NINE DTP Fully Funded PhD Studentships 2027-28

Overview

The NINE DTP studentship competition provides fully funded postgraduate research opportunities for individuals pursuing doctoral study at seven universities across the United Kingdom. Run by a collaborative partnership funded by the Economic and Social Research Council, the programme aims to recruit high-calibre researchers for full-time or part-time studies. Participating institutions include Durham University, Newcastle University, Northumbria University, Teesside University, the University of Sunderland, Ulster University and Queen's University Belfast. In addition to the main competition, the programme includes the Action for Equality initiative, which provides four full scholarships for nominees from specified under-represented groups.

What you get

Successful participants receive comprehensive financial backing throughout their doctoral studies. The package covers home tuition fees, which were valued at £5,238 for the 2026-27 period, and provides a tax-free annual stipend of £21,805 based on the same rate. Additional financial support is accessible for eligible fieldwork, research activities and placements. Award holders also gain access to combined training opportunities provided across the partnership and become part of a collaborative cohort of researchers, academics and external partners. Exact funding arrangements may vary depending on the chosen university and the eligibility status of the individual, particularly for international participants who may rely on institutional agreements.

Who can apply

The competition is open to candidates seeking to undertake postgraduate research at any of the seven participating universities. Applicants must identify the specific institution and appropriate academic department or research pathway for their doctoral work. For the Action for Equality scheme, the initiative is specifically designed to support British and Irish applicants from Black, Asian, Roma, Traveller or mixed ethnic backgrounds.

Requirements

Applicants must complete two initial steps to enter the competition. First, candidates must apply to their chosen participating university and engage with a proposed primary supervisor. Second, applicants must collaborate with their supervisor to submit the Stage 1 nomination form. Supervisor approval is a mandatory component of the nomination process and must be completed by the official deadline. The process also requires supporting materials from nominated referees and, where applicable, collaborative partners.

How to apply

Candidates must first apply to their chosen participating university and establish contact with a suitable primary supervisor. Applicants then work alongside their supervisor to prepare and submit the NINE DTP Stage 1 nomination. Candidates should ensure that all required details are accurate and that the primary supervisor completes the designated approval form before the closing date. Successful candidates from the departmental and pathway competitions advance to Stage 2 for consideration by the final studentship panel.

Key dates

The Stage 1 nomination deadline is 27 October 2026 at 4pm.