AHRC Doctoral Scholarship Awards 2026 for International Students at the University of Kent (Doctoral Stipend of £20,780)

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AHRC Doctoral Awards (Arts and Humanities Research Council) scholarships include a doctoral stipend (equivalent to the Research Councils UK National Minimum Doctoral Stipend of £20,780). Tuition fees at the home rate, plus access to further research funding upon application. If you are applying as an international candidate, Kent will waive the difference between home and international fees. 

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When is the Application Deadline:

23:59 GMT, Monday 16 February 2026

Tell Me About The Award:

The AHRC Doctoral Awards (Arts and Humanities Research Council) are prestigious, fully funded PhD studentships offered under the UKRI framework. From 2026–2028, three doctoral researchers will be funded each year at the University of Kent is supported by a training hub of 11 leading universities across the South East and South West of England.

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The award supports full-time and part-time PhD study, offers world-class supervision, professional development, and interdisciplinary collaboration, and ensures researchers can complete their PhD within the funded period.

Which Fields are Eligible?

Eligible PhD disciplines at the University of Kent include:

  • School of Arts and Architecture
  • School of Humanities
  • Kent Law School
  • School of Politics and International Relations

Type:
Fully Funded PhD Studentship (UKRI/AHRC Doctoral Landscape Award)

Who can Apply?

You are eligible if you:

  • Hold a good honours degree (First-class or Upper Second-class)
  • Have equivalent international qualifications (acceptable by Kent)
  • Have not already started a PhD
  • Are applying for a PhD in an eligible discipline
  • Meet academic and experience requirements suitable for doctoral research

Home Status Requirements (must meet one):

  • UK National
  • Settled Status
  • Pre-settled Status
  • Indefinite Leave to Remain/Enter

International Applicants:

  • Fully eligible
  • Up to one-third of awards each year available to overseas candidates
  • Kent automatically waives the international fee difference, so you pay no extra fees

How are Applicants Selected?

Selection is based on:

  • Academic excellence
  • Quality and feasibility of the PhD research proposal
  • Strength of supervisor support
  • Potential for doctoral success
  • Eligibility according to AHRC/UKRI rules

Only complete applications (PhD + Award form) submitted before the deadline are considered.

Which Countries Are Eligible?
All countries are eligible.
(Home candidates prioritized, but international applicants strongly encouraged.)

Where will the Award be Taken?
University of Kent, United Kingdom
(With collaboration across 11 AHRC training hub universities.)

How Many Awards?
Three (3) scholarships per year from 2026–2028.

What is the Benefit of the Award?

  • £20,780 annual doctoral stipend (UKRI minimum)
  • Full tuition fees at Home rate
  • International fee-difference waived by University of Kent
  • Access to additional research funding pools
  • Funding for 3.5 years, extendable to 4 years for placements or skill development
  • High-level training, cross-institution collaboration, and professional development
  • Full-time and part-time options available

How Long Will the Award Last?

  • 3.5 years (Full-time)
  • Up to 4 years with placement or additional training
  • Part-time equivalent available

How to Apply:

To be considered, applicants must complete all steps by 16 February 2026:

Step 1:
Apply for a PhD at the University of Kent in an eligible discipline.
(If you already have a deferred offer, skip to Step 2.)

Step 2:
Download and complete the Kent AHRC Landscape Award Application Form with your prospective supervisor.
Supervisor must complete the “support and statement” section.

Step 3:
Submit your completed AHRC Award Application by emailing:
📩 kentgrc@kent.ac.uk

Email must include:

  • Completed application form
  • Full Name
  • KentVision Applicant ID (generated after you submit your PhD application)

Visit the Award Webpage for Details: https://www.kent.ac.uk/scholarships/search/FNADAHRC0002

Author

  • Okechukwu Liberty is a Mass Communication graduate and a dedicated content writer for AfterSchoolAfrica. He holds certifications in UK Agent and Counselling, and Ethical Business Practices in International Student Recruitment, equipping him with the expertise to guide students in their academic pursuits abroad.

    He specializes in researching and curating scholarship and empowerment opportunities for students aspiring to study abroad.

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