UCL Research Excellence Scholarship 2026

UCL Research Excellence Scholarship 2026 is offered by University College London (UCL). The scholarship is a prestigious award designed to support outstanding scholars undertaking doctoral research at UCL. Selected students will receive the stipend of the full tuition fee, along with other benefits.

Source: ucl.ac.uk

University College London (UCL) is offering this opportunity.

To be eligible, an applicant must:-

• be a prospective UCL student beginning a MPhil/PhD or EngD programme on or after 1 October 2026
• have submitted a complete admission application to an eligible full-time or part-time research degree programme at UCL by the scholarship deadline
• hold or expect to achieve at least an upper second-class Honours UK undergraduate degree or equivalent qualification
• be from any country 
• receive an offer of admission to a research degree programme at UCL (to be awarded if selected)

Note:-

• Distance learning, non-resident PhD and professional doctorates (DClinPsy, DDent, DEdPsy, DOrth and DPsychotherapy) are NOT eligible.
• Students who started at UCL before 1 October 2026 are NOT eligible.

The selected students will receive full tuition fees, research costs of £1,200 ( approx. ₹1,42,149.60) per year, along with a maintenance charge.

Eligible applicants can apply by following these steps:-
Step 1: Click on the 'Apply Now' button below.
Step 2: Click on the 'Register' button and fill in the required registration details (Note:- If already registered, log in using Gmail/Mobile number/Email ID).
Step 3: Apply for admission to UCL.
Step 4: Submit your scholarship application documents to your academic department. 
Step 5: Contact your academic department/institute to notify them that you would like to be considered for the UCL-RES.
Step 6: Submit the following mandatory documents to your academic department:

• Research Scholarships Cover Sheet 
• Curriculum vitae 
• Research proposal (maximum 200 words)
• Academic transcripts from all undergraduate and postgraduate programmes
• 2 References
• Reference 1: From the most recent university programme
• Reference 2: From UCL research supervisor (must be different from Reference 1)

Note:- You do not need to have secured an offer of a place at UCL to apply for the scholarship, but you must have submitted a complete admission application.

• Research Scholarships Cover Sheet 
• Curriculum vitae 
• Research proposal (maximum 200 words)
• Academic transcripts from all undergraduate and postgraduate programmes
• 2 References
  • Reference 1: From the most recent university programme
  • Reference 2: From UCL research supervisor (must be different from Reference 1)

The selection process has three steps:
Step 1: Department Review

• You submit your application to your academic department
• Your department reviews your application first

Step 2: Faculty Review

• Your department sends your application to their faculty
• The faculty reviews all applications and evaluates based on: Your academic performance and achievements.

Step 3: Final Selection by Central Panel

• A central UCL panel (led by the Pro Vice Provost) makes the final decision

Note: Financial circumstances are not considered for this scholarship.

Application Deadline: 9 January 2026

Question: Who is offering the UCL Research Excellence Scholarship 2026 opportunity?
Answer: University College London (UCL) is offering this opportunity.

Question: How much is the scholarship worth?
Answer: The scholarship provides full tuition fees (Home or Overseas) and research costs of up to £1,200 per year for the standard duration of the research programme.

Question: Who is eligible for the UCL Research Excellence Scholarship 2026?
Answer: Prospective MPhil/PhD and EngD students from any country who will begin their programme on or after 1 October 2026, hold or expect to achieve at least an upper second-class Honours degree or equivalent, and have submitted a complete admission application by 09 January 2026 are eligible to apply for the scholarship.

Question: What is the last date to apply for the UCL Research Excellence Scholarship 2026?
Answer: The last date to apply is 09 January 2026. 

Question: Are professional doctorates eligible?
Answer: No, professional doctorates (DClinPsy, DDent, DEdPsy, DOrth, DPsychotherapy) are not eligible. However, EngD programmes are eligible.