Doctoral Studentships (Closed)

Who can apply

You can apply for a Doctoral Studentship if you want to complete a 3 year PhD in any humanities or social science area on a topic related to health.

At the point of applying, you should hold, or expect to hold, a relevant Master's degree, or have equivalent research experience. 

You must have been accepted onto a PhD programme with an eligible host organisation in the UK, Republic of Ireland or a low- or middle-income country (apart from mainland China). You should have a written statement to confirm this from someone at the relevant level of authority. 

You must not have started your PhD.

You can be of any nationality.

Fees for nationals of high-income countries

Nationals of the UK and Republic of Ireland are eligible to pay home fees.

Nationals of all other high-income countries will need to pay international fees.

From 1 January 2021, this also includes EU and EEA nationals. We recommend that you check with your host organisation to see what fees you’ll need to pay.

If you need to pay an international fee (we cover the home fee), you should either:

• Ask your intended host organisation to confirm that they will charge a home fee rather than a higher international fee. In your application you should include written confirmation of this, signed by someone at the relevant level of authority. 

or

• Get additional funding to cover the difference between the home fee and the international fee from an external source, although the project must remain a Wellcome PhD (we do not part-fund). Please state the source of your funding in your application.

Who can't apply

You can't apply if:

• you've received support for your doctoral studies from another funding body 
• you’ve already started your doctoral studies.

If you've previously been unsuccessful with a full application for this scheme, you can't apply again with the same proposal unless we've invited you to do so. However, you're welcome to apply with a new project.

You can't apply to carry out activities that involve the transfer of grant funds into mainland China.

What we're looking for

We will assess:

• the significance and originality of your proposed research
• the suitability and relevance of your approach to your research topic
• the suitability of the host organisation and department for your research and for developing your career
• your track record, for example assessed work during your Master’s course.

Read about the grants we've awarded and the research we support in the humanities and social sciences.

We encourage you to check that your application is competitive by discussing your project with:

• your intended supervisor(s)
• researchers in relevant health-related fields
• the research office at your host organisation.

Your supervisor and other researchers

Your supervisor and other researchers will give you advice about the intellectual quality, methodology and importance of your project. They will also help you to decide whether it’s the right time for you to apply.

Research office

The research office at your host organisation should be able to advise you on:

• how much time the authorised organisational approver needs to approve your application after you submit it – this may need to be done well in advance of the Wellcome deadline 

• how to structure your application, including the budget 

• what information is needed to support your proposal.

Contact the research office and your supervisors for advice as early as possible in the application process.

What's expected of your host organisation

You must have an eligible host organisation that will administer your fellowship for the full duration of the award.

You should give careful thought to your choice of supervisor(s); they should have strong track records in research, training and mentorship.

If you have a multi-site or multi-method project, you may need more than one supervisor. You should make it clear on your application form how you will all work together.

Your sponsor can also be your supervisor.

Sponsor

Your sponsor should be in a position to guarantee you space and facilities for the full period of your PhD. Sponsors are usually the head of department or head of school/faculty. The sponsor must:

• be based at an eligible sponsoring organisation that will administer your fellowship for the full duration of the award
• hold an established post.

Supervisor

Your supervisor should:

• provide support and advice during the application process and the period of the award
• be committed to helping you achieve your career aspirations.  

Your supervisor(s) and sponsor will write letters of support. These should discuss your suitability for doctoral research, the quality of your project, and the support that the host organisation and relevant department will offer you.

A Doctoral Studentship is usually for three years, although we consider requests to undertake PhDs on a part-time basis (for example, if someone has family commitments or intends to keep up another career for sufficient hours to maintain a professional accreditation).

