Here is an urgent opportunity for aspiring doctoral researchers in the UK and worldwide. Brunel University of London is currently recruiting 8 fully funded PhD students through its prestigious EPSRC Doctoral Landscape Award (DLA) programme, with a start date of 1 October 2026.
This is a rare chance to pursue cutting-edge research in engineering, sciences, and technology at one of London’s leading research universities — with full financial support including a competitive annual stipend and tuition fee coverage. The deadline is 30 April 2026, so time is short.
🎓 Scholarship Overview
The EPSRC Doctoral Landscape Award (DLA) is a prestigious doctoral funding scheme supported by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) — one of the UK’s most important government research funding bodies under UKRI. The award enables universities like Brunel to recruit and fully fund talented PhD researchers across core science, engineering, and technology disciplines.
Brunel University of London is offering 8 doctoral researcher positions under this scheme for October 2026 entry. These are not just scholarships — they are full doctoral employment-equivalent positions with a competitive stipend, fee coverage, and access to world-class research supervision and facilities in West London.
A limited number of places — up to 30% of the total intake — are available specifically for international applicants, including EU students. This means approximately 2–3 of the 8 positions are open to international candidates.
🎓 Benefits & Funding
Each fully funded EPSRC DLA PhD studentship at Brunel University includes:
- Annual stipend of approximately £23,805 — includes Inner London weighting, giving students extra support for the higher cost of living in London
- Full Home tuition fees covered for the entire duration of the programme
- Duration: 42 months (3.5 years) — giving students ample time to complete high-quality doctoral research
- Access to Brunel’s world-class research facilities, laboratories, and computing resources
- Expert supervisory support from leading academics in your chosen research area
- Membership of a vibrant doctoral research community in London
- Access to professional development workshops and researcher training programmes
- Networking opportunities with industry partners and the wider UK research community
Note: International students should be aware that the studentship covers Home tuition fees only. International fee-rate students may need to cover the difference between Home and International fees from other sources — confirm this with Brunel before applying.
🎓 Eligible Research Areas
All PhD projects must fall within the EPSRC remit areas. Brunel is accepting applications in the following disciplines:
- Chemistry
- Engineering (all branches including mechanical, civil, electrical, biomedical)
- ICT (Information and Communications Technology, computer science, AI, data science)
- Materials Science
- Mathematical Sciences
- Physics
Students are expected to propose their own research project within one of these areas, in collaboration with a Brunel academic supervisor.
🎓 Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for these studentships, applicants must meet the following requirements:
Academic Requirements:
- A First Class (1st) or Upper Second Class (2:1) Honours degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Design, Mathematics, Physics, Economics, or a closely related discipline
- A Master’s degree is desirable but not mandatory — strong undergraduate candidates are welcome to apply
- Evidence of relevant research skills and strong communication ability
- Ability to work both independently and as part of a team
For International Applicants:
- International and EU students are eligible — up to 30% of places reserved
- English language proficiency is required. Brunel University typically requires IELTS 6.5 overall (with no band below 6.0) or equivalent TOEFL/PTE scores for non-native English speakers
- UK visa (Student Route) requirements must be met before enrolment
🎓 Who Should Apply
This studentship is ideal for:
- UK-based graduates with a strong degree in engineering, sciences, maths, or computing looking for a fully funded London PhD
- International students with excellent academic records seeking a funded doctoral position at a London university
- Graduates who have a clear research idea within the EPSRC remit areas and want to develop it into a full PhD project
- Students who want to work in applied research with real-world impact in technology, materials, engineering, or mathematical sciences
- Recent graduates or professionals with relevant industry experience who want to transition into doctoral research
Who should NOT apply:
- Applicants from fields outside the EPSRC remit (e.g. humanities, social sciences, business, law, medicine)
- Students without a minimum 2:1 degree or equivalent
- Those unable to start on 1 October 2026 — the start date is fixed
🎓 Required Documents
Submit all the following as one combined PDF file to studentships@brunel.ac.uk:
- Completed application form — available via the Microsoft Forms link on the official page
- 1,200-word research proposal — including references, outlining your proposed PhD project within the EPSRC remit
- CV — detailing your academic background, skills, and relevant experience
- Degree certificates and transcripts — for both Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees (if applicable)
- English language qualification — IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE certificate (for international applicants if applicable)
- Completed Equal Opportunities form — available via a separate Microsoft Forms link
- Contact details for two referees — at least one must be an academic referee
All documents must be combined into a single PDF file before emailing. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
🎓 Application Process
Follow these steps to apply:
- Identify your research area — confirm it falls within an EPSRC remit discipline
- Contact a potential supervisor at Brunel — reaching out to an academic in your area before applying is strongly recommended
- Write your 1,200-word research proposal — clearly outlining your research question, methodology, and expected contribution
- Complete the application form online via Microsoft Forms
- Compile all documents into one PDF file
- Email your application to: studentships@brunel.ac.uk
- Shortlisted candidates will be invited for interviews in May 2026
- Successful applicants will be notified and confirmed for October 2026 entry
🎓 Important Dates
| Event | Date |
| Application Deadline | 30 April 2026 |
| Interviews | May 2026 |
| PhD Start Date | 1 October 2026 |
| Duration | 42 months (3.5 years) |
The deadline is 30 April 2026 — that is very soon. Start preparing your research proposal now.
🎓 Why Apply / Why Study at Brunel University London
Brunel University of London is a public research university based in Uxbridge, West London, with an outstanding reputation for applied research and industry partnerships. Here is why it stands out:
- Ranked in the top 350 universities worldwide — consistently strong in engineering and applied sciences
- Located in London — one of the world’s greatest cities for career opportunities, networking, and international connections
- Excellent industry collaboration — Brunel has strong links with major companies in engineering, technology, and manufacturing
- Part of the University of London network — connecting students to a vast academic community
- Strong track record in EPSRC and UKRI-funded research — meaning excellent resources and support for doctoral students
- A diverse and international campus community welcoming students from over 100 countries
- The Inner London stipend weighting (included in the £23,805) acknowledges the higher cost of living in London and provides meaningful financial support
🎓 Official Source
For full details, the application form, and to submit your application:
👉 Brunel University EPSRC DLA PhD Studentships 2026 – Official Page
👉 Email Application To: studentships@brunel.ac.uk
👉 Browse All Brunel PhD Studentships
🎓 Scholarship Summary
| Detail | Information |
| University | Brunel University of London |
| Country | United Kingdom 🇬🇧 |
| Programme | EPSRC Doctoral Landscape Award (DLA) |
| Number of Places | 8 (up to 30% for international students) |
| Stipend | ~£23,805/year (incl. London weighting) |
| Fees | Full Home tuition fees covered |
| Duration | 42 months (3.5 years) |
| Fields | Chemistry, Engineering, ICT, Materials, Maths, Physics |
| Open To | UK, EU & International Students |
| English Required | Yes — IELTS 6.5 or equivalent |
| Deadline | 30 April 2026 |
| Start Date | 1 October 2026 |
Explore more fully funded PhD scholarships in the UK at https://gradualin.com/category/scholarships/
Related reads on Gradualin:
- University of Brighton Funded PhD Programmes 2026 UK
- How to Write a Research Proposal for PhD Applications
- All Fully Funded UK Scholarships 2026
For a complete list of all fully funded PhD scholarships in the UK, visit our guide: Fully Funded PhD Scholarships UK 2026
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