rankings (2024).

Key to our success is the highly dynamic and supportive research environment we offer our postgraduate research community; we offer students the tools and confidence they need to make a lasting, positive impact in our world.

Within the School our research is clustered into six large research institutes:

• Institute of Cell Biology
• Institute of Ecology and Evolution
• Institute of Molecular Plant Sciences
• Institute of Immunology & Infection
• Institute for Stem Cell Research (Centre for Regenerative Medicine)
• Institute of Quantitative Biology, Biochemistry and Biotechnology

Join our community and undertake a specialised research project under the guidance of two experienced and well-published supervisors. Our staff have a wide range of research interests and we strongly encourage interdisciplinary research, working closely with physical sciences, engineering, medical and veterinary sciences.

Programme structure

Our PhD programmes are available as full-time or part-time study. The full-time route is 36 months and part-time 72 months, with study normally commencing in October. Both modes of study have an optional additional 12 months, commonly used to write up the final thesis.

The first year of PhD studies is probationary. Your supervisor will identify your training needs and invite you to attend relevant training as appropriate. To successfully progress onto the next year of study students must pass an annual review.

Annual reviews

Students submit a 10-week report and a 10-month report, both assessed by the thesis committee. Each committee comprises of the student's supervisory team, the committee chair, and up to two additional academic staff members.

The 10-week report is a short report outlining the project, with the 10-month report an extended version that includes a literature survey. While meeting their thesis committee, students deliver an oral presentation of their work.

Students complete a presentation during the School’s annual Poster Day. Academic staff and peers review presentations, with feedback discussed with the thesis committee during a 2nd year review meeting.

Students deliver a presentation to academic staff and their peers, traditionally during their Institute’s annual symposium. They also submit a thesis plan for their 3rd year review meeting that contains a timetable for completion, content listings of each chapter, completed work and highlighting outstanding tasks.

To be awarded a PhD, students must submit their final thesis and defend it in an oral examination (assessed according to the University's regulations).

Training and support

We encourage support in a range of academic subjects, transferable skills and personal development. All students who join the programme will have access to our core training and development programme or our specialist cohort-programmes (e.g. EASTBIO).

Our training environment is highly dynamic, with students learning through hands-on, laboratory-based projects as well as guided reading, one-to-one supervision, group seminars, societies and workshops.

The University of Edinburgh Main Library, open to all students, has one of the largest and most important collections in Britain. It has some two million items including the latest publications, key texts, and rare books.

The School of Biological Sciences is based wholly within King's Buildings and in close proximity to the Noreen and Kenneth Murray Library, well stocked with specialist literature, subscription databases and group study rooms and silent study spaces.

Students, dependent on their field of study, will also have access to a range of specialist laboratories and equipment, and state-of-the-art facilities. Examples include:

• imaging facilities including the Central Optical Instrumentation Laboratory (COIL) and Collaborative Optical Spectroscopy Micromanipulation & Imaging Centre (COSMIC)
• advanced flow cytometry facilities, including sorting and analysis
• cutting-edge proteomics facility and automated drug-screening platforms
• Edinburgh Genomics, a University-based sequencing and bioinformatics facility
• multiomics facilities
• the Edinburgh Genome Foundry
• cell culture facilities
• expertise in genomic editing (animal and plant)
• animal and plant facilities

The School also has strong collaborative links to the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh to give access to an even broader range of facilities and expertise.

Postgraduate students are given their own desk space in shared student offices and have similar access to facilities available to academic and support staff. Wireless network access is available in many parts of the University campus.

Career opportunities

The School of Biological Sciences offers training events and support for all our postgraduate research students in both academic and key life skills. In collaboration with the University’s Institute of Academic Development (IAD), we also provide a supportive training programme for students hired as tutors and demonstrators.

Entry requirements

These entry requirements are for the 2024/25 academic year and requirements for future academic years may differ. Entry requirements for the 2025/26 academic year will be published on 1 Oct 2024.

A UK 2:1 honours degree, or international equivalent, in a relevant subject. You should have some research experience and be able to demonstrate that you have a good understanding of the field you propose to study.

International qualifications

Check whether your international qualifications meet our general entry requirements:

• Entry requirements by country
• English language requirements

Regardless of your nationality or country of residence, you must demonstrate a level of English language competency at a level that will enable you to succeed in your studies.

English language tests

We accept the following English language qualifications at the grades specified:

• IELTS Academic: total 6.5 with at least 6.0 in each component. We do not accept IELTS One Skill Retake to meet our English language requirements.
• TOEFL-iBT (including Home Edition): total 92 with at least 20 in each component. We do not accept TOEFL MyBest Score to meet our English language requirements.
• C1 Advanced ( CAE ) / C2 Proficiency ( CPE ): total 176 with at least 169 in each component.
• Trinity ISE : ISE II with distinctions in all four components.
• PTE Academic: total 62 with at least 59 in each component.

Your English language qualification must be no more than three and a half years old from the start date of the programme you are applying to study, unless you are using IELTS , TOEFL, Trinity ISE or PTE , in which case it must be no more than two years old.

Degrees taught and assessed in English

We also accept an undergraduate or postgraduate degree that has been taught and assessed in English in a majority English speaking country, as defined by UK Visas and Immigration:

• UKVI list of majority English speaking countries

We also accept a degree that has been taught and assessed in English from a university on our list of approved universities in non-majority English speaking countries (non-MESC).

• Approved universities in non-MESC

If you are not a national of a majority English speaking country, then your degree must be no more than five years old* at the beginning of your programme of study. (*Revised 05 March 2024 to extend degree validity to five years.)

Find out more about our language requirements:

• Academic Technology Approval Scheme

If you are not an EU , EEA or Swiss national, you may need an Academic Technology Approval Scheme clearance certificate in order to study this programme.

Fees and costs

Scholarships and funding

School of Biological Sciences PhD funding

Research scholarships for international students

Edinburgh Doctoral College Scholarship

Search for scholarships and funding opportunities:

• Search for funding

Further information

• Postgraduate Research Administrator
• Phone: +44 (0)131 650 5525
• Contact: [email protected]
• Graduate School of Biological Sciences
• Mary Brück Building
• Colin Maclaurin Road
• The King's Buildings Campus
• Programme: Biological Sciences
• School: Biological Sciences
• College: Science & Engineering

Select your programme and preferred start date to begin your application.

PhD Biological Sciences - 3 Years (Full-time)

Application deadlines.

We encourage you to apply at least one month prior to entry so that we have enough time to process your application. If you are also applying for funding or will require a visa then we strongly recommend you apply as early as possible, and before the funding deadline.

