Fully Funded PhD Scholarships in Banking – Southampton Business School

Omran Aburayya
May 31
2 min read

If you are passionate about banking, finance, and big data modeling and are seeking an opportunity to pursue a fully funded PhD in a research-intensive environment, the Southampton Business School is now accepting applications for its prestigious Full PhD Scholarships in Banking for the 2025/26 academic year. The scholarships aim to support exceptional candidates who aspire to contribute world-leading research in banking, financial mathematics, and quantitative analysis.

🎓 Scholarship Summary

Location: United Kingdom
Host Institution: University of Southampton – Southampton Business School
Study Level: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Target Group: UK, EU, and International students
Fields of Study: Banking and Finance, particularly in Big Data Modelling
Funding: Full tuition fee coverage + £20,780 annual stipend
Duration: 3 years
Application Deadline: 23 June 2025 (funding awarded on a rolling basis; early application encouraged)
Start Date: September 2025
Eligible to: Applicants with a strong academic background in finance, statistics, or related disciplines

🌐 Scholarship Overview

Southampton Business School, part of the University of Southampton’s Faculty of Social Sciences, is offering a limited number of fully funded PhD scholarships as part of its strategic plan to foster world-class research in key disciplines. The Banking and Finance department is specifically seeking candidates with demonstrated expertise in:

Big Data Modelling
Quantitative Finance
Financial Mathematics
Statistics and Computational Methods

These scholarships are part of the university’s effort to attract and nurture high-potential researchers who will generate impactful insights within academia and industry.

🧩 Research Focus and Activities

The PhD program is structured to support independent research while integrating candidates into a vibrant academic community. Students will work closely with expert supervisors—such as Dr. Renatas Kizys—and engage in:

Core research methods training
Data-driven financial modeling and pattern identification
Participation in seminars, workshops, and doctoral consortiums
Conference presentations and publication support

🎁 Scholarship Benefits

Full tuition fee waiver (for UK and international students)
Annual stipend of £20,780 for living expenses
Access to world-class research infrastructure
Mentorship from leading academics
Networking and publishing opportunities within the global academic community

✅ Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must:

Hold at least a UK 2:1 honours degree or its international equivalent
Have completed or be nearing completion of a Master’s degree (ideally in Statistics, Quantitative Finance, Financial Mathematics, or a related field)
Demonstrate strong academic performance, research potential, and a compelling research proposal
Fulfill the standard PhD admission requirements of the University of Southampton

📬 Application Procedure

Applications must be submitted through the University of Southampton’s official application portal.

Step-by-step Application Guide:

Programme Type: Select Research for the 2025/26 session
Faculty: Choose Faculty of Social Sciences
Programme Name: Business Studies and Management (Full Time)
Supervisor: Add the name Dr. Renatas Kizys in Section 2
Research Area: Clearly indicate Banking and Finance

📂Required Documents:

Personal statement outlining motivation and research interests
Detailed CV
Two academic reference letters
Bachelor’s and Master’s degree transcripts
A strong research proposal

ℹ️ Additional Information

Start Date: September 2025
Scholarship Deadline: 23 June 2025 (Apply early as funding is awarded on a rolling basis)
Contact for Subject-Specific Queries:
- Dr. Renatas Kizys – R.Kizys@soton.ac.uk
General Inquiries:
- Dr. David Baxter (PhD Director) – d.baxter@soton.ac.uk
- Doctoral College Contact: fss-gradschool@soton.ac.uk