South East Doctoral Training Arc Scholarship 2026

SEDarc is pleased to offer funding for up to 39 doctoral studentships, supporting postgraduate researchers in undertaking impactful doctoral research and training. Of these, three studentships are ring-fenced for applicants who meet our widening participation criteria, as part of our commitment to equity and inclusion. Further information regarding these Ring Fenced studentships can be found on our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion page.

The world-class research and training environments of our partner institutions are enhanced by the partnership’s strategic relations with non-HEI partner organisations.

SEDarc’s vision is to offer a transformative social science training experience that combines leading- edge research skills training, high-quality placements for all, and an individual research project based in one of five interdisciplinary, challenge-led pathways. These include:

• Living Sustainably
• Healthy Thriving Communities
• Inclusive Economic Growth
• Secure, Effective, & Trusted Institutions
• Transformative Technologies for Society

• Table of Content
• About South East Doctoral Training Arc
• South East Doctoral Training Arc Scholarship
• Aim and Benefits of South East Doctoral Training Arc Scholarship
• Requirements for South East Doctoral Training Arc Scholarship Qualification
• Application Deadline
• How to Apply

About South East Doctoral Training Arc

South East Doctoral Training Arc Scholarship

Aim and Benefits of South East Doctoral Training Arc Scholarship

• The standard SEDarc PhD is 3.5 years full-time including a 3-month placement (or part-time equivalent). Students who do not already possess a Master’s degree in the social sciences may also be eligible for funding to undertake an approved Masters course in the SEDarc consortium (see website for details).

• Awards cover UK tuition fees and provide a stipend at the UKRI home rate on a full-time and part-time basis. The UKRI has not yet announced the fees and stipend for 2026/27, but for the academic year of 2025/26 the UK fees are £5,006 and the stipend is £20,780 (£22,780 if London weighting applies). The balance between home and international tuition fees will be paid by the SEDarc institutions for successful overseas applicants. 

Requirements for South East Doctoral Training Arc Scholarship Qualification

• These PhDs are open to UK and international students and consist of UK home fees and stipend awards.

Check also:
Tony Elumelu Foundation African Entrepreneurship Programme 2026

Application Deadline

How to Apply

• Students must be nominated by one of the six SEDarc institutions to apply to the doctoral programme. Please contact one of our Administrators at the SEDarc institution of your choice as each institution has a different deadline and process for the institutional stage of the application process. The deadline for applications to SEDarc is 30 January 2026 at 16:00 (GMT).

If you have any queries about applying for a studentship award, please contact the administrator at your chosen SEDarc university in the first instance:

• Kingston University
• Royal Holloway, University of London
• University of Kent
• University of Reading
• University of Surrey
• University of Sussex

For more information, kindly visit SEDarc webpage.