Support includes: 

• PhD studentship stipend

  Our new PhD studentship stipend scales from 1 October 2023 are:  

  If you're based outside London:

  Year 1	£23,955
  Year 2	£24,525
  Year 3	£25,096
  Year 4	£25,666

  If you're based in London:

  Year 1	£25,954
  Year 2	£26,572
  Year 3	£27,190
  Year 4	£27,808

  Our PhD studentship stipend scales from before 1 October 2023 are:

  If you're based outside London:

  Year 1	£22,976
  Year 2	£23,523
  Year 3	£24,070
  Year 4	£24,617

  If you're based in London:

  Year 1	£24,975
  Year 2	£25,570
  Year 3	£26,164
  Year 4	£26,839

  • approved tuition fees, according to the rate charged by the training organisation

    We usually provide funds at the level charged to UK and Republic of Ireland students.

    We only pay the international student rate for applicants who are from low- and middle-income countries. 

    See the 'Eligibility and suitability' section on this page for more information.

    We will add inflation to your fees – you do not need to add it to your application.

  • conference attendance

    We will provide a contribution of up to £5,000 towards the costs of attending academic meetings and conferences. This includes registration fees and childcare or any other caring responsibility cost. You will need to justify the costs and include a breakdown for each part of your trip, for example air fares and number of journeys.

  • research expenses necessary for the successful and safe completion of the research project, including the cost of overseas fieldwork. You will need to justify your research expenses. You can ask for:

    • materials and consumables

      We will pay for the materials and consumables you need to carry out your proposed research, including:

      • archival photocopying
      • printing associated with fieldwork and empirical research
      • materials directly related to hosting workshops and interviews.

    • travel and subsistence

      Travel costs

      You can ask for travel and subsistence costs to cover:

      We may cover the costs of other essential visits, for example to facilities and fieldwork. You can include subsistence costs.

      Carbon offset costs

      This is a new policy. It applies to all types of travel costs Wellcome provides.

      You can ask for:

      We won't pay for the core infrastructure that your host organisation should provide, unless you're eligible to ask for these costs under our overheads policy. Examples of these costs include:

      See our carbon offset policy for travel for information on what you and your organisation need to do.

      Subsistence costs

      If you’re away for up to one month you can ask for subsistence costs. These include accommodation, meals and incidentals such as refreshments or newspapers.

      If your administering organisation has a subsistence policy, use their rates.

      If your administering organisation doesn’t have a subsistence policy, please use the HMRC rates.

      If you’re away for more than one month and up to 12 months, we will pay reasonable rental costs only, including aparthotels. You should discuss appropriate rates with your administering and host organisations, or Wellcome, as appropriate. We expect you to choose the most economical options, booked in advance where possible.

      If you’re from a low- or middle- income country and will be working in a high-income country for more than one month and up to 12 months, you can also ask for up to £10 a day to cover extra costs, such as transport and incidentals.

      If you’re away for more than 12 months, we will pay the costs of your housing. You should discuss your needs with your administering and host organisations.

      The allowance we provide will be based on family and business need. We will set the maximum allowance we pay for each location. This will be based on current market data or, where data is unavailable, in consultation with your administering organisation, using equivalent market rates. Please contact us if you need help calculating the costs.

      We will cover the direct expenses you have to pay to find and rent a home. We will not cover the cost of utilities or any refurbishment.

      Overseas research

      If you or any research staff employed on your grant will be doing research away from your host organisation, we'll help with the additional costs of working on the project overseas. Please see the 'Overseas allowances' section for details.

      • • any fieldwork you carry out during the grant
        • essential visits to archives and libraries
        • any collaborative visits you need to make.
        • the cost of low carbon travel where practical, even if it's more expensive (for example travelling by train instead of flying)
        • project-related resources or activities that provide an alternative to travel, such as video conferencing, communication and file-sharing software
        • costs to offset the carbon emissions of the journeys you make.
        • organisation-wide video conferencing packages
        • high-speed broadband
        • HD screens.

    • overseas allowances

      If you or any staff employed on your grant will be spending time in another country, we’ll help you with the additional costs of working on the project overseas.

      Our overseas allowances are:

      Carbon offset costs

      We expect the people we fund to choose travel that has a lower carbon impact, where practical, even if it’s more expensive (for example travelling by train instead of flying).

