Fully Funded Scholarship: WRDTP PhD Studentships for Tanzanian & International Students (2026/27)

Fully Funded Scholarship: WRDTP PhD Studentships for Tanzanian & International Students (2026/27)

Institution: University of Hull (White Rose Doctoral Training Partnership) Degree Level: PhD (Postgraduate Research) Funding Type: Fully Funded (Tuition + Stipend) Target Group: UK & International Students (including Tanzanians) Entry Date: September 2026 Application Deadline: 21 January 2026 (See internal deadlines below)

Scholarship Overview

The University of Hull is proud to offer fully funded PhD opportunities through the prestigious White Rose Doctoral Training Partnership (WRDTP). This scholarship scheme is designed for high-calibre postgraduate researchers in the Social Sciences.

The WRDTP is a collaboration between the Universities of Leeds, Sheffield, York, Bradford, Hull, Manchester Metropolitan, and Sheffield Hallam. By joining this partnership, you will not only receive funding but also benefit from the collaborative training, resources, and expert network of seven leading universities.

For Tanzanian Students: This is an exceptional opportunity for Tanzanian scholars to conduct research in the UK. While the scholarship is competitive, international applicants (including those from Tanzania) are eligible for up to 30% of the total awards granted by the ESRC. This means the highest-achieving candidates have a strong chance of securing funding.

The Opportunity: What is on Offer?

Successful candidates will develop their own research ideas addressing some of society’s most pressing challenges. Your research proposal must align with one of the WRDTP’s seven interdisciplinary themed pathways.

Benefits include:

• Full Tuition Fees: Complete coverage of academic fees for the duration of the PhD.

• Living Stipend: A tax-free maintenance grant (stipend) to cover living costs in the UK.

• Research Support: Access to a Research Training Support Grant (RTSG) for conferences, fieldwork, and other research expenses.

• Focus: The support provided allows you to focus fully on your research without the burden of financial stress.

Eligible Schools and Disciplines

To apply, you must identify a supervisor and a research topic within one of the participating disciplines at the University of Hull:

1. Hull University Business School: (Business, Management, Economics).

2. School of Arts and Humanities: (History).

3. School of Environmental and Life Sciences: (Human Geography).

4. School of Criminology, Politics and Law: (Criminology).

5. School of Education: (Education Studies).

6. School of Psychology and Social Work: (Psychology and Social Work).

Eligibility Criteria

To be considered for a WRDTP award, applicants must meet strict academic and administrative criteria:

1. Academic Excellence:

• Applicants must hold a First-Class or Upper Second-Class (2:1) Honours degree from a recognized UK institution or an international equivalent (such as a high GPA Bachelor’s degree from a Tanzanian university).

• In most cases, applicants will also hold a Master’s degree or demonstrate equivalent professional research experience.

• Note: If applying without an undergraduate degree, you must demonstrate at least one year of full-time postgraduate study.

2. Nomination Requirement:

• Applicants do not apply directly to the WRDTP. Instead, you must be nominated by the University of Hull.

• This means you must first secure a supervisor and a place at the university before being put forward for the funding.

3. International Quota:

• The Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) limits international awards to 30% of the total cohort. Therefore, the selection process for international candidates is highly competitive. You should speak to your potential supervisor about the specific selection process for international applicants in their department.

4. Current Students:

• Current PhD students at the University of Hull are eligible to apply only if they are in their first year of full-time study (or part-time equivalent). Funding cannot be used for students entering their third year.

How to Apply: A Step-by-Step Guide

Critical Warning: Applications without a confirmed supervisor attached will be rejected. You cannot apply for this scholarship without first discussing your project with a Hull academic.

Step 1: Develop Your Proposal & Find a Supervisor Once you have a draft research proposal and know which WRDTP Interdisciplinary Pathway your project aligns with, you must identify a supervisor at the University of Hull.

• Contact: Reach out to the relevant academic area directly or email whiterosedtp@hull.ac.uk for assistance in finding a supervisor.

Step 2: Submit Your University Application Submit a standard application for a PhD (Full-time or Part-time) at the University of Hull via the admissions portal.

• Note: Even if you want the scholarship, you must apply for the PhD place first.

Step 3: Submit the Scholarship Form Upload your completed WRDTP Scholarship Application Form via the admissions portal as part of your application.

Crucial Deadlines

Final Deadline: 17:00 on 21 January 2026. (Late applications will strictly not be accepted).

Internal Department Deadlines (Must Read): Many departments require you to submit your application before the final January date to allow time for the nomination process. You must adhere to these dates:

• History, Criminology, Education: Deadline is 8 December 2025.

• Business School: Deadline is 15 December 2025.

• Other Departments: Ensure you apply well before January 21st to allow your supervisor time to write your support statement.

CLICK HERE TO VISIT THE OFFICIAL SCHOLARSHIP PAGE