• How to apply

You must submit two references with your application.

You should submit two references with your application. Before applying you should identify potential supervisors from the School of Biological Sciences and discuss your proposal.

You can find more information on how to apply at our website:

• Postgraduate research at the School of Biological Sciences

Find out more about the general application process for postgraduate programmes:

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The Best Health Degrees

Your go-to source for information about healthcare degrees and programs

50 Best Scholarships For Life Science Students

Key Takeaways:

• Scholarships Available : Many scholarships support students in fields like genetics, ecology , and biochemistry .
• Variety of Awards : Scholarships range from $500 to $45,000 , helping students at different levels of their education.
• Wide Eligibility : Awards cater to high school seniors, undergraduates , and graduate students in life sciences.
• Diverse Focus Areas : Scholarships focus on various specialties such as horticulture, environmental sciences , and biomedical research .

The best scholarships for Life Science students offer financial help for a broad education that is the basis for all health care paths. Individuals looking to dive in a little deeper either in preparation for an applied medical degree or as a related but separate career are essential to our functioning health care system.

Life sciences, also known as biological sciences, is the study of living organisms, their vital processes, and their environment. This includes areas such as genetics, molecular biology, biochemistry, cell biology, physiology, ecology, anatomy, and evolutionary biology. These sciences draw on multiple disciplines to understand the structure and function of living organisms, as well as the interactions between them.

If you’re looking to get into the life sciences for health care degrees (or another cause) be sure to check out our 50 top scholarships below!

1. ACF Barnes W. Rose, Jr. and Eva Rose Nichol Scholarship Program

ACF Barnes W. Rose, Jr. and Eva Rose Nichol Scholarship Program

Award: $800

This scholarship is available to students who are pursuing a degree in science, technology, engineering, or math.

ACF Woodcock Family Education Scholarship Program

Award: 40000

The ACF Woodcock Family Education Scholarship Program is available to Albuquerque metro high school graduating seniors who plan on pursuing a degree in a STEM-related field.

AFE Scholarships in Floriculture and Horticulture

Award: 4000

This award is available to students who are studying floriculture and horticulture.

APS/IBM Research Internship for Undergraduate Women

Award: 2500

The APS/IBM Research Internship for Undergraduate Women is available to women who are pursuing a degree in a STEM related field including physics or biology.

ASPET Summer Undergraduate Research Fellow (SURF) Individual Awards

Award: 2800

This scholarship is available to undergraduate students who demonstrate interest in pharmaceutical studies.

Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program

Award: 5000

The Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program is available to students who want to learn about national security.

Emily M. Hewitt & Stephen Stocking Memorial Scholarships

The Emily M. Hewitt & Stephen Stocking Memorial Scholarships is available to students who show interest in conservation and environmental law.

Environmental Studies/Natural Science Scholarship Program

Award: 1000

This scholarship is available to students interested in pursuing an environmental career.

Gloria Barron Wilderness Society Scholarship

Award: 10000

This scholarship is available to students that are enrolled in an accredited graduate institution studying natural resources management, law or policy programs.

EPP Undergraduate Scholarship Program

Award: 45000

This scholarship is available to undergraduate students who attended a minority based institution for their sophomore year of college who are pursuing a degree in oceanic or environmental disciplines.

Ernest F. Hollings Undergraduate Scholarship

Award: 9500

The Ernest F. Hollings Undergraduate Scholarship is available to STEM students including oceanic studies that are on the undergraduate level.

Fontana Transport Inc. Scholars Program

The Fontana Transport Inc. Scholars Program is available to STEM students who are underrepresented and low-income.

Franklin D. Boyce Annual Health Scholarship

This scholarship is available to residents of the City of Hopewell along with its surrounding areas.

Furman University Furman Scholars Program

Award: 20000

The Furman University Furman Scholars Program is available to high school juniors that show interest in life sciences and related fields.

Gill-Elliott Scholarship

Award: 2000

The Gill-Elliott Scholarship is available to graduating seniors from Highlands High School. Student must show interest in a STEM-based field including life sciences.

Gladys Carol Scholarship

This scholarship is available to high school seniors, high school graduates, and current undergraduate level students who are pursuing a full-time STEM major.

GRCF Armando “Frank” Quaglia Veteran’s Scholarship

Award: Varies

• The GRCF Armando “Frank” Quaglia Veteran’s Scholarship is available to veterans or direct relatives to a veteran. Students will need to be majoring in engineering or medical/healthcare.

Indian Health Service Scholarships

• The Indian Health Service Scholarships is available to American Indian or Alaska Natives and demonstrate interest in pursuing a career in underprivileged Indian communities.

LastPass STEM Scholarship Program

The LastPass STEM Scholarship Program is available to students who are pursuing a degree in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM) at a college or university in the United States.

DeepMind Scholarship

The DeepMind Scholarship is available to postgraduate minority groups in the European Union and the United Kingdom who are pursuing a career in Artificial Intelligence (AI) or machine learning. The winners will receive both financial help and will be offered the opportunities to industry related events.

Lance Stafford Larson Scholarship

This award is available to undergraduate students who are members of the IEEE Computer Society and present a paper on a computer-related topic.

Udacity Scholarships

This scholarship program is entirely online and is for students who want to further their knowledge about Cloud, Data, and Artificial Intelligence skills.

Simplr AI Scholarships

Award: 7500

This award is available to a full-time student who is pursuing a degree in Information Technology (IT) or Computer Science (CS). Students who are attending law school can also apply.

Murphy Memorial Scholarship

This scholarship is available to students who are a horticulture-related major.

Mycological Society of America Awards

• The Mycological Society of America Awards is available to students who are succeeding in research, teaching and service.

National GEM Consortium Fellowships

Award: 16000

This scholarship is available to graduate level students who are pursuing a career in high level-technical areas such as product development and research and development.

National Greenhouse Manufacturers Association (NGMA) Scholarship

The National Greenhouse Manufacturers Association (NGMA) Scholarship is available to students majoring in horticulture and bio-engineering.

National Space Club Keynote Scholarships

The National Space Club Keynote Scholarships is available to Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics students and be able to deliver keynote addresses to the National Space Club.

National Security Agency Scholarship

The National Security Agency Scholarship is available to high school students who are majoring in computer science, electrical engineering or computer engineering. Students will need to attend a college or university full-time and plan on being able to work for 12 weeks in the summer. This scholarship provides academic funding and a year-round salary.

Dell Scholarship

The Dell Scholarship was created for high school seniors that have already attended a college readiness program. Eligible students will need to be able to qualify for a pell grant and demonstrate financial need.