      You can ask for costs to offset the carbon generated by the travel, as part of your overseas allowances.

      See our carbon offset policy for travel for information on what you and your organisation need to do.

       

      See a list of low- and middle-income countries, as defined by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).

      You can ask for the following allowances. You need to provide estimated costs as accurately as possible.

      • • a contribution towards the personal cost of carrying out research overseas, to ensure that you are not disadvantaged
        • provided on the assumption that you’ll be paying income tax, either in your home country, or the country you will be working in (your personal tax is your responsibility).
        • provided on the understanding that you or your partner will not receive equivalent allowances from elsewhere
        • determined by the amount of time you will spend away from your home country.

      • Partners and dependants travelling with you

        If you will be away more than 12 months, we will provide overseas allowances for your partner and any dependants if they are travelling with you.

        If you will be away for 12 months or less and can justify why your partner and dependants must travel with you, we may provide overseas allowances for them.

        We define your partner as the person:

        • you’re married to
        • you’re not married to but with whom you’ve been in a relationship for at least a year

        and

        • you live with at the same permanent address and share some form of joint financial commitment with (eg a mortgage).

        • • outward and return travel

            We will pay your travel costs at the beginning and end of your overseas work. Costs can be for air, ferry, train or coach fares.

            All fares should be:

            • in line with our carbon offset policy
            • booked in advance where possible.

          • baggage and freight shipping allowance

            If you are away for up to 12 months, you can ask for up to 80kg of additional baggage or unaccompanied airline freight for your outward and return journeys.

            If you are away for more than 12 months, you can ask for the costs of shipping your personal items at the beginning and end of your overseas work.

            We will pay the full cost of transporting:

            • half a standard shipping container if you’re travelling alone
            • a whole standard shipping container (20ft) if you’re travelling with a partner and/or dependants.

          • medical and travel insurance

            We will pay the cost of your medical insurance and travel insurance.

            If you will be working in a low- or middle-income country we will also cover the cost of emergency evacuation cover.

            We won’t pay for medical insurance if you will be based in the UK or Republic of Ireland.

          • visas and vaccinations

            We will pay the costs of visas, vaccinations and anti-malaria treatment.

          • housing security

            You can ask for this if you’ll be based in a low- or middle-income country and it is necessary.

            Costs can include guards, panic buttons and alarms. You should ask your employing organisation for advice on the level of security you need.

          • accommodation and subsistence

            If you’re away for up to one month you can ask for subsistence costs. These include accommodation, meals and incidentals (eg refreshments or newspapers).

            If your administering organisation has a subsistence policy, use their rates.

            If your administering organisation doesn’t have a subsistence policy, please use the HMRC rates.

            If you’re away for more than one month and up to 12 months, we will pay reasonable rental costs only, including aparthotels. You should discuss appropriate rates with your administering and host organisations, or Wellcome, as appropriate. We expect you to choose the most economical options, booked in advance where possible.

            If you’re from a low- or middle- income country and will be working in a high-income country for more than one month and up to 12 months, you can also ask for up to £10 a day to cover extra costs, such as transport and incidentals.

            If you’re away for more than 12 months, we will pay the costs of your housing. You should discuss your needs with your administering and host organisations.

            The allowance we provide will be based on family and business need. We will set the maximum allowance we pay for each location. This will be based on current market data or, where data is unavailable, in consultation with your administering organisation, using equivalent market rates. If you need help calculating the costs please contact Grants Management.

            We will cover the direct expenses you have to pay to find and rent a home. We will not cover the cost of utilities or any refurbishment.

          • education

            If you’re away for more than 12 months we will pay:

            Local nursery or school fees

            You can ask for these costs if you are in a location where there isn’t free local education of the same standard as in your home country.

            Costs include:

            • local nursery school fees up to a maximum of 30 hours a week for 3 to 4 year olds
            • local junior or secondary school fees, up to the end of secondary school education.

