If you are passionate about cardiovascular science and want your PhD to make a real-world impact, the PhD studentships at the University of Leicester 2026 offer a powerful starting point. Hosted within the British Heart Foundation (BHF) Centre of Research Excellence, these funded PhD opportunities are designed for researchers who want to contribute to discoveries that improve prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of heart disease.

From day one, you become part of an interdisciplinary research environment focused on translating science into better health outcomes. With world-class supervision, structured training, and strong professional networks, this studentship is built to nurture the next generation of cardiovascular researchers.

What This Opportunity Really Offers You

This PhD is built around academic depth, structured training, and long-term research value. You receive funding for 3.5 years, including full UK tuition fees and a UKRI-rate stipend of £20,780 per year (2025/26 rate, with the 2026/27 rate to be confirmed). Beyond funding, you gain access to expert supervision, specialist training, and collaborative research networks within the BHF Centre. You work across discovery science, clinical interventions, and population research, allowing your PhD to remain closely connected to patient outcomes and healthcare impact throughout your studies.

Who Can Apply for University of Leicester PhD Studentships 2026

You can apply if you are a UK or international student with a strong academic background in a relevant discipline. You should hold, or expect to obtain, a UK bachelor’s degree with at least a 2:1 classification, or an equivalent overseas qualification. If you are applying from outside the UK, you must be able to cover the difference between UK and international tuition fees, along with visa, travel, and healthcare costs. You must also meet the university’s English language requirements where applicable. Academic potential and alignment with cardiovascular research themes are key selection factors.

How to Apply for Leicester University PhD Studentships 2026

The application process of Leicester University PhD Studentships 2026 is focused and student-friendly. You apply directly through the University of Leicester’s online PhD application system, selecting a September 2026 start date. A full research proposal is not required. Instead, you submit a CV, a personal statement explaining your academic interests and motivation, degree certificates and transcripts, proof of English language proficiency if required, and contact details for two academic referees. During the application, you must select the BHF Centre of Research Excellence studentship and indicate your preferred project title and supervisors.

Key Details at a Glance

Detail	Information
Program Name	BHF PhD Studentships
Host Institution	University of Leicester
Department	Cardiovascular Sciences
Degree Level	PhD
Funding Duration	3.5 years
Stipend	£20,780 per year (2025/26 rate)
Eligibility	UK & International
Application Deadline	15 February 2026
Start Date	21 September 2026
Study Location	United Kingdom

Only two PhD studentships are available, making competition strong. If your goal is to pursue impactful cardiovascular research within a leading UK research centre, the PhD studentships at the University of Leicester 2026 deserve your attention. Prepare your application carefully and apply before 15 February 2026 to take the next step toward a meaningful research career.

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