SWE-GGS Scholarship

This scholarship is available to graduating female high school seniors that are pursuing a degree in engineering or computer science.

Wayne V. Black Scholarship

Each year the Energy Telecommunications & Electrical Association (ENTELEC) awards one scholarship to U.S or Canadian students that are pursuing a bachelor’s degree in computer science, telecommunications, political science, or any other degree that is closely related to engineering.

Stokes Educational Scholarship

Award: 30000

This scholarship is available to full-time students that want to pursue a career that is related to The National Security Agency. In the summer each recipient is required to work at least 12 weeks in fields that are beneficial for their course of study. This award does not provide a salary but will also pay some or all of tuition costs.

NHA Past Presidents’ Legacy Scholarship

This scholarship is available to students who are interested in Life Sciences including environmental sciences and the U.S. hydropower industry.

NIH Undergraduate Scholarship Program

Award: 80000

This scholarship is available to students with underprivileged backgrounds who show great interest in biomedical, behavioral, and social science health-related research and have exceptional financial need.

North Dakota Space Grant Consortium Undergraduate Scholarship

• The North Dakota Space Grant Consortium Undergraduate Scholarship is available to Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics (STEM) majors who attend a North Dakota college or university.

NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Program

This prestigious scholarship is available to NSF-supported science, technology, engineering, and mathematics graduate students.

NSHSS STEAM Scholarships

The NSHSS STEAM Scholarship is available to high school seniors who plan on majoring in a STEM-related field including any area in the medical field.

Out To Innovate Scholarships for LGBTQ+STEM Students

This scholarship is available to LGBTQ students who are pursuing a degree in a STEM-related field including life sciences.

PSGC Graduate Research Fellowship Program at Penn State

The PSGC Graduate Research Fellowship Program at Penn State is available to STEM students who show interest in NASA development and research.

PSGC Undergraduate Scholarship

The PSGC Undergraduate Scholarship is available to undergraduate STEM majors in Pennsylvania.

Ripon College Knop Science Scholars Program

This award is available to students who are pursuing a degree in math or science.

Rocky Mountain Biological Lab REU Awards

Award: 5750

This award is available to students who are pursuing a degree in biology and show interest in research.

RTK Scholars Program

Award: 1500

The RTK Scholars Program is available to students who are pursuing a degree in environmental science, biology, engineering, or a related physical science major.

SAPA Scholarship & Excellence in Education Program

This scholarship is available to outstanding high school seniors who plan on pursuing a major in life sciences.

SMA Native American STEM Scholarship

The SMA Native American STEM Scholarship is available to Native American students who are pursuing a degree in Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics.

50. The Edison International STEM Scholarship

The Edison International STEM Scholarship

Award: $4,000

The Edison International STEM Scholarship is available to high school seniors who plan on majoring in Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics.

Your Degree and Career

Life science scholarships can make the dream of a career in science a reality for students who can’t afford college. So, go ahead and apply for help and make your dreams come true!

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Graduate School of Life Sciences

The Graduate School of Life Sciences offers 15 PhD programmes that together cover a wide range of research topics, from plants to patients, from molecules to populations. These PhD programmes are rooted in the focus of Life Sciences research in Utrecht. Currently over 2000 PhD candidates participate in our Graduate School. All our programmes are in English.

In addition to this website, the PhD Guide contains information about the PhD journey for PhD candidates part of the Graduate School of Life Sciences.

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Utrecht University Heidelberglaan 8 3584 CS Utrecht The Netherlands Tel. +31 (0)30 253 35 50

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Recognizing the boundary breakers.

Science Impact

Identifying outstanding scientific talents & breakthrough research topics in the life sciences, and providing unique opportunities for collaboration in science  

Outstanding scientists fellowships & stipends.

The next generation: Our fellowships & stipends provide unique opportunities for brilliant young people to develop essential skills, gain new perspectives, and build important relationships around the globe. Through this support, we aim to provide exceptional individuals the opportunity to have a positive impact on the world and become the boundary-breakers of tomorrow. 

With equity and collaboration at the core of our fellowships, our varied programs offer fantastic opportunities or support for a wide range of individuals. We have fellowships for young scientists from around the globe, opportunities for teachers, apprentices & young professionals in scientific industries and physicians, as well as offering support for young women with families in academia.   

Our commitment to equity: At Bayer Foundation we believe actions speak louder than words. We are committed to ensuring that selection for our fellowships is not only based on excellence but reflects our ambition to achieve equity in science. More information on our specific actions will be coming soon. 

When eligible for a given program, we strongly encourage applications from women, individuals from low- & middle-income countries, parents with caring responsibilities for young children, and individuals working within Germany with German as a second language.  

For Master, PhD and Medical Students The next generation of boundary-breaking scientists

Our fellowships are designed to foster interdisciplinary interaction and collaboration across borders and organizations as well as provide unique opportunities for personal and professional development.

We offer three fellowships for outstanding masters, PhD, and medical students to undertake international research projects, internships & more. These fellowships are designed to enhance existing study programs by providing additional funding for international placements, that are complimentary to current or future scientific studies. 

Otto Bayer Fellowships in Drug Discovery

For master or PhD students from all scientific disciplines including pharmacy and data science, with fundamental or applied studies with relevance to the pharmaceutical and consumer healthcare (over-the-counter) industries.

Jeff Schell Fellowships for Agricultural Science

For master or PhD students from all scientific disciplines including data science, with fundamental or applied studies with relevance to the Crop Science industry.

Carl Duisberg Fellowships for Medical Sciences

For all students of human & veterinary medicine, or master and PhD students in medical engineering, applied medical sciences, data science in medicine and public health.

Applicants are eligible for up to 10,000€ in funding and can undertake fellowships for between 2 weeks and six months. People studying in Germany must undertake placements in second country & those studying outside Germany must undertake their fellowships at a German research institution. For more detailed information please see our guidelines and frequently asked questions.

How can I apply?

You can find our 2024 guidelines here . 

Application phase: February 12 - April 8, 2024. Applications can only be made through our digital portal below (click the button).  Here you can find a preview. Please contact us with any questions at: [email protected]

Some of our 2023 awardees

Nicole Gottscheber

Otto Bayer Fellowship for Drug Discovery Sciences    Project : Conditional activation of IL-2 by using peptide crosslinkers for cancer immunotherapies. 

Rashi Tyagi

Jeff Schell Fellowship for Agricultural Sciences Project : Synthetic microbial communities for biocontrol of Fusarium: Harnessing the functional potential of microbiome. 

Leopold Klein

Carl Duisberg Fellowship for Medical Sciences Project : Transformation of the implant paradigm in breast reconstruction surgery.

