Postgraduate research scholarships frequently asked questions
Answers to some frequently asked questions (FAQs) about PGR scholarships.
How do I apply for a scholarship?
Please check the information on each scholarship to make sure that the scheme is running for the academic year you wish to apply for, and to find details of how to apply. We recommend that you discuss your research plans with the academic school/supervisor before applying. You will need to apply for admission to the University before applying for a scholarship.
Applications for University of Sheffield Research, Hossein Farmy, China Scholarship Council and ESRC White Rose Doctoral Training Partnership Awards are made via our online application system. Some schools and faculties may also award additional funds through this scheme.
Applications for AHRC White Rose College of Arts and Humanities (WRoCAH) scholarships must be submitted separately via
You must have applied for a place of study in order to submit a scholarship application. Please note that some departments have earlier deadlines for applications onto PhD programmes. Please ensure that you check with your intended department as soon as possible.
You do not have to have a confirmed offer before applying for a scholarship, however, for China Scholarship Council awards, you must have an offer by the scholarship application deadline
I've missed the scholarship application deadline - what can I do?
In order to maintain a fair and transparent process, and ensure that funding is allocated in good time, we cannot accept late applications for these scholarship schemes.
If you have missed the deadline for the main University scholarship applications, we advise you to look into additional funding sources which may have later deadlines. You should also speak to the academic school you've applied to, who may be able to advise you on other sources of funding.
If you have been offered a place at the University, the final option is to consider deferring your entry until the next academic year - you should discuss this with your department/supervisor.
Can I apply for more than one scholarship?
You can apply for any number of scholarships for which you are eligible. It is a good idea to apply for as many scholarships as you can to increase your chances of gaining funding. Some scholarships have restrictions on whether you can hold other awards at the same time, so if you are successful in gaining more than one scholarship, you should check whether you can accept both or need to choose between them.
I am a student from an EU country, which scholarships can I apply for?
Dependent on their settled status, EU citizens could qualify for either Home or Overseas fee status (see the FAQ regarding fee status below). Scholarships information can be found on our Home applicants information and international applicants information pages.
I am an international student, which scholarships can I apply for?
Scholarships available to International students are listed on our international applicants information. You should also check the PhD projects directory, since some projects are open to International applicants.
How do I find out my fee status?
Following the UK’s exit from the European Union, EU and EEA students who start their programme from the 2021/22 academic year onwards, and who do not have settled status, pre-settled status (meeting residency requirements) or indefinite leave to remain in the UK, will be classed as international students and therefore liable for overseas fees.
If you are unsure about your fee status as a UK, EU or overseas student, you should liaise with Admissions as soon as possible in order to verify this so we can consider you for all relevant scholarships. Further information about fee status.
If you are still unsure about your eligibility, please email the Admissions Team at admissions@sheffield.ac.uk for advice.
I want to study part-time, can I apply for a scholarship?
Most scholarships are available for both full- and part-time study, but you should check the details of the scholarship(s) you wish to apply for.
I am a current PhD student at Sheffield, can I apply for a scholarship?
The majority of University and Research Council PhD scholarship schemes are only open to new applicants who have not yet started their PhD. Please check the details of each scholarship scheme - the eligibility criteria will tell you whether you can apply as a current student.
I want to study abroad as part of my PhD, can I apply for a scholarship?
Many students spend time abroad as part of their PhD. Some scholarships include the possibility of additional funding for study visits abroad – please see the information on each scholarship for details.
I am studying at another institution but want to visit the University of Sheffield as part of my studies, can I get any financial support?
If you are at an institution in another country, you may be able to get support from the Â鶹ֱ²¥app Abroad programme. Otherwise, you should speak to your own institution and the school you wish to visit at Sheffield to find out if there is any support available.
Where else can I look for postgraduate funding?
Some sources are listed on this additional postgraduate funding page, and we also recommend that you speak to the academic school you are applying to since they may be able to advise you about other funding opportunities.
When will I find out if I have been successful in gaining a scholarship award?
This varies between the different schemes. We understand that you want and need to know the outcome as soon as possible, and will do our best to make decisions quickly and keep you informed.
How can I contact the PGR scholarships team?
You can email the PGR Scholarships team on pgr-scholarships@sheffield.ac.uk