2026 University of Edinburgh Cyber Security Scholarship (Fully Funded)

The increasing reliance of systems and services on information technology in the public, private and third sector has significantly raised the impact of cyber attacks in the last two decades.

This PhD programme in Cyber Security, Privacy and Trust is a response to the growing need for highly specialized research and training in these topics. Cyber security and resiliency is a complex problem that requires designing and understanding underlying technologies but also how business processes, cost, usability, trust and the law play a role for effective technology deployment.

The aim of this PhD programme is to provide students with research training in specialised topics of security, privacy and trust, helping produce the next generation of world-leading experts of the field.

Programme structure

The PhD in Cyber Security, Privacy and Trust trains you as a researcher and allows you to develop advanced techniques and in-depth knowledge in a specialist area. You will develop an all-round knowledge of your discipline and a broad range of transferable skills.

You will carry out independent research, resulting in an original contribution to knowledge in your chosen area, working under the guidance of your supervisors.

The prescribed period of study is 36 months if studying full-time, or between 48 and 72 months if studying part-time.

Year 1 of PhD studies is probationary. Your supervisor will identify your training needs, if any, and invite you to attend lectures relevant to your research topic. These lectures may be selected from those offered to MSc students or may be specialist courses and seminars organised by the School's various research groupings.

Towards the end of Year 1, you will be expected to submit a thesis proposal which:

• identifies a specific research topic
• reviews the relevant literature
• outlines a plan of research to address the topic
• describes progress made so far

Progress during your PhD is assessed by annual reviews, which formally determine whether you can progress with your PhD. You will be required to complete and pass a PhD annual review at the end of each year of study, and we expect you to submit your thesis at the end of Year 3. Following thesis submission, you will be required to attend an oral examination (or viva) which will be conducted by an external and internal examiner.

• Table of Content
• About University of Edinburgh
• University of Edinburgh Cyber Security Scholarship
• Aim and Benefits of University of Edinburgh Cyber Security Scholarship
• University of Edinburgh Cyber Security Scholarship Courses
• Requirements for University of Edinburgh Cyber Security Scholarship Qualification
• Documents Required for Application
• Application Deadline
• How to Apply

About University of Edinburgh

From Nobel laureates and Olympic champions to space explorers and prime ministers, the University of Edinburgh has been influencing history since it opened the gates to its first students in 1583. Following the Scottish Enlightenment of the 18th century, the University was positioned at the forefront of academia and critical thinking. Due to the determination and perseverance of a group of Edinburgh intellectuals, established facts about the world were being boldly and consistently challenged. Amid this group was David Hume, philosopher, economist and essayist known for his philosophi... continue reading

University of Edinburgh Cyber Security Scholarship

Aim and Benefits of University of Edinburgh Cyber Security Scholarship

Full scholarships to cover their tuition fees,accommodation and living costs.

University of Edinburgh Cyber Security Scholarship Courses

• Cybersecurity

Requirements for University of Edinburgh Cyber Security Scholarship Qualification

• A UK 2:1 honours degree, or its international equivalent, in computer science, mathematics, linguistics, or a related discipline.
• A Masters degree or equivalent, in information security, cyber security or a closely related discipline is recommended.
• You must prove that your English language abilities are at a high enough level to study this degree programme. This is the case for all applicants, including UK nationals.

You can meet the English language requirements with one of the following:

• an English language test
• a degree that was taught and assessed in English
• certain professional qualifications

Documents Required for Application

As part of your online application, you will need to provide: 

• a personal statement
• relevant knowledge/training skills
• the name of a proposed supervisor

You will also need to upload the following documents:

• a Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• a research proposal (three to five pages long, unless a specific project provides different guidelines)
• degree certificates and official transcripts for all completed and in-progress degrees (plus certified translations if academic documents are not issued in English)
• contact details for two academic references

Check also:
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Application Deadline

How to Apply

• There is no fee to apply to this programme.
• Before applying, make sure you identify either an advertised project or a supervisor. This is a prerequisite, and we are unlikely to consider applications submitted speculatively with neither of these elements.

Finding a supervisor

Project-related studentships

You must submit an application through the EUCLID application portal and provide the required information and documentation.

We only progress complete applications to the academic selection stage.

FAQs for postgraduate research applicants

For more details, visit University of Edinburgh Scholarship webpage