Meet our 2023 Scientific Fellowship Awardees

We are delighted to announce the selection of our 2023 Bayer Foundation Fellowship Awardees

For Student Teachers & Teachers Science is for everyone, not just scientists

We believe that trust in science begins with making science education exciting and inclusive for all pupils, regardless of whether they want to become scientists or not. Through our actions at Bayer Foundation, we want to give all children and young people the ability to understand the science that effects their lives as well as inspire the next generation of scientists.

This fellowship is designed for teachers that will shape the perspectives of future generations and provides funding for internships, research projects, further training and science communication relating to STEM (science, technology, engineering & mathematics)-education.

The Kurt Hansen Fellowship for STEM-Education

This fellowship is for:

•       Trainee teachers or students of pedagogy (postgraduate) with a focus on STEM subjects

•       Newly qualified teachers (< 3 years) with a primary focus on STEM subjects

•       Grundschule or Förderschule teachers seeking to enhance their capacity and knowledge regarding STEM education.

This fellowship is only available to applicants currently working or studying in Germany!

You can find our 2024 guidelines here (in German only).

Application phase: February 12 - April 8, 2024. Applications can only be made in German and through our digital portal below (click the button).  Here you can find a preview. Please contact us with any questions at: [email protected]

For Apprentices and Young Professionals You do not need a degree to change the world

Not everyone thinks the same way, and by providing opportunities for brilliant young people without an academic background, we want to bring a diversity of perspectives to the forefront of science. 

This unique fellowship can be used for internships, research projects, personal development (including language courses), as well as to support young parents undertaking further training.

Hermann Strenger Fellowships

This fellowship is for apprentices or young professionals without a university education and less than five years of employment. Applicants must pursue their current apprenticeship or profession in a German-speaking country (Germany, Austria or Switzerland).

We particularly encourage applications from parents with young children and people with German as a second language Time taken for parental leave or other exceptional circumstances does not contribute to the five-year period.

For Healthcare Professionals  The Young Physician Leaders Program

The development of leadership capabilities for healthcare professionals often occurs on the job, as young professionals progress through positions of increasing responsibility. As formal leadership training is often neglected, the Inter-Academy Partnership (IAP) launched the Young Physician Leaders Program (YPL) to address this gap and build capacity in leadership for healthcare professionals. The program trains emerging healthcare leaders under the age of 40 from around the world and participants are subsequently integrated into a unique global network of more than 200 leading young professionals. Each year, selected participants come to Berlin to participate in the World Health Summit. While in Germany, they receive leadership training at the world class business school, ESMT Berlin, and explore opportunities for collaboration with Bayer Foundation.

The application process is managed by the Inter-Academy Partnership and is independent of Bayer Foundation. Find out more here.

For scientists in sub-Saharan Africa Alexander von Humboldt Collaboration

As equity in science came to the forefront of our actions, in 2021, we built an exciting new program in collaboration with the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation with the ambition to address inequalities in scientific capacity around the world. Our new program specifically supports scientists from sub-Saharan Africa and you can read more about this exciting initiative here: Empowering Scientists .

From 2013-2020, the Humboldt-Bayer-Research Fellowship program gave outstanding early career scientists the independence to develop their own scientific ideas.  As part of our work supporting academic excellence, every year, ten of the top up-and-coming postdoctoral scientists from around the world were selected to become Humboldt- Bayer Fellows and undertake research at in Germany. These fellowships offered a platform for scientists to work independently, develop their scientific creativity and generate cutting-edge science at leading institutes across the country.

Humboldt-Bayer-Research-Fellowship

Meet Filipa Tomé, a former fellow and now volunteer with the Bayer Foundation “If you do things you love, you can never end up in the wrong place.”  

Enabling Young African Scientists to Become Scientific Leaders in Their Community

Read more about our new collaboration with the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation supporting academic researchers from sub-Saharen Africa.

For young women in academia with children Christiane Nüsslein-Volhard-Foundation

Together with the Christiane Nüsslein-Volhard-Foundation, we offer fellowships for outstanding young female scientists (PhD or postdoc) with children. You can find more information here: Empowering Scientists .

For early career academic researchers Lindau Nobel Laureate Meeting

The Lindau Nobel Laureate Meeting presents an unmatched opportunity for young scientists to interact directly with Nobel laureates. Participants, both students & laureates, are able to learn from each other, share knowledge and insight across scientific disciplines, different cultures, and across generations. 

This unique event brings together outstanding young researchers from universities around the world with scientific leaders who have been recognized for making some of the most important scientific discoveries in our history.

Each year, we support 20 young researchers from around the world to attend the conference as Bayer Foundation-Lindau Fellows. In addition, we host a unique evening of scientific exchange between our fellows and leading industry personalities.

The application process is managed by the Lindau Nobel Foundation and is independent of Bayer Foundation.  Find out more here .

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Do you have any queries or comments, please contact: [email protected]

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DAAD-LSM-Application for doctoral scholarship

The DAAD and LSM jointly award 2 full scholarships for doctoral study financed by the DAAD Graduate School Scholarship Programme (GSSP). This scholarship will be awarded in 2023! Please visit the DAAD website for a view of their FAQ pages through this link .

The online application portal will open on September 1 st , 2023 !

LSM announces the call for DAAD-LSM applications for full scholarships for doctoral students, which will be financed by the DAAD GSSP. The holders of the scholarships are selected in a multi-step process jointly conducted by the DAAD and the LSM. The final decisions and the financial administration are made by the DAAD.

LSM is looking for highly motivated international applicants with excellent grades and a strong scientific interest to apply for the doctoral programme in life sciences, who have not been in Germany longer than 15 months by the end of October 2023.

The offered projects of this GSSP-application cover almost all areas of natural and life sciences from Anthropology and Human Biology, Biochemistry, Cell and Developmental Biology, Ecology, Evolutionary Biology, Genetics, Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Pharmacology, and Plant Sciences. To view the available doctoral projects, check here

Please take notice of the following rules:

• we only accept applications of foreign students. Please understand that German applications will not be considered for these 2 scholarships;
• the previous stay in Germany has to be shorter than 15 months by the end of October 2023 when you will submit to the DAAD-portal. (anyone that arrived or has done a MSc in Germany for longer than these 15 months is no longer eligible!)
• at the time of application, your last final exam should have taken place during the past six years.
• you have to have a Master's or Diploma degree;
• you have to apply with our online application tool;
• applications by mail will not be accepted;
• incomplete applications will not be considered;
• applications which are not submitted will not be considered;
• we do not charge application fees;
• Curriculum vitae (CV)
• Transcript of records (record of study) and degree certificate of bachelor degree, Vordiplom or equivalent degree, respectively copies of translated documents*
• Transcript of records (record of study) and degree certificate of master degree, Diplom or equivalent degree (if applicable), respectively copies of translated documents*. If your degree programme is not yet completed, please provide temporary transcripts.
• Two letters of recommendation (more details see above)

Successful applicants will be integrated into the international doctoral programme of the LSM. The programme is taught entirely in English and provides comprehensive scientific training. The members of the Graduate School are part of the Faculty of Biology and the Faculty of Chemistry and Pharmacy of LMU, München. Scholarship holders will have to be matriculated at the LSM. Upon completion of their doctoral project, 180 ECTS points will be awarded, as well as a Doctor’s degree, a Doctor’s certificate, bilingual transcript of records and Diploma supplement (all in the English language).

