The Durham University PhD Scholarship 2026, officially known as the 60th Anniversary Doctoral Excellence PhD Studentships, is now open for outstanding students who want to pursue a fully funded PhD in business-related disciplines. If you are aiming for high-quality doctoral training in the UK at a globally respected institution, this scholarship offers an exceptional pathway to academic and professional excellence.

Offered by Durham University Business School, the Durham University PhD Scholarship 2026 supports full-time PhD and Integrated PhD (IPhD) studies across Accounting, Economics, Finance, and Management & Marketing. With full funding, expert supervision, and access to world-leading research centres, this opportunity is designed for students who want to make a meaningful research contribution while studying in an internationally competitive environment.

What the Durham University PhD Scholarship 2026 Offers

The Durham University PhD Scholarship 2026 is designed to give you complete financial and academic support so you can concentrate fully on your doctoral research without financial pressure. Offered to mark Durham University Business School’s 60th anniversary, these funded studentships reflect the university’s commitment to developing future research leaders.

Through this scholarship, your full tuition fees are covered regardless of whether you are a UK or international student, and you receive an annual stipend in line with UKRI rates, currently £20,780 per year, for the full duration of your PhD or Integrated PhD programme. You also benefit from access to advanced research training, doctoral development workshops, and opportunities to participate in seminars, conferences, and research centre activities—making the Durham University PhD Scholarship 2026 one of the most competitive funded doctoral opportunities in the UK.

Who Can Apply for Durham University PhD Scholarship 2026

This scholarship is open to high-achieving applicants from all nationalities, including both UK and international candidates, who meet Durham University’s academic and language standards. To be eligible, you should hold a Bachelor’s degree with at least a UK Upper Second Class (2:1) or equivalent from a recognised institution, or alternatively, a Master’s degree with a minimum overall score of 60 percent and a dissertation mark of at least 65 percent.

You are also expected to demonstrate basic research skills and prior training in research methods, as the programme is designed for candidates ready to engage in rigorous doctoral research. If English is not your first language, you must meet Durham’s language requirements, typically:

• an IELTS overall score of 7.0 with no component below 6.5, OR
• a Pearson Test of English score of 70 overall with no section below 62.

All English language test results must be valid within two years of the programme start date, ensuring you are fully prepared for academic study at Durham University Business School. The university supports research in Accounting, Economics, Finance, Management and Marketing.

How to Apply for Durham University PhD Scholarship 2026

To apply for the Durham University PhD Scholarship, you should start early. This is crucial when you shape your research idea and reach out to potential supervisors. Begin by identifying a research topic that aligns with Durham University Business School’s expertise. You then contact suitable supervisors to discuss your proposal and academic fit.

Once your direction is clear, prepare a research proposal of up to 2,000 words, along with a two-page CV, official academic transcripts, and two academic or professional references. You must then complete the University Postgraduate Application Form and submit your full application directly to the relevant department:

• Accounting: [email protected]
• Economics: [email protected]
• Finance: [email protected]
• Management & Marketing: [email protected]

Key Details at a Glance 

Item	Details
Scholarship Name	Durham University PhD Scholarship 2026
Studentship Title	60th Anniversary Doctoral Excellence PhD Studentships
Study Mode	Full-time
Fields of Study	Accounting, Economics, Finance, Management & Marketing
Funding Type	Fully funded
Stipend	£20,780 per year (UKRI rate, subject to update)
Eligible Nationalities	All nationalities
Application Deadline	15 February 2026 (23:59 UK time)
Offer Notification	May 2026
Programme Start Date	October 2026
Location	Durham, United Kingdom

If you are serious about pursuing a fully funded PhD in business disciplines at a globally ranked UK university, do not miss the Durham University PhD Scholarship 2026. Start contacting supervisors early and prepare a strong research proposal to maximize your chances of success. APPLY NOW.

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