Diabetes UK PhD Studentships

Diabetes UK PhD Studentships

Funds United Kingdom doctoral candidates through diabetes-focused PhD studentships for translational science careers.

Diabetes UK PhD Studentships are a competitive funding scheme run by the British Diabetic Association (registered charity no. 215199, England and Wales) to train the next generation of diabetes researchers at UK universities and NHS Trusts. The programme funds two to three three-year studentships per cycle — a success rate of approximately 11% — covering all areas of diabetes science. Applications open in the week of 20 April 2026, with a submission deadline of 4 August 2026; funding decisions are made in November 2026 and positions begin in the 2027 academic year.

The award structure is generous: an annual stipend of £22,437 to £25,205 (set by UKRI London and non-London bands for 2026), a £10,000 annual research allowance, conference support of up to £2,500 across the full three years, and training costs of up to £1,500. Applicants must be potential supervisors, not students — both lead and co-supervisor must hold tenured or guaranteed positions at the same UK institution. Candidates with medical degrees are directed to a separate scheme; this programme specifically targets science graduates. One application per supervisor per round is permitted.

Panel assessment focuses on the scientific quality of the proposed project, its relevance to diabetes, the supervisor's track record in PhD training, and the suitability of the project for a doctoral programme; there is no external peer review. Supervisors who win the award then recruit their student, who is not named in the application. The online grants management system on the Diabetes UK website is the submission channel, and applicants are advised to review the funder's grant writing tips and general guidelines before applying.