The research training on a specific project will be supplemented by seminars, retreats, methods courses, training in transferable and personal skills and participation in international conferences. The doctoral programme is open for students who hold either a Master´s or Diploma degree. Successful students of the graduate school will be awarded a doctoral degree (Dr. rer. nat.) by the Faculty of Biology of the LMU after 3 to 4 years. Candidates need to prove a strong qualitative background as well as an interest and ability to conduct independent research.

Deadline for the DAAD-LSM-application is 31st of October 2023, 12:00 noon CET! Deadline for submitting the letters of reference by the referees: 6th of November 2023, 12:00 noon CET !

____________________________________________________________

In the following, please find detailed information about the rough timeline of the DAAD-LSM application:

Applications for doctoral studies as a DAAD scholarship holder within the Graduate School Life Science Munich can be submitted from September 1 st to October 31 st , 2023 (8 weeks).

Timeline for the DAAD-LSM application 2023/24:

• Opening of the LSM online application system: Sep 1st 2023, 12:00 noon CET! • Deadline for submitting the applications: Oct 31st 2023, 12:00 noon CET! • Deadline for submitting the letters of reference by the referees: November 6th 2023, 12:00 noon CET! • Invitations to the LSM interview days: around mid-December 2023 • Online interview days: mid-January 2024

• Feb 2024: Nomination of candidates for the DAAD selection process; Selected candidates have to submit a completed application form with all supporting documents via the DAAD portal; link will follow
• March-June 2024: Final selection decision is made by a DAAD selection committee composed of University Professors;
• July 2024: Earliest date for the start of the GSSP scholarship, a German language course sponsored by the DAAD takes place for about 2-4 months.

The five steps to submit your DAAD-LSM application:

1. Register online . After successful registration you will receive a confirmation link via email that allows you to log in.

2. Log in with your personal username and password at the LSM online application system and fill out your application form. For DAAD-LSM application please select "External candidate" in General Information.

3. Upload all required documents.

4.   Contact your referees and get their affirmation to write a recommendation on your behalf. Then fill out the tabs for referee contacts in the online application form and press "save" button at the end of the page. This will elicit the automatic emailing system to contact the referees for their letters of recommendation. DAAD portal has its own form available for downloading-this is for shortlisted candidates only, after interview days.

5. Submit your application by clicking on the "Save and Submit" button at the end of the page.

Acceptance of complete applications will be confirmed electronically in the "My Progress" form.

Submission of each letter of recommendation to the coordination office will be confirmed electronically in the "My progress" form. Additionally, you will be informed via email as soon as one of your referees has submitted a recommendation on your behalf. On the other hand, the referee will receive an e-mail from the LSM, which confirms the receipt of the recommendation letter.

We can only accept online applications, which are completed. Consequently, late or incomplete applications will be rejected and deleted from our data base.

Written applications to the LSM coordination office are not processed and will not be returned.

It is recommended to submit your application early. This may be beneficial in case you run into problems during the application process. For example, if one of your referees does not submit a recommendation in time, you will have sufficient time to intervene and respond appropriately to the situation.

Applications will be independently reviewed by several faculty members of the Graduate School LSM. Based on academic qualification, research experience, motivation, scientific background and the letters of recommendation, candidates will be invited for online interviews in January 2024

Selected candidates from the interviews will be nominated for the final decision process of the DAAD. Selected candidates will have to submit a completed application form with all supporting documents via the DAAD portal ( for further information, please click here ). The final selection decision is made by a DAAD selection committee composed of university professors. Successful applicants will be offered a full doctoral scholarship , financed by the GSSP programme of the DAAD. The monthly grant will be around 1200 EUR plus travel support, insurances, study, and research allowances and if necessary rent or family allowances .

Application window is open between September 1 st and October 31 st, 2023.  Recommendation letters deadline is November 6 th , 2023. 

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Ph.D scholarships in Norway for International students 2024-2025

Find Ph.D scholarships for international students to study in Norway 2024-2025.

University of Oslo 2023 Gustafsson & Skrondal Visiting Scholarship

The Centre for Educational Measurement at the University of Oslo (CEMO) invites applicants for the Gustafsson & Skrondal Visiting Scholarship. The visiting scholar program hosts young researchers from Norway and abroad each year to engage in collaborative research and to participate in and

Published: 03 Feb 2023 Type: PhD Study in: Norway Deadline: 31 Jul 2023

University of Oslo Norway 2022 Postdoctoral Research fellow in Evolutionary Biology

More about the position The candidate will work in association with the ERC Starting Grant project Dissecting the paradox of stasis in evolutionary biology (ROCKS- PARADOX) awarded to Kjetil Lysne Voje. This is a highly collaborative project that includes both national and international partners.

Published: 29 Jul 2022 Type: PhD Study in: Norway Deadline: 10 Aug 2022

Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU) 2021 PhD Scholarship for International Students (Norway)

Are you interested in dynamic bio-economic modeling? Apply now for this PhD Scholarship. Faculty of Environmental Sciences and Natural Resource Management (MINA) at Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU) has a vacant 3-year PhD–position related to bio-economic modeling for a sustainab

Published: 29 Sep 2020 Type: PhD Study in: Norway Deadline: 23 Oct 2020

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"The goal of my research is to integrate knowledge from forensic anthropology, bioarchaeology, and geoarchaeology in order to develop a minimally invasive method for victim identification. In the Department of Archaeology at Simon Fraser University, there is a unique opportunity to pursue this research, which exists at the intersections of the expertises of Dr. Hugo Cardoso, Dr. Dongya Yang, and Dr. Francesco Berna."

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Archaeology doctoral student in the Faculty of Environment

Tell us a little about yourself, including what inspires you to learn and continue in your chosen field.

