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.
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 advertised from 24 October 2025.
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
Discover an International Partnership PhD Studentship project you're passionate about.
Projects for 2026/27 entry will be advertised from 24 October 2025.
Other projects are available now. Visit our projects page to browse all currently live projects from across the Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health.
Eligibility
Competition for this programme is expected to be very high.
These studentships available to both UK and international applicants.
We require applicants to hold, or be about to obtain a minimum Upper Second class UK honours degree, or the equivalent qualifications gained outside the UK, in a relevant subject area for entry to this funded PhD programme. As this is a highly competitive programme, many of our applicants also hold a Masters-level qualification.
Applications are welcome from all backgrounds. We actively encourage applications from a diverse range of backgrounds. We seek to create equality of opportunity for all our applicants and postgraduate researchers.
Find out more about equality, diversity and inclusion at Manchester.
International applicants
Competition for this programme is expected to be very high.
These studentships will 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 requirements, before applying. Visit our eligibility and entry requirements page to find out more about the eligibility criteria at Manchester.
Making an application
Step-by-step guide to applying
Applications will open for 2026/27 entry on 24 October 2025.
Want to be considered for an International Partnership PhD Studentship?
Find out what you need to do before you apply and how to make an application with our step-by-step guide below.
You may apply for up to two projects as part of this programme. Please note, each project must be submitted as a separate application.
Ensure you meet the entry requirements for this programme and check you have the skills and characteristics we’re looking for in our postgraduate researchers.
Browse all of our International Partnership PhD Studentship projects once they're live. Discover one you're passionate about which matches your interests, ambitions and goals.
Found a project you're interested in? Contacting your potential supervisor and speaking to them about their project is your next step and is one of the most important things you need to do before you apply.
Before you complete your application you'll need to prepare the following supporting documents:
- Supporting statement;
- Reference details;
- Degree certificates and final/interim transcripts (If you are currently enrolled in a Master's programme and do not yet have an interim transcript, please provide alternative proof of enrolment, such as an offer letter);
- Official English language certificates (if applicable);
- Curriculum Vitae (CV).
A research statement is not required for this programme.
All supporting documents must be uploaded as part of the formal online application. Applications submitted without the required documentation will be considered incomplete and will not be processed.
Found a project and contacted the listed supervisor?
When applications re-open for 2026/27 entry you'll be able to apply via our application portal using the below details:
- Level of study: select 'Postgraduate Research'
- Entry year: ‘2026/27’
- Supervisor name: Specify the name of the main supervisor only, if the supervisor isn't listed you can enter it manually.
- Intake: Select 'September'
For the funding section you should select:
- Funding: 'Yes' from the drop-down
- Type of funding: 'Uni of Manchester scheme'
- Awarding body: International Partnership PhD Studentship
- Status of funding: Awarded
- Funding covers: Fully Funded
We will contact you directly by email if we wish to invite you to one of our interview days following supervisor nominations.
If you are not nominated by a supervisor for a panel interview, we will notify you that your application has been unsuccessful.
Interviews take place via Teams and will consist of a panel of up to three academic staff from across the University.
You will be required to give a short presentation (not exceeding 10 minutes) on the project you are interested in. Presentations can be made in PowerPoint format or verbally.
Post-interview the recruitment committee will assess candidates based on the interview, their CV, academic record and references.
Key dates
Dates for 2026 entry
- Projects announced: 24 October 2025
- Applications open: 24 October 2025
- Applications close: 22 November 2025 at 23:59
- Interviews take place: W/C 14 February 2026
- Studentships awarded: TBC
- Studentship begins: October 2026
Keep up-to-date
Sign up for updates
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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.
See more contact information.
