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Postgraduate research funding

These scholarships and studentships are available to postgraduate researchers in the Department of Biology.

Your chosen course, level of study and other statuses may all affect your eligibility for the opportunities listed here.

Discover our research projects

Adapting to the Challenges of a Changing Environment (ACCE)

Our fully-funded PhD programme offers projects aligned with the grand challenges in environmental research: securing ecosystem services and environmental resources; predicting and mitigating impacts of climate change; understanding the dynamics of biodiversity; and mechanisms of evolutionary change.

Funding
The studentships are fully funded for 3.5 years in the first instance, and students must complete their PhD in four years.
Academic year
2025/26
Open to
EU and UK (home) students
Number available
7

Adapting to the Challenges of a Changing Environment (ACCE)

BBSRC Yorkshire Bioscience Doctoral Training Partnership (YBDTP)

This prestigious Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) funded Doctoral Landscape Award will support the next generation of researchers equipping them with the skills for careers in academia, industry, policy and civic society and developing the UK bioeconomy.

Funding
A tax-free annual stipend at the standard UKRI rate (estimated to be £21,383 for 2026/27 entry), research costs and tuition fees at UK rate
Academic year
2026/27
Application deadline
Wednesday 7 January 2026, 5pm GMT
Open to
UK (home) students

BBSRC Yorkshire Bioscience Doctoral Training Partnership (YBDTP)

China Scholarships Council Scholarship

We're pleased to offer up to ten joint-funded PhD scholarships in collaboration with the China Scholarships Council.

Funding
100% of tuition fees for the full duration, which is typically three years; a grant for living costs; one return flight from China; UK visa fees
Academic year
2026/27
Application deadline
Monday 30 March 2026, 11.59pm BST
Open to
Students from China
Number available
10

China Scholarships Council Scholarship

EPSRC Mobility DTP in Leadership and Excellence in Circular, Resource-efficient, Sustainable Manufacturing

One of a number of pilot programmes aimed at widening participation in Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) doctoral training, specifically those from industry and other non-academic backgrounds.

Funding
One year of fees at the UK rate, maintenance stipend/salary contribution, and a Research Training Support Grant
Academic year
2025/26
Open to
Students from the UK; non-UK applicants can also be considered for a limited number of places.
Number available
Up to three

EPSRC Mobility DTP in Leadership and Excellence in Circular, Resource-efficient, Sustainable Manufacturing

COLFUTURO

We grant a 25% tuition fee discount to most COLFUTURO-sponsored postgraduate students. It is possible to combine this discount with most University of York partial scholarships. 

Funding
25% tuition fee discount
Academic year
2025/26
Application deadline
Monday 2 March 2026, 11.59pm GMT
Open to
Students from Colombia

COLFUTURO

Commonwealth Scholarship

The University of York is a host university for the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission. Various opportunities are available throughout the year. The majority of awards are funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.

Funding
various
Academic year
2024/25
Open to
Students from Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, Australia, Bahamas, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belize and more (see eligibility)

Commonwealth Scholarship

Gowrie bursary

This bursary is targeted at those who are serving or have served in the Australian Defence Forces and their lineal descendants, particularly those for whom the monetary value will make a real difference.

Funding
$8,000 AUD per annum
Academic year
2025/26
Open to
Students from Australia
Number available
2

Gowrie bursary

Jansons Scholarships

Jansons scholarship will help to finance studying abroad for certain postgraduate degrees.

Funding
up to NOK 150,000
Academic year
2025/26
Open to
Students from Norway

Jansons Scholarships

John Monash Scholarship

The John Monash Scholarship provides yearly funding to outstanding postgraduate taught and research students from Australia.

Funding
$100,000 AUD for each year of study (maximum $300,000 AUD)
Academic year
2027/28
Open to
Students from Australia
Number available
10-20

John Monash Scholarship

Norwegian State Educational Loan Fund Lånekassen

The Ministry provides grants and loans for higher education study outside of the Nordic region.

Funding
Various
Academic year
2025/26
Open to
Students from Norway

Norwegian State Educational Loan Fund Lånekassen

Overseas PhD Scholarships for University of the Punjab in service non-PhD teachers

This scholarship is aimed at candidates who have secured a PhD place for at a university ranked in the top 200 of the QS World University Rankings.

Funding
TBC
Academic year
2025/26
Open to
Students from Pakistan

Overseas PhD Scholarships for University of the Punjab in service non-PhD teachers

Roberta Sykes scholarship

The Roberta Sykes Indigenous Education Foundation provides supplementary financial assistance to Indigenous Postgraduate students who wish to undertake studies at recognised universities outside of Australia.

Funding
AUD $75,000 per year
Academic year
2026/27
Application deadline
Friday 30 January 2026, 12pm GMT
Open to
Students from Australia

Roberta Sykes scholarship

Tan Kah Kee Scholarship

The Tan Kah Kee Scholarship offers postgraduate scholarships for Singapore citizens and permanent residents pursuing full-time PhD or Masters degrees.

Funding
$12,000
Academic year
2026/27
Open to
Students from Singapore

Tan Kah Kee Scholarship

Extracurricular funding

While not directly related to your studies, these opportunities can help you get the most from your time at York.

York Minster Choral Scholarships

York Minster offers choral scholarships lasting 12 months or longer.

Funding
Up to £8,000 per annum
Academic year
2026/27
Open to
International (including EU) and UK (home) students

York Minster Choral Scholarships

Yorkshire Bach Choir

We are now accepting applications for our choral scholarship scheme. The 12-month scholarships will be open to all four voice parts.

Funding
£500 (to be paid in 2 instalments, one in December, one in June)
Academic year
2026/27
Open to
International (including EU) and UK (home) students

Yorkshire Bach Choir

Previous funding opportunities

These opportunities are closed to applications. They may reopen in future years.

Postgraduate fees and funding