As the child of a refugee father and immigrant mother, my journey has been built upon the life created for me by my parents amidst the reality of a community fractured by warfare. Unfortunately, my community is only one of many who have been forced to endure horrors that have fractured connections and caused pain that will continue to be felt for generations. Carrying the legacy of my Vietnamese heritage into my research, I recognize the importance of victim identification in humanitarian efforts and am dedicated to developing methods to support communities in these efforts. This dedication began during my undergraduate studies and led me to graduate with an Honours Bachelor of Science degree in Forensic Anthropology from the University of Toronto. Following my undergraduate studies, I seeked to conduct research into novel methods for victim identification that could expand upon the currently available options. This led me to Simon Fraser University, where I began in the MA program before transitioning into the PhD program in the Department of Archaeology. In my doctoral studies, my focus is on developing innovative and minimally invasive methods for victim identification by recovering DNA from grave soils.

Why did you choose to come to SFU?

The goal of my research is to integrate knowledge from forensic anthropology, bioarchaeology, and geoarchaeology in order to develop a minimally invasive method for victim identification. In the Department of Archaeology at Simon Fraser University, there is a unique opportunity to pursue this research, which exists at the intersections of the expertises of Dr. Hugo Cardoso, Dr. Dongya Yang, and Dr. Francesco Berna. With the privilege of their mentorship, I can pursue genuinely interdisciplinary research that is built upon strong foundations in human osteology, ancient DNA, and geoarchaeology, respectively. Furthermore, through access to the state-of-the-art facilities in the Centre for Forensic Research, FROST lab, Ancient DNA lab, and Geoarchaeology lab, along with opportunities to contribute to the research programs of my supervisors, I will develop essential laboratory skills and enhance my breadth of experience working in forensic, bioarchaeological, and archaeological contexts. The unique opportunities and support provided to me at SFU create the ideal environment for my research to grow.

How would you describe your research or your program to a family member?

In forensic cases or humanitarian conflicts (e.g., human rights violations) where victims are buried without grave markers, identifying who is buried in a specific grave requires the expertise of forensic scientists. Although DNA is a fundamental tool for identification, DNA analysis typically involves destruction of biological samples during DNA extraction, which can retraumatize family members and may be considered ethically or culturally disrespectful for some communities. To address these concerns, the goal of my research is to innovate an approach that uses DNA recovered from grave soils instead of directly from human remains to identify victims. My aim is to develop an innovative identification method that does not require disturbing or causing harm to human remains, while still being capable of identification. This culturally respectful method can be used in diverse contexts in Canada and worldwide to support communities who are concerned about disturbing graves and are seeking alternative approaches to identify victims.

What three (3) keywords would you use to describe your research?

Victim identification, DNA, and forensic science

How have your courses, RA-ships, TA-ships, or non-academic school experiences contributed to your academic and/or professional development?

Throughout my academic journey, I have grown immensely from my diverse experiences with TAships across multiple departments, exploration of various courses to build my knowledge, and involvement with different organizations in varying leadership roles. With these experiences, I have had the opportunity to learn how to broaden my perspective, engage with diverse individuals or groups, build my practical skills, and strengthen my theoretical knowledge. All these experiences have led to the development of fundamental skills—such as leadership, collaboration, and communication skills—that will transform how I engage with my research and journey beyond this program.

Have you been the recipient of any major or donor-funded awards? If so, please tell us which ones and a little about how the awards have impacted your studies and/or research

During my time as an MA student at SFU, I received the Special Graduate Entrance Scholarship (SGES), SSHRC CGSM, Simons Foundation Award, IODE Seamon Morley Scott Memorial Graduate Scholarship, and Dean’s 10th Anniversary Graduate Award. As a PhD student, I have received the Simons Foundation Doctoral Entrance Fellowship, Dean’s 10th Anniversary Graduate Award, British Columbia Graduate Scholarship (BCGS), SSHRC Vanier, and Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Scholarship. I am extremely honoured and grateful to be the recipient of these awards. With the generosity of the donors, organizations, and government, I am provided not only with financial support, but also with multitudes of opportunities. These awards continue to allow me to dedicate myself fully to my research, thoroughly explore my research goals, as well as collaborate and share my work with diverse scholars and individuals around the world.

If you could dedicate your research to anyone (past, present and/or future), who would that be and why?

I would wholeheartedly dedicate my research to my community and, in particular, my parents. The legacy of my community and my parents’ sacrifices have led me onto the path that I am on today. Their experiences and the reverberations of post-conflict Vietnam have completely shaped my perspective and inspired me to pursue this research. My personal experiences carrying the generational impacts within our community have built my strong connection and dedication to supporting communities during humanitarian conflicts. I hope that, in some way, I can contribute to rebuilding these connections within communities by supporting victim identification efforts.

Contact Cathy: [email protected]

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Purdue HHS students recognized with highly competitive awards for research/study abroad

Written by: Denise Buhrmester, [email protected]

Nine Purdue University College of Health and Human Sciences students were recently recognized by the National and International Scholarship Office in the John Martinson Honors College for receiving highly selective external awards requiring a campus nomination from Purdue.

• Samuel Gray (psychological sciences major) — Fulbright U.S. Student Program Alternate*
• Victoria Patellos (psychological sciences major) — Fulbright U.S. Student Program Grant Offered
• Deirdre Sullivan (psychological sciences major) — Fulbright U.S. Student Program Alternate*
• Lydia Farmer (psychological sciences and developmental and family science majors) — Gilman Scholarship Recipient
• Marina Haworth-Snow (medical laboratory sciences major) — Gilman Scholarship Recipient
• Madison Koenig (family and consumer sciences education major) — Gilman Scholarship Recipient
• Autumn Reynolds (public health major) — Gilman Scholarship Recipient
• Nicholas Walters (kinesiology major) — Gilman Scholarship Recipient
• Alanna Patterson (early childhood education and exceptional needs major) — Gilman-McCain Scholarship Recipient

Fullbright U.S. Student Program

The Fulbright U.S. Student Program provides postbaccalaureate funding for eight to 12 months for individuals to study, research or teach abroad while promoting cultural exchange and mutual understanding. Eligible applicants include undergraduates entering their senior year, alumni who earned a bachelor’s or master’s degree from Purdue as their most recent degree, and current graduate students who will not have completed a PhD prior to the beginning of their grant year.

There are two major types of Fulbright awards for U.S. students: study/research grants and English teaching assistantship grants .

Gilman Scholarship

The Gilman Scholarship Program broadens the student population that studies and interns abroad by supporting undergraduates who might not otherwise participate due to financial constraints.  The program also aims to encourage students to study and intern in a diverse array of countries and world regions.

