PhD Studentship in Economics at Royal Holloway, University of London: Fully Funded 4-Year Doctoral Opportunity for International Students
Overview
The Department of Economics at Royal Holloway, University of London, based in Egham in the United Kingdom, is accepting applications to its PhD programme in Economics. Students carry out independent, original research after advanced economics training in the first year. The programme lasts four years full-time or eight years part-time. The department runs a relatively small PhD programme, and more than 98 percent of its economics and econometrics research was rated world-leading or internationally excellent in the UK-wide REF2021 assessment.
Former PhD students have moved into posts at the London School of Economics, the University of Bristol, the University of Stirling, the Max Planck Institute in Bonn, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, the National Institute of Economic Research and the Institute for Employment Studies, so careers in academia, government, international organisations and the private sector are all represented.
What you get
Royal Holloway is one of six universities in the South-East Doctoral Training Arc (SEDarc), a partnership funded by the Economic and Social Research Council that awards competitive student-led scholarships each year. The advertised funding is approximately 22,780 pounds, to be confirmed, and includes a 2,000 pound London Allowance. Details of how to apply for SEDarc funding are due to appear on the university's SEDarc page in the autumn.
Who can apply
Funding is open to UK, EU and international students. Applicants should normally hold an MSc in Economics or a related field showing strong quantitative skills. Those without an MSc may apply to the university's combined MSc and PhD programmes. Admission and funding are separate: meeting the funding criteria does not guarantee a place, and international applicants should check English-language, qualification-equivalence and visa requirements.
Requirements
A competitive application shows strong quantitative preparation, a well-developed and viable research project, and a potential supervisor whose interests match the proposal. Applicants are advised to consult the department's research centres to find a supervisor, since supervision cannot be arranged at the last minute.
Key dates
The application deadline is 12 noon on Friday, 11 December 2026.