If you’re aiming to start a PhD with your fees covered and a living allowance to support you properly through the research journey, Queen’s University Belfast (QUB) has opened a major funded opportunity for the 2026–27 cycle: 175 fully funded PhD studentships. Below is a clear breakdown of what’s available, the research areas you can apply to, and how to approach the application process.
Author: Dr Niaz Chowdhury (LinkedIn)
Designation: Lecturer (Computer Science)
Affiliation: Ulster University, Birmingham, UK
What’s available?
QUB is offering 175 fully funded PhD studentships for 2026–27. These awards include:
- Full tuition fees
- A tax-free living allowance (current stipend £20,780 per year)
- Research training support and development opportunities
In other words, this is designed to support both your research work and your development as an early-career researcher.
Areas you can study
The projects span across the university and focus on global and regional challenges. Current themes highlighted by QUB include:
- Health and life sciences
- Climate and sustainability
- Advanced manufacturing and engineering
- Digital innovation and cyber security
- Creative industries and screen studies
- Agri-tech and food security
- Financial technology and business transformation
- Social policy, education, and the arts
QUB also groups opportunities by broader themes (for example: Arts/Humanities/Social Sciences; Medicine/Health/Life Sciences; Engineering/Physical Sciences; and Queen’s Business School).
Why choose a funded PhD at Queen’s?
Beyond the funding itself, QUB positions these studentships within a wider research and development environment, including:
- A Russell Group research setting with international partnerships
- Access to specialist training through the Thomas J Moran Graduate School, including Chartered Management Institute (CMI) qualifications
- Opportunities to collaborate with industry and government partners
- A postgraduate community with dedicated space, events, and wellbeing support
How to apply (the practical steps)
QUB’s process is straightforward:
- Explore available PhD projects and pick one that genuinely matches your interests.
- Contact the listed supervisor to ask questions and get guidance before applying.
- Apply online via the Queen’s Postgraduate Admissions Portal.
- Track the deadline for your chosen project (deadlines vary).
Key dates to plan around
- Recruitment opens: October 2025
- Start date: September 2026
- Deadlines: typically November through January (depending on the project)
Because deadlines vary, it’s worth shortlisting projects early so you have time to speak to supervisors and prepare a strong application.
A quick checklist to strengthen your application
Even for funded projects, the strongest candidates tend to do the basics brilliantly:
- Show a clear match between your skills and the specific project aims
- Email the supervisor with informed, focused questions (not a generic message)
- Prepare a crisp academic CV, and a personal statement/research statement that is project-specific
- Line up referees early and give them context (project link, your draft statement, your CV)
Final thought
Fully funded PhD opportunities at this scale don’t come around every day. If you’re serious about starting doctoral research at QUB in 2026, this is the kind of timeline where acting early (October–November) can make a real difference—especially for supervisor engagement and application quality.