Award amounts vary depending on the length of study and student need. Applicants who are studying  a critical-need language  while abroad in a country in which the language is predominately spoken may be considered for the Critical Need Language Award for a total maximum award of $8,000.

New:  In 2023, Gilman now offers a STEM Supplemental Award of up to $1,000 to conduct STEM research associated with the student’s study abroad program.

Gilman-McCain Scholarship

The  Gilman-McCain Scholarship is a congressionally funded initiative of the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs at the U.S. Department of State and named after the late senator John S. McCain from Arizona. The Gilman-McCain Scholarship provides awards of $5,000 for child dependents of active duty service members to study or intern abroad on credit-bearing programs.

*Fulbright Alternate: A candidate who can be promoted to finalist status if additional funding becomes available.

• PhD Study in Sweden – A Guide for 2024

Written by Mark Bennett

A PhD in Sweden is an opportunity to study in a country that combines a historic higher education system with a culture of ingenuity and invention. The country’s universities date back to the fifteenth century, whilst Swedish brands and technologies such as Spotify, IKEA and Bluetooth continue to shape the modern world.

This covers what you need to know about PhD study in Sweden , including information on applications, funding opportunities and doctoral fees (spoiler: there aren’t any).

PhD opportunities in Sweden – what’s on offer for 2024?

If the goal for your doctorate is to produce original and potentially innovative work (it should be) then a PhD in Sweden may well be the ideal choice.

Like its Scandinavian neighbours, Sweden is also a highly tolerant country, with progressive and inclusive laws that support LGBT rights and welcome international students and visitors.

Here's some reasons to consider a PhD in Sweden for international students:

• Creativity and originality – You may not discover the next big music streaming solution (and even a PhD may not help you understand *that step* in those IKEA instructions) but your doctoral research will be right at home in a country that celebrates free-thinking and supports new ideas
• Prize-winning research - Sweden's status as the home of the Nobel Prize (with 34 winners) reflects its proud history of recognising and rewarding research, excellence and innovation
• No PhD fees – Swedish PhD programmes normally charge no tuition fees to their students (regardless of nationality)
• Historic (and respected) universities – Higher education in Sweden dates back to the 1400s and the country’s universities are well placed in modern rankings, with particular specialisms in Medicine, Life Sciences and related subjects

We’ve studiously avoided making any ABBA references in this section, but if you want a university to take a chance on your research proposal and eventually give you, give you, give you a PhD without charging much money, money, money for fees*. . . well, there are worse destinations to choose than Sweden.

*We're sorry.

Swedish universities

There are 39 state-funded universities and equivalent institutions in Sweden, alongside a smaller number of privately funded higher education providers.

Degrees are organised using a three-cycle system , in common with the wider European Higher Education Area . Your PhD in Sweden will be a third-cycle qualification , usually taking place after Bachelors (first cycle) and Masters (second cycle) study.

Universities and university colleges

Higher education providers in Sweden are divided into two types:

• Universities ( universitet ) are large institutions awarding degrees in a broad range of subjects. They carry out original research alongside academic teaching and therefore have the capacity to support and train PhD students.
• University colleges ( högskola ) focus on technical and professional training, often in applied sciences and related subjects. They are less likely to award PhDs but may do so in certain subject areas.

The distinction between these two categories isn’t always obvious or clear from an institution’s name (university colleges may simply refer to themselves as universities). The good news is that you don’t need to worry too much about it. As a PhD student you’re likely to end up studying at a university, but the smaller number of doctoral programmes offered by university colleges are equally rigorous and respected.

Swedish university rankings

Sweden is home to one of Europe’s top-performing higher education systems, at least so far as university rankings are concerned. Of the 38 universities in Sweden, 10 rank within the current Times Higher Education world top 400.

Do rankings matter for PhD study?

University rankings can help you choose a PhD project or programme, provided you know what to look at. Our guide explains how to use rankings as a prospective postgraduate.

PhD structure

A PhD in Sweden represents the highest level of academic achievement for students. As in other countries, the emphasis is on your independent research towards an original thesis that makes a new contribution to knowledge in your field.

Swedish doctoral degrees

Doctoral level study in Sweden takes one of two forms:

A standard PhD in Sweden requires a minimum of four years full-time work (equivalent to 240 ECTS credits ) and awards a full doctorate (along with the all-important title of ‘doctor’).

Alternatively, you may choose to study for a shorter licentiate degree. This generally only requires two years of full-time work towards a shorter and less ambitious thesis (equivalent to 120 ECTS credits ). The Swedish licentiate is similar to the Master of Philosophy (MPhil) offered in the UK or other countries and some students initially enrol for this qualification before upgrading to become full PhD candidates.

The academic year in Sweden runs from August to June with two teaching terms (August to January and January to June) separated by summer and winter holidays. As a PhD student you’ll normally work more flexibly throughout the year, but some additional courses and other activities may be linked to specific teaching periods.

Supervision

You’ll complete your PhD (or licentiate) with the support of two or more expert supervisors whose job it will be to guide your work. Their roles will vary slightly depending on your field:

• Supervisors for Arts , Humanities and some Social Science projects will serve primarily as mentors. They won’t be directly involved in your research, but they will be able to advise on the direction your project is taking.
• Supervisors for Science , Technology , Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) projects may also be carrying out similar research as the lead or principal investigator for the laboratory or research group your PhD is part of. This means they may also work alongside you or even collaborate on some experiments. However, your PhD thesis will still be an independent piece of work, based on your personal findings and analysis.

You’ll always have at least two PhD supervisors, one of whom will be the principal supervisor for your PhD. Some universities also appoint additional assistant supervisors with responsibility for specific tasks (such as training or pastoral care and support).

Your supervisors’ roles and expectations will be set by your university. As a minimum they’ll usually include arranging regular progress meetings, reviewing results and drafts and supporting you as you prepare to submit your thesis. Some additional responsibilities might include identifying and fulfilling training needs or assisting with other aspects of your professional and academic development.

PhD supervision

Our guides explain how to choose (and contact ) a PhD supervisor and introduce the working relationship you'll have with yours as a doctoral student.

Programme structure

Your main focus during a PhD in Sweden will be the original research required for your thesis. You’ll normally begin by assessing the scholarship in your subject (a literature review) before moving on to collecting sources or experimental data and eventually writing up your conclusions and results.

Some universities also offer more structured training alongside your research. This may involve attending short courses and / or attending short courses on research methods and other useful skills for your project.

It’s also common for PhD students at Swedish universities to serve as junior academic staff within their departments or faculties as part of their funding arrangements. If so, you’ll also have additional duties such as teaching or demonstrating.

