Liverpool John Moores University VC PhD Scholarships 2026
- Omran Aburayya
- 4 days ago
- 4 min read
If you’re an international student aiming for a top-tier UK PhD opportunity, the LJMU VC PhD Scholarships 2026 offer a compelling route. Applications open from 22 September 2025 to 30 January 2026, and this year marks the scheme’s 11th edition, backed by the Vice-Chancellor and the University’s Research & Knowledge Exchange leadership.
Here’s a full guide to help you in your application.
🎓 Scholarship Summary
Location: Liverpool, United Kingdom
Host Institution: Liverpool John Moores University (LJMU)
Study Level: PhD (doctoral research)
Target Group: UK and international applicants (non-UK citizens are eligible)
Fields of Study: Broad range across all research-active areas (e.g. neuroscience, engineering, public health, criminology, etc.)
Number of Awards: Up to 20 studentships
Award Value & Coverage:
For full-time: full tuition + stipend + annual bench fees
For part-time: tuition/bench only (no stipend)
Stipend: ~ £20,780 per annum from October 2025 (for full-time)
Bench fee (full-time): £1,600 per year
Duration:
Full-time: 3 years
Part-time: 6 years
Application Deadline: 5 pm, 30 January 2026 (by Lead Supervisor)
Expected Start Date / Enrolment: August/September 2026 (Doctoral Academy enrolment)
🧭 Scholarship Overview
LJMU positions these scholarships as part of its Strategy 2030, aiming to attract high-quality PhD researchers aligned with its research and knowledge exchange goals.
The application is a competitive two-stage process:
Faculty Panel — each faculty reviews applications, evaluating based on academic merit, suitability of the project, supervisory quality, etc.
University Panel — the top applicants are reviewed centrally by a panel chaired by the PVC of Research & Knowledge Exchange, plus Associate Deans & committee members.
Applicants must provide: student details, a short lay summary (≤ 250 words), a full research proposal + training plan, and a statement linking their project to LJMU’s strategies (Faculty / University).
Outcomes by 15 April 2026. Successful candidates must then complete the formal LJMU PGR application and enrol in time for the August/September 2026 intake, or the offer may be withdrawn.
A noteworthy dimension: up to three scholarships are ring-fenced for UK applicants from under-represented ethnic minority backgrounds as a positive action measure, offering full support and a skills development programme beyond academia (“alt-ac”).
🎁 Benefits & What the Scholarship Covers
For full-time (3-year) awards:
Full coverage of PhD tuition fees
Annual stipend (living allowance) of ~ £20,780 (from October 2025), paid monthly
Bench fee: £1,600 per annum, awarded to the Lead Supervisor to support research running costs (must be used annually)
Access to training, mentoring, coaching, and support via LJMU’s Researcher Development Programme
Participation in LJMU’s “Brilliant Club” scholars programme for outreach & skills development
For part-time (6-year) awards (fees-only):
PhD tuition & bench fees paid
No stipend
Same access to mentoring, support, and training programmes
Additionally, the scheme encourages multidisciplinarity and global collaborations: research across faculties, co-supervision, and linkages with external institutions are welcomed.
✅ Eligibility Criteria
Applicant must hold or complete (before PhD start) a Master’s (taught or research) degree.
Not already enrolled on a PhD (or other Level-8 programme).
Proposal must be aligned (or linkable) to LJMU’s Research Strategy / Faculty plans.
Must have a Lead Supervisor (permanent staff, Lecturer or above). Supervisors may be involved in more than one application, but can lead only one.
International applicants: must satisfy English language requirements, visa eligibility, and contact LJMU’s International Admissions to clarify any eligibility issues.
For the ring-fenced ethnic minority awards: UK applicants meeting residency criteria who are from under-represented ethnic minority backgrounds.
📝 Application Procedure
Who submits: The Lead Supervisor must submit the application on behalf of the student. Applications without a named supervisor will be rejected.
Application window: 22 September 2025 to 30 January 2026 (5pm)
The final application must be submitted to VCScholarships@ljmu.ac.uk by the Lead Supervisor.
Required content / documents:
Lay Summary (≤ 250 words) explaining rationale, aims, objectives in a non-technical way
Research proposal + training plan
Statement of link to LJMU / Faculty Research Strategy
Equalities & Opportunities Monitoring Form (submitted by student separately)
Important notes:
No extra materials beyond those requested will be considered.
The lead supervisor must approve before submission.
Applications done jointly (student & supervisor) are encouraged from the start.
Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.
Contact VCScholarships@ljmu.ac.uk should you require further information.
🔍 After selection, candidates must complete LJMU’s formal PGR (Postgraduate Research) application and enroll in time for the August/September 2026 intake, or offers will be rescinded.
🛎️ Extra Advice & Tips
Start early: Because your supervisor must be involved and the timelines are tight, begin planning months ahead.
Strong supervision matters: The strength of your supervisory team is explicitly weighted in assessment.
Clarity & alignment: Your lay summary and linkage to strategy are key — the assessors look for clear, compelling alignment of your project with LJMU’s priorities.
Check eligibility early: Especially for international applicants regarding visa, English language, and residency status for ring-fenced awards.
Don’t overload: Stick to the materials requested — extra attachments risk being excluded from consideration.
Engage with the Doctoral Academy: Familiarize yourself with their training programmes so your proposed training plan is credible.
Be conscious of the bench fee use rules: Bench fee funds cannot be rolled over (except in exceptional cases) and are managed by the supervisor.
