Loughborough University Sanctuary PhD Scholarships

Type: Scholarship

Organization: Loughborough University

Countries: united kingdom (UK)

Degree levels: PhD

Funding:

1. Full tuition fee coverage

   The scholarship covers 100% of tuition fees for the duration of the award. This removes one of the biggest financial barriers to undertaking a PhD at a UK university.

2. Annual stipend

   Scholars will receive a stipend set at the recommended UKRI rate of £21,805 per year.

3. Three years of support for full-time PhD study

   The award is available for a period of three years for full-time PhD study.

4. Annual stipend uplifts

   The stipend is subject to annual uplifts, meaning the amount may increase in line with relevant updates.

5. Part-time study may be considered

   Applicants who wish to study part-time in the UK may also be considered, but specific conditions apply.

6. University-funded scholarship

   The scholarships are funded through Loughborough University funds.

Eligibility:

Applicants must:

1. Hold an offer for a PhD programme at Loughborough University

   Applicants must already have received an offer of study for a postgraduate research programme at Loughborough University. This offer may be either:

   • Conditional
   • Unconditional

   Scholarship applications will not be considered unless the applicant is holding an offer at the time of submitting the scholarship application.

2. Apply for a postgraduate research programme first

   Applicants cannot apply for the scholarship before applying for and receiving an offer from Loughborough University. The scholarship application must come after the PhD offer has been issued.

3. Show evidence of exceptional academic achievement

   Applicants must demonstrate strong academic ability. However, the University considers academic achievement in relation to the applicant’s circumstances. This is important because many at-risk scholars may have experienced serious disruption to their education.

   The University is not only looking at achievement in ideal conditions. It is also considering achievement relative to the barriers, instability, or disruption the applicant has faced.

4. Be considered an at-risk scholar

   The scholarship is designed specifically for people whose safety, education, or life chances have been affected by conflict, persecution, displacement, or similar circumstances.

Deadline: June 22, 2026

Notes:

Although this is a highly supportive scholarship, applicants should note that it does not cover every possible cost connected to study in the UK.

The scholarship does not cover:

• Travel costs
• Visa application costs
• Other related relocation costs, where required

Students are expected to fund their own travel and visa costs through other sources.

This is an important point for applicants to consider before applying, especially those who are currently outside the UK and may need to relocate in order to begin their PhD studies.

Entry Dates for the Scholarship

The Sanctuary PhD Scholarships are available for entry in:

• October 2026
• February 2027
• July 2027

Applicants should ensure that their PhD offer from Loughborough University aligns with one of these available entry points.

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