Assessment and examinations

The assessment of a Swedish PhD is based on the quality of the doctoral thesis you submit at the end of your research. This needs to demonstrate that your work has been original, that it has made a significant contribution to your subject and that you have personally been responsible for designing and carrying out the research involved.

All of these qualities will be formally assessed during a final public defence of your thesis.

This is similar to the viva voce used in the UK and other countries but follows a slightly different procedure. Instead of being examined in private, you will present your thesis to an examining committee in front of an audience that may include other academics, fellow PhD students and your family and friends.

One of the committee will be an external expert (from outside your university) appointed to serve as your ‘opponent’. They will ask questions about your thesis and challenge you to explain your findings and conclusions. Other members of the committee (and audience) may also ask questions.

At the end of the examination your committee will decide whether or not you have successfully defended your thesis and can be awarded your PhD. This ‘live’ examination process may seem daunting, but you should think of it as an appropriate climax for your research, allowing you to assert your expertise and prove your qualification. It’s also quite rare for students to fail at this stage.

Masters study in Sweden

Looking to study a Masters in Sweden? We have all the information you need on our sister site, FindAMasters .

Fees and funding

There are no fees for PhD study in Sweden at state-funded universities (note that this doesn’t apply to Masters or Bachelors degrees). Doctoral programmes are free for EU, EEA and international (non EU) students.

The same applies to application fees – you don’t need to pay these for a PhD in Sweden.

You will need to cover your accommodation and living costs, but support may be available from your university to help with this.

Study grants

It’s common for PhD students in Sweden to also be recognised as staff, subject to an employment contract with their university. If applicable, this pays you to a salary known as a study grant ( utbildningsbidrag ) worth approximately €1,500 per month (but subject to tax).

Your employment status may vary during your PhD. For the first two years you will receive your study grant, but not be entitled to benefits and social security. For the final two years you will normally hold a full employment contract ( anställning ) and be entitled to support during illness, parental leave or other circumstances. More information will be available from your university.

In return for your study grant you will normally be required to carry out some responsibilities within your department, such as teaching undergraduates or assisting with administrative work.

PhD funding

Other scholarships and bursaries for PhD study in Sweden may also be available to help top up (or substitute for) a study grant.

The main source of PhD funding for international students in Sweden is the Swedish Institute (SI). They offer scholarships for students from specific regions including Turkey, the Balkans and the Baltic. More information is available on the official Study in Sweden website.

Other funding may be available from universities in Sweden, or from specific academic organisations and research charities relevant to your subject area. Our guides provide information on a range of PhD scholarships and other funding options .

Applying for a PhD in Sweden

You should apply directly to universities for PhD study in Sweden. How you do so will depend on the kind of project you are interested in:

• PhDs in Science , Technology , Engineering and Mathematics will often be advertised as specific projects. You should view current opportunities and apply according to the guidelines set by specific adverts. This will often mean submitting a personal statement along with your academic CV and references .
• Students in Arts , Humanities and Social Sciences are more likely to put forward their own project ideas. You’ll need to submit a strong research proposal , perhaps after contacting a potential supervisor for guidance and advice.

However you apply, make sure you check the specific requirements and procedure with your university.

Admissions requirements

Swedish universities are free to set their own entry requirements for PhD study . The minimum qualification will usually be a Bachelors degree in an appropriate subject, but a Masters is also desirable – particularly if you’re applying for funding.

Just as important as your previous qualifications will be your ability to demonstrate previous research experience . This could simply be the dissertation project for one or both of your previous degrees, but it’s important that you can show some preparation for the independent research you’ll be doing on your PhD.

The general eligibility criteria for PhD applications in Sweden is similar to most other countries in the EU.

Language requirements

A large proportion of teaching at Swedish universities takes place in English. This means you won’t necessarily need to know Swedish to study abroad in Sweden, but it’s worth checking with the specific university or department you plan to study within. Even if English isn’t required, picking up some language skills will help you settle in and enjoy your degree.

If English isn’t your first language you may need to submit a recognised test score . Exceptions might be made if you’ve completed a previous university degree taught in English.

Your university may invite you for an interview as part of the admissions process (in person, or online). This is a good sign! It means your application is suitably interesting and impressive and the university wants to hear more from you.

Student visas

Visa information for uk students in sweden.

UK students will no longer be EU citizens from the 2021-22 academic year onwards. This means you may be considered as an international student when studying in Sweden. You may be subject to different visa requirements and fee rates, unless otherwise stated.

You won’t need a visa to study in Sweden as a PhD student (student visas are required for visits of less than three months, but your PhD is guaranteed to take longer than this!).

EU, EEA and Nordic students

If you’re a citizen of an EU, EEA or Nordic country (a group that includes Finland, Denmark, Iceland and Norway as well as Sweden) you won’t need a residence permit to live in Sweden during your PhD. However, you will need to register with a local branch of the Swedish Tax Agency ( Skatteverket ).

You’ll need to bring your passport plus any marriage or birth certificates (if you are married and / or have children). You’ll also need to bring proof of admission to a Swedish university and a signed declaration that you have sufficient funds to live on during your PhD (the minimum requirement is €826 per month ).

Other international students

Students from countries outside the EU, EEA and Nordic group must formally apply for a residence permit in order to study in Sweden for longer than three months.

You can do this online. You’ll need to provide copies of your passport, along with proof that you have been admitted to a Swedish university, have paid the first instalment of your tuition fees and can support yourself financially during your PhD the minimum requirement is €826 per month ).

Health insurance

All students in Sweden will need full health insurance. If you already hold a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) you will normally be automatically covered. Alternatively, your university may provide cover as part of your study grant, or offer an affordable policy for you to purchase.

Sweden is a multicultural and inclusive country with plenty of opportunities for talented PhD graduates to apply their skills and expertise. Who knows – your work could be part of the next great Swedish innovation.

Can I work in Sweden after my PhD?

EU, EEA and Nordic students can live and work in Sweden without restriction. Other international students will need to apply for a post-study residence permit , allowing you to stay in Sweden for another six months as you look for work. To obtain this you’ll need to have completed your degree, still be in Sweden and hold a valid passport.

If you are successful in finding a job within six months, you can go on toapply for a work permit. Further information is available from the Swedish Migration Office .

Find a PhD in Sweden

Ready to start browsing some current PhD opportunities in Sweden ? Alternatively, you can look at our other guides to PhD study abroad .

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Interested in studying your PhD in Sweden? In this guide we've collected some of the global university rankings to help you decide the best university to study at in Sweden.

What's it like to live in Sweden during a PhD? Our guide covers accommodation, student living costs, working and other key information.

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