            Local international school fees

            You can ask for these costs if local schools do not provide the same standard of education as in your home country. We will only pay the published termly school fees.

            We will not cover the costs of:

            • extracurricular activities, including field trips
            • other extras including, but not limited to, uniforms, sports kit and equipment, transport, meals, books and electronic equipment.

            Boarding school fees

            We will consider paying the cost of boarding school fees in your home country if:

            • a local international school is not available
            • both parents, guardians or the sole care giver live outside the home country.

            The allowance covers:

            • up to a maximum of £30,000 a year for each child for the published termly fees only
            • the cost of return airfares at the start and end of each school term, in line with our carbon offset policy for travel.

            We will not cover the costs of:

            • additional annual leave airfares
            • extracurricular activities, including field trips
            • other extras including, but not limited to, uniforms, sports kit and equipment, transport, meals, books and electronic equipment.

            We will cover the cost of providing special needs education as far as possible. Please contact us to discuss your needs.

            We would not usually expect to provide an education allowance if you will be working in a high-income country.

          • annual leave travel costs

            If you will be away for more than 12 months, we’ll pay for you to travel back to your home country for annual leave. This is in addition to your outward and return travel costs and depends on how long you will be away:

            • 12-24 months – 1 annual leave trip
            • 25-36 months – 2 annual leave trips
            • 37-48 months – 3 annual leave trips
            • 49-60 months – 4 annual leave trips
            • 61-72 months – 5 annual leave trips.

            All fares should be:

            • in line with our carbon offset policy
            • booked in advance where possible.

          • language lessons

            If you will be away for more than 12 months, you can ask for up to 100 hours of lessons in the local language for you and/or your partner during the first 12 months of your visit.

            We will cover 100% of the costs for local language school classes or up to 50% of the costs of individual tuition.

            We will not cover the cost of examinations or personal learning materials such as DVDs and books.

    • personal removal expenses

      If you have to move to take up the post at your host organisation, you can ask for £1,000. You'll need to justify this.

    • overheads

      You can ask for overheads if your grant will be based at a:

      • university outside the UK or Republic of Ireland
      • research organisation that does not receive core funding for overheads
      • charitable or not-for-profit organisation
      • small or medium-sized commercial organisation.

      You can also ask for overheads on any part of your grant that is sub-contracted to any of the organisations listed above.

      If you’re based at a UK university you can’t ask for overheads for sub-contracted activity if your university will include the sub-contracted funding in its annual report to the UK Charity Research Support Fund.

      Overheads can include:

      • estates, for example building and premises
      • non-project dedicated administrative and support staff
      • administration, for example finance, library, and room hire.

      The total cost for overheads should not be more than:

      • 20% of the direct research costs if you’re based in a low- or middle-income country
      • 15% of the direct research costs if you’re based anywhere else.

      These costs must directly support the activity funded by the grant.

      How to apply for these costs

      In your grant application you must:

      • give a full breakdown of costs (you can't ask for a percentage of the research costs)
      • explain why these costs are necessary for your research
      • include a letter from the finance director of your host organisation, or the sub-contracted organisation, confirming that the breakdown is a true representation of the costs incurred.

    • inflation allowance

      We will add an inflation allowance to your award.

      How we calculate your inflation allowance

      Your inflation allowance is based on your total eligible costs and the duration of the award. You'll receive the allowance if the costs in your application are in pounds sterling, euros or US dollars.

      Award duration (in months)	Inflation allowance
      0-12	0.0%
      13-24	1.0%
      25-36	2.0%
      37-48	3.0%
      49-60	4.1%
      61-72	5.1%
      73-84	6.2%

      These rates are calculated using compound inflation at 2.0% a year from Year 2 onwards.

      If your costs are in any other currency, we will use an inflation allowance that reflects the inflation rate of the country where the host organisation is based.

      What to include in your application

      The costs in your application must be based on current known costs, excluding inflation.

