Expand your horizons with global research opportunities
Embark on a global research journey in collaboration with our international partner institutes.
Our fully funded International Partnership PhD studentships are designed to enable postgraduate researchers in biology, medicine and health to undertake a PhD at Manchester and spend time at one of our international partner institutions.
Commencing in October 2025, this programme will allow you to gain a global perspective on your specialist area of research, while learning from leading academics and benefitting from research expertise and facilities at both universities.
About the studentships
Fully funded four-year studentships
These studentships are open to both home and overseas candidates and will cover:
- An annual stipend at the UKRI rate
- Tuition fees
- £5,000 p/a Research Training Support Grant (RTSG)
- £1,000 contribution towards postgraduate research travel costs
Please note, candidates will need to cover the cost of relocation and any associated costs (for example, visa, health surcharges).
International partners
Our programme partner institutions
Projects in partnership with a range of global universities and research institutes will be available for 2026/27 entry.
Candidates will be expected to spend time at Manchester and the partner institute, and this will be funded and supported through the studentship.
Further details on the time spent at the partner institute can be discussed with project supervisor prior to applying for the project.
University of Bordeaux
The University of Bordeaux is a major multidisciplinary research university based in Nouvelle-Aquitaine in southwestern France.
Heidelberg University
Heidelberg University is a research university dedicated to research-oriented teaching based in Baden-Württemberg, Germany.
Karolinska Institute
Karolinska Institute is a research-led medical university and one of the foremost medical research institutes globally based in Stockholm, Sweden.
Projects
Available projects
International Partnership Studentship projects for 2026/27 will be launched later in 2025.
Search our listed projects, contact the listed supervisor and apply online.
Making an application
Apply for our International Partnership PhD studentships.
Applications are closed for 2025/26. Applications for 2026/27 will open later in 2025.
Eligibility
Applicants must have obtained or be about to obtain a First or Upper Second class UK honours degree, or the equivalent qualifications gained outside the UK.
How to apply
Please follow the information below and the step-by-step guide on our how to apply page.
You must make one application for this programme and select the programme as stated on the individual project advert on the online application form. If you select the incorrect programme your application cannot be considered.
Applicants can select up to two projects on one single application and you should include the title of each project and the name of the supervisor listed for each project.
You should make direct contact with project supervisor(s) before applying online. Our experience shows how important the applicant-supervisor relationship is and we encourage you to make contact directly; supervisors will then arrange informal discussions.
Once you have chosen your preferred project and spoken to the supervisor you can apply online.
When applying, under 'Funding', you should enter the following details:
- Select 'Yes' from the drop-down
- Type of Funding: University of Manchester scheme
- Awarding Body: International Partner Studentship
- Status of Funding – Awarded
- Funding Covers – Fully Funded
- Leave the remaining boxes blank
If you need help with the application process or have any queries regarding your eligibility (such as if you achieved unexpectedly low degree results due to extenuating circumstances), please contact the Doctoral Admissions team.
Other application information
Projects advertised: W/C 21 October 2024
Application deadline: 29 November 2024
Candidates nominated: 13 January 2025
Interview: w/c 27 January 2025
Offers made: w/c 3 February 2025
Applicants must have obtained or be about to obtain a First or Upper Second class UK honours degree, or the equivalent qualifications gained outside the UK, in an appropriate area of science or technology.
These studentships provide funding for tuition fees and stipend at the UKRI rate, subject to eligibility, for four years. For full details on eligibility, including qualifications and residence criteria, visit the UKRI website.
We welcome applications from all backgrounds and seek to create equality of opportunity for all our applicants and postgraduate researchers. Find put more about Equality, Diversity and Inclusion at Manchester.
This scheme is open to both UK and international applicants.
We are only able to offer a limited number of full studentships to applicants outside the UK. Therefore, full studentships are only be awarded to exceptional quality international candidates due to the competitive nature of this scheme.
International applicants must ensure they meet the academic eligibility criteria (including English language) before applying. English language requirements can be found on the How to apply page.
We will contact you directly if we wish to invite you to interview following supervisor nominations.
If you are invited to interview, you will be notified directly by email.
Contact us
Have any questions? Get in touch.
For queries regarding the application process, the projects on offer or your eligibility, please contact the Doctoral Academy.
Email: fbmh.doctoralacademy.admissions@manchester.ac.uk
Tel: +44 (0)161 275 5608
You may wish to contact supervisors directly about projects.