Cardiff University Scholarships 2027 offer fully funded postgraduate research opportunities for UK and international students. Through UK Research and Innovation (UKRI)-funded studentships, Cardiff University provides opportunities across a wide range of research areas. A typical studentship includes tuition fee support, a tax-free living stipend, and funding for research, training, and professional development. Cardiff University also covers the difference between UK and international tuition fees for successful international UKRI students, making eligible international students fully funded.
This guide explains the Cardiff University Scholarships 2027 eligibility criteria, benefits, application process, deadline, and frequently asked questions for prospective postgraduate researchers.
Cardiff University Scholarships 2027 – Key Details
- Host Country: United Kingdom (UK)
- University: Cardiff University
- Study Level: Postgraduate | PhD
- Eligible Applicants: UK/Home and international students, subject to the eligibility rules of the specific studentship
- Funding Type: Fully Funded
- Annual Stipend: £21,805 minimum UKRI rate for 2026/27
- Tuition Fees: Covered according to the applicable studentship funding
- Research Support: Research, training, conference, and professional development funding may be available
- English Language: Applicants must meet Cardiff University’s applicable English-language requirements
- Application Deadline: October 21, 2026
Note: Cardiff University offers multiple UKRI-funded studentships and doctoral training opportunities, so eligibility, funding amounts, and deadlines can vary by project or research area.
About Cardiff University Scholarships
Cardiff University is a research-intensive university in Wales offering funded postgraduate research opportunities across numerous disciplines. Its UKRI-funded studentships are supported through UKRI’s seven Research Councils and various Doctoral Training Partnerships, Doctoral Training Entities, and other doctoral funding schemes.
Available research areas include subjects across arts and humanities, social sciences, engineering, physical sciences, biological sciences, medicine, environmental sciences, and other research fields.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants should generally:
- Be UK/Home or international students, depending on the specific studentship.
- Hold a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent qualification in a relevant field.
- Meet the applicable UKRI eligibility requirements.
- Meet Cardiff University’s admission and English-language requirements.
- Submit all required documents, such as academic transcripts, supporting statements, research proposals, references, and other requested materials, before the relevant deadline.
International applicants should check the individual studentship because UKRI-funded programmes can have limits on the number of international awards. Cardiff University states that eligible international UKRI students receive support covering the difference between UK and international tuition fees.
Scholarship Benefits
Successful applicants may receive:
- Full tuition fee support at the applicable UK/Home fee level.
- £21,805 annual tax-free stipend based on the UKRI minimum rate for 2026/27.
- Research and training support to help cover eligible research-related expenses.
- Funding for professional development, training, travel, conferences, or other academic activities, depending on the specific studentship.
- For eligible international students, Cardiff University covers the difference between UK and international tuition fees, meaning they are not required to pay the international fee difference.
Required Documents
Depending on the studentship and academic school, applicants may be asked to provide:
- Academic transcripts and certificates
- Curriculum vitae (CV)
- Research proposal, where required
- Personal or supporting statement
- Academic or professional references
- Proof of English-language proficiency, where applicable
- Passport or identification documents
- Any additional documents specified by the individual PhD project
How to Apply for Cardiff University Scholarships 2027
Follow these general steps:
Step 1: Find a Funded PhD Opportunity
Visit Cardiff University’s postgraduate research funding pages and search for available PhD studentships and funded research projects.
Step 2: Check the Eligibility Requirements
Carefully review the academic, residency, nationality, English-language, and research requirements of the specific studentship.
Step 3: Prepare Your Documents
Prepare your CV, academic transcripts, research proposal or supporting statement, references, and any other required documents.
Step 4: Submit Your Application
Apply through the application route specified by the relevant Cardiff University school, Doctoral Training Entity, or funded PhD project.
Step 5: Scholarship Selection
Eligible applications are assessed according to the requirements of the relevant funding scheme and academic department.
Important Information for International Students
Cardiff University confirms that international students can receive UKRI-funded studentships where eligible. The university provides a fee discount to cover the difference between UK and international tuition fees for successful international UKRI students. However, international applicants should check the specific studentship because UKRI-funded schemes can have limits on international places.
Applicants should also budget for costs that may not be covered by the studentship, such as visa-related expenses, healthcare surcharges, and relocation costs, where applicable.
Application Deadline
Deadline: October 21, 2026
Applicants should check the specific PhD project or studentship listing because Cardiff University offers multiple funded research opportunities with different application deadlines.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What are Cardiff University Scholarships 2027?
Cardiff University Scholarships 2027 include a range of funded postgraduate research studentships, including UKRI-supported PhD opportunities. Funding can include tuition fees, a living stipend, and research or training support.
2. Are Cardiff University scholarships fully funded?
Many UKRI-funded studentships are fully funded. Cardiff University states that eligible international UKRI students can have the difference between UK and international tuition fees covered.
3. How much is the Cardiff University PhD stipend?
The UKRI minimum stipend for the 2026/27 academic year is £21,805 per year. Individual studentships may provide additional funding or enhanced support.
4. Can international students apply?
Yes. Cardiff University offers UKRI-funded studentships to eligible international students, although individual schemes may limit the number of international awards.
5. Do I need IELTS for Cardiff University Scholarships?
English-language requirements depend on the programme and applicant. Applicants should check Cardiff University’s specific English-language requirements rather than assuming that IELTS is universally waived.
6. What academic qualification is required?
Applicants generally need an appropriate undergraduate degree or equivalent qualification relevant to the proposed postgraduate research programme. Exact requirements vary by studentship and academic school.
7. What expenses can the research funding cover?
Depending on the studentship, additional funding can support research expenses, training, professional development, travel, conferences, placements, or other eligible academic activities.
8. Where can I find funded PhD opportunities at Cardiff University?
Applicants can search Cardiff University’s official PhD studentships and projects pages for current funded research opportunities and application details.
9. What is the deadline for the 2027 scholarship?
The deadline provided for this opportunity is October 21, 2026. Applicants should also verify the deadline listed on the specific studentship page before applying.
10. Can I apply for more than one Cardiff University PhD studentship?
This depends on the rules of the individual studentships and application routes. Applicants should check each opportunity separately and follow its specific application instructions.
