Liverpool John Moores University Vice-Chancellor PhD Scholarships 2026

The Vice-Chancellor and the University Research and Knowledge Exchange Committee have endorsed the 2026 version of the programme. Now in its 11th year and we invite applications from exceptional students with high-quality projects and supervisors to apply.

LJMU has a reputation for delivering pioneering research that is extending our knowledge and understanding across a diverse range of areas from neuroscience to engineering and public health to criminology. We strongly encourage multidisciplinary research and actively support collaboration with institutions across the world.

As we continue to develop our research and knowledge exchange culture, the recruitment of high-quality PhD students is an important part of the LJMU Strategy 2030. The competition continues to be a highly successful programme supporting excellent students in both our faculties.

A maximum of 20 studentships will be on offer this year.

Summary

1. Application Deadline: 30 January 2026
2. Value: Full tuition (FT/PT), £20,780 stipend (FT), £1,600 annual bench fee
3. Study Level: PhD
4. Sponsor: Liverpool John Moores University (LJMU)
5. Eligible Country: All Countries

Eligibility Criteria for Liverpool John Moores University Vice-Chancellor PhD Scholarships 2026

All applications

In this VC PhD Scholarships 2026 round, LJMU will accept applications from both UK and non-UK citizens (home and international fee status) and applications for full-time (course and bench fees plus stipend) as well as part-time (course and bench fees only) scholarships from those who meet the relevant academic requirements to study at the PhD level.

Students

1. Students currently enrolled on Master’s programmes (Taught or Research M-level awards) must have completed their course prior to the enrolment onto the PhD at LJMU in August/September 2026.
2. Students already enrolled on an LJMU PhD (or any other level 8 programme of study) are not eligible to apply.
3. This specific scholarship programme does not support Professional Doctorates or any other non-PhD level 8 registrations.

Supervisors

1. Lead supervisors must be permanent staff at Lecturer/Senior Lecturer status or above.
2. Postdoctoral Researchers or Research Assistants are not eligible to be Lead Supervisors on this scheme, but they may be included in supervisory teams.
3. Academic staff can be a supervisor to more than one studentship applicant but must be the nominated Lead Supervisor to only one applicant.

Benefits of Liverpool John Moores University Vice-Chancellor PhD Scholarships 2026

Full-time (3 years)

1. Annual fees fully paid.
2. Bench fee – for running costs (£1,600 per annum).
3. An annual stipend £20,780 per annum (from October 2025) paid in monthly instalments.
4. Coaching, mentoring, support and advocacy.
5. Enhanced training and skills development from LJMU’s Researcher Development Programme (including the “Brilliant Club” scholars programme).

Part-time (6 years)

1. Fees only paid.
2. Coaching, mentoring, support and advocacy.
3. Enhanced training and skills development from LJMU’s Researcher Development Programme (including the “Brilliant Club” scholars programme).

How to Apply

For more information, visit LJMU Scholarship webpage

Application Deadline

January 30, 2026

Application Link(s)

• Apply for Liverpool John Moores University Vice-Chancellor PhD Scholarships 2026