ECAT-i PhD Fellowships for Health and Care Professionals 2026 at the University of Edinburgh
- Omran Aburayya
- Sep 27
- 3 min read
If you are a registered health or care professional eager to combine clinical practice with research, the ECAT-i PhD Fellowships for Health & Care Professionals 2026 at the University of Edinburgh offer a prestigious opportunity. These fellowships, part of the ECAT-i (Edinburgh Clinical Academic Track – inclusive) programme, provide fully funded PhD opportunities starting August 2026. Here's everything you need to know.
🎓 Fellowship Summary
Location: Edinburgh (BioQuarter, Midlothian), United Kingdom (hybrid working)
Host: University of Edinburgh, College of Medicine & Veterinary Medicine
Level: PhD (Wellcome-funded) for health and care professionals
Target Group: Registered health and care professionals across many specialities (allied health, nursing, physiotherapy, clinical psychology, dentists, pharmacists, etc.)
Number of Positions: Up to 5 fellowship posts available for the August 2026 intake
Salary: £50,253 to £61,759 per annum
Award Duration: Fixed term from 6 August 2026 up to 5 years (includes preparatory period + PhD + possibly post-doctoral extension)
Application Deadline: 22 October 2025, 11:59 pm GMT (local time)
Eligible To: UK, EU, and international health and care professionals who are registered to practice, meet academic readiness, have support from their health board where relevant.
🧭 Programme Overview
The ECAT-i programme is an inclusive clinical academic track funded by the Wellcome Trust, designed for health and care professionals who wish to pursue a PhD alongside their professional credentials.
Before the PhD phase, there is a preparatory period (typically three months full-time) during which supervisors are selected and the project is planned with guidance from the ECAT directors.
The main PhD project runs for about three years. After PhD completion, there may be funding for up to two years of postdoctoral research in some cases.
Full-time (35 hours/week), fixed-term contract; hybrid working possible to some extent.
🎁 Benefits of the ECAT-i Fellowship
Generous salary between £50,253 and £61,759 per year, which supports a full-time research role while you may maintain clinical practice where relevant.
Preparatory funding ahead of the PhD so you can plan your project and choose supervisors carefully.
PhD funding via Wellcome Trust, ensuring you are part of a world-leading research environment at Edinburgh.
Postdoctoral possibility: After the PhD, there may be support for further research, extending your academic career trajectory.
Academic mentorship and culture: The programme emphasizes research inclusivity, a positive culture, high standards of mentorship, and integration of health professionals into academic research.
Staff benefits: As an employee, you receive University of Edinburgh staff benefits including pension, holiday entitlement, and other allowances.
✅ Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible, applicants must:
Be registered to practice as a health or care professional with the relevant professional body in the UK (or otherwise meet registration requirements)
Demonstrate academic readiness for PhD level work (strong prior academic background, research experience)
Have support of their health board where relevant
Be eligible to work in the UK (visa or local status)
Not be already holding a PhD (i.e. the scheme is for those entering PhD training)
📝 Application Procedure
Prepare your CV and a supporting statement (often about 300-500 words explaining your research interests, motivation, and fit with ECAT-i).
Submit your application online via University of Edinburgh’s vacancies / jobs portal before the deadline (22 October 2025)
Include required documents, such as CV, cover/supporting letter, proof of registration to practice, evidence of academic readiness.
Attend interviews which will be held in person in Edinburgh on specified dates (2 & 3 December 2025) for shortlisted candidates.
Preparatory period starts 6 August 2026, aligning supervisor selection and project design before formal PhD begins.
💡 Additional Tips
Because only five positions are available, competition will be strong — having clear research ideas, strong professional credentials, and relevant experience will help.
If you are international, check visa and working eligibility in advance. Some roles may allow University sponsorship, but confirm this early.
Make sure your supporting statement clearly ties your clinical or care work with proposed research and how it advances both.
Reach out to potential supervisors or mentors ahead of applying to understand where your interests align within Edinburgh’s research centres.
Take note of interview dates and plan travel/time in advance.
