Fully Funded PhD Scholarships 2026 UK – QUARTILES Program

About the Scholarship

The QUARTILES Doctoral Landscape Award (DLA) is a prestigious fully funded PhD programme jointly offered by the University of Aberdeen and Queen’s University Belfast. Designed to train future scientific leaders, the scholarship supports research across geosciences, biological sciences, archaeology, sustainability, climate change, conservation and environmental innovation. Funded by NERC and BBSRC, it provides world-class supervision, interdisciplinary training, access to advanced research facilities and strong career development opportunities, including internships and professional skills training. The programme promotes equality, diversity, and inclusion, welcomes international candidates, and supports applicants from varied academic and professional backgrounds, including those returning from career breaks. It aims to develop researchers who can address urgent global challenges such as biodiversity loss, climate crises and sustainable food systems.

Where Did We Come From? Turn the Page and See

INDIA: AN ARCHAEOLOGICAL HISTORY (2ND EDITION) (OIP)

Scholarship Details

Scholarship Name: QUARTILES Doctoral Landscape Award (NERC & BBSRC Funded)
Institution/Provider: University of Aberdeen & Queen’s University Belfast
Administering Organisation: QUARTILES Partnership
Location: Aberdeen & Belfast, United Kingdom
Level of Study: PhD
Field of Study: Environmental sciences, biological sciences, geosciences, archaeology, climate science, sustainability
Mode of Study: Full-time (part-time possible case-by-case)
Duration: 45 months (NERC) / 48 months (BBSRC)
Start Date (Expected): October 2026
Application Mode: Online
Scholarship Type: Fully funded (UKRI standard)

Supported Fields of Study

Biotechnology for environmental innovation
Ecosystem services, conservation and restoration
Sustainable and resilient food systems
Climate change mitigation, adaptation and carbon cycling
Environmental informatics and earth observation

Eligibility Criteria

Minimum Requirements

Academic Qualifications: Minimum UK 2:1 undergraduate degree (exceptions possible based on experience or Master’s performance)
Nationality/Residency: Open to UK and international applicants
Language Proficiency: English language proficiency as required by host institution
Age Limit: None
Enrollment Status: Incoming PhD applicants

Preferred Qualifications

Research experience, internships, relevant employment, academic excellence, or industry background.

Not Eligible

Applicants unable to meet institutional entry requirements; those expecting funding for visa or NHS surcharge costs.

Financial Coverage / Funding Benefits

Tuition Fees: Fully covered (international applicants receive fee waiver)
Monthly Stipend: Estimated £21,383 per year (2026/27 UKRI rate)
Travel Grant: Included within research training support
Accommodation Support: Not provided
Health Insurance: Not covered (standard NHS charges apply)
Books & Materials: Covered via research support
Additional Perks: Internships, fieldwork, advanced training, professional development