Awards for UK/ EU research applicants

DfE scholarships are available for full-time on-campus study, and are open to holders of, or those expected to obtain, first or upper second class honours degrees (or equivalent).

They cover fees at the home rate, an annual Research and Training Support Grant and, for applicants with UK residence only, a maintenance allowance. (Non-UK residents who hold ordinary EU residence may also apply but, if successful, will receive fees only.)

Applicants should indicate in the appropriate box on their University application form that they wish to apply for a DfE award.

The annual competition for these awards opens around the end of November or early December each year. Please see the terms and conditions for these awards for more details.

DfE CAST awards are based upon approved projects, including an element of industrial collaboration, which are advertised in the press. Applicants must be able to demonstrate that their qualifications and experience are closely related to the project descriptions.

These awards are open to holders of, or those anticipating, first or upper second class honours degrees. They cover the payment of fees at the home rate and an enhanced maintenance award (for UK residents only) plus a contribution from the collaborating organisation.

Online applications must be submitted by the specified date.

Applications will be considered in areas of economic relevance, namely agri-food, life and health sciences, advanced materials (including clean technologies), engineering, ICT, electronics, software engineering, construction (including clean technologies), creative media and financial services.

In considering applications, account will be taken of engineering and technology, mathematical sciences and biological sciences which, as evidenced in the STEM report, are particularly under-represented at doctoral level graduation in Northern Ireland.

Any CAST award opportunities will be advertised on our Funding Opportunities page.

The University offers Vice-Chancellor's Research Scholarships (VCRS) to support University scholarships for full-time on-campus study.

These awards are open to applicants from the UK, European Union and overseas who hold or, expect to obtain, a first or upper second class honours degree (or equivalent).

They cover fees, an annual Research and Training Support Grant and a maintenance allowance.

Applicants should indicate in the appropriate area on their University application form that they wish to apply for a University Scholarship/VCRS award.

Applicants with up to one year’s current or previous registration for PhD at any institution may be considered for an award subject to the applicant providing evidence of good academic progress, formal release from all IP restrictions and ethical approval (if required).

Three-year awards may be allocated to such applicants where they are taking-up a new project at Ulster. In cases where the applicant is continuing with a project already commenced at Ulster, the duration of the award will be reduced by the full period of any previous registration.

The annual competition for these awards opens around the end of November or early December each year. Please see the terms and conditions for these awards for more details.

The Health & Social Care (HSC) Research & Development Division Northern Ireland offers awards and fellowships for those working in, or interested in a career with, the health and personal social services.

All opportunities will be advertised in the local media. Further information is on the HSC R&D web pages.

The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) offers a limited number of postgraduate studentships for full-time students only.

Details are available on the NI Direct website.

The Boehringer Ingelheim Fonds (BIF) awards PhD fellowships of 2 to 3.5 years to outstanding PhD students within the EU and provide a monthly maintenance stipend of 2,000 Euros and support to attend international scientific conferences.

Further information is on the Boehringer Ingelheim Fonds website.

Funds for Women Graduates offers grants to help women graduates with their living expenses whilst registered for study or research within the UK, typically in the final year.

Applicants can find further information on the Funds for Women Graduates website.

The Institution of Mechanical Engineers offers awards to assist engineers who are intending to undertake research.

For exceptional graduate students from an accredited mechanical engineering degree programme who wish to undertake further research in this discipline, the Institution offers a number of postgraduate Research Scholarships for PhD study.

The Royal Geographical Society provides grants to support existing students in data collection and fieldwork.

Applicants can find further information on the Royal Geographical Society's website.