      You should allow for salary pay awards during Year 1. These should be based on pay awards already agreed; if you don’t know what the pay award is yet then use our inflation rate.

      Wellcome's studentship stipend scales include an annual increase for inflation.

    • other costs

      Costs you may ask for (you will have to justify these costs in your application):

      • fieldwork costs, including survey and data collection and statistical analysis
      • specialist publications that are relevant to the research and not available in institutional libraries
      • computer equipment – we will cover the cost of one personal computer or laptop per person up to £1,500. We won't pay for:
        • more expensive items, unless you can justify them
        • installation or training costs.
      • consultancy fees
      • expenses for subjects and volunteers – includes recruitment of participants, their participatory fees and travel, as well as interviewee expenses
      • reasonable research-associated costs related to the feedback of health-related findings but not any healthcare-associated costs
      • costs associated with developing an outputs management plan
      • questionnaires, recruitment material, newsletters etc for clinical, epidemiological and qualitative research studies
      • public engagement materials where dissemination (including printing and publishing) is a key activity of the project
      • recruitment, advertising and interviewee travel costs for staff to be employed on the grant
      • formal transferable skills and personal development training, including the International Funders Award
      • purchase, hire and running costs of project-dedicated vehicles.

      Costs we won’t pay:

      • estates costs – such as building and premises costs, basic services and utilities. This also includes phone, postage, photocopying and stationery, unless you can justify these within a clinical or epidemiological study.*
      • page charges and the cost of colour prints
      • research, technical and administrative staff whose time is shared across several projects and isn’t supported by an audit record*
      • charge-out costs for major facilities* – departmental technical and administrative services, and use of existing equipment
      • cleaning, waste and other disposal costs*

      *We will fund these costs in the case of animal-related research.

      • indirect costs – this includes general administration costs such as personnel, finance, library, room hire and some departmental services
      • office furniture, such as chairs, desks, filin cabinets, etc.
      • clothing such as lab coats, shoes, protective clothing
      • non-research related activities, eg catering, room and venue hire for staff parties, team-building events and social activities
      • indemnity insurance (insurance cover against claims made by subjects or patients associated with a research programme)
      • ethics reviews, unless you are in a low- or middle-income country
      • radiation protection costs.

What we don’t offer

If you're a national of a high-income country outside the UK or Republic of Ireland, please be aware that we don't pay international fees. See the 'Eligibility and suitability' section on this page for more information.

You must submit your application through the Wellcome Trust Grant Tracker (WTGT).

Stages of application

1. Before you apply

   It's important to check that your application is competitive. Read the advice in the ‘Eligibility and suitability’ section above carefully. Discuss your application with your research office and your intended supervisor(s) before you apply.
    
   You don't need to contact us before you submit an application. Host organisations will only ask applicants to contact us in exceptional cases.

   Get some tips to help you write a Wellcome grant application.

2. Submit your application

   Complete your application on Grant Tracker.

   Make sure you leave enough time for your host organisation to approve your application before the deadline. The authorised organisational approver, usually based in the research office, will tell you how long this will take.

   View the Sample full application form for Doctoral Studentships [PDF 260KB]

   If your proposal involves clinical research using NHS resources, check if you need to upload a SoECAT form with your full application.

3. Host organisation approves your application

   The authorised organisational approver must approve your application before the deadline.

4. Review

   The Medical Humanities Early Career Expert Review Group or the Social Science and Bioethics Early Career Awards Expert Review Group will review your application, depending on the area of your proposed research.

5. Decision

   We give most candidates our decision by the end of May. All candidates will have been informed of our decision by the end of July.

Disabled applicants

If you are disabled or have a chronic health condition, we can support you with the application process.

Coronavirus (Covid-19)

What you need to know if you're a grant applicant or grantholder.

Dates

Your application must have been submitted by you and approved by your organisation by 17.00 (GMT/BST) on the deadline day. We don’t accept late applications.

2021 round

• Application deadline

  2 March 2021, 17:00 GMT

• Decision

  May 2021