NorthWest Biosciences

University of Glasgow

Lancaster University 

Queens University Belfast 

University of Strathclyde 

HOW TO APPLY

SELECT A PROJECT

Please look at all available projects and select which one(s) you wish to apply for. Our themes are:

Applicants can apply for up to three projects in different institutions. Only one candidate per research project will be recruited. 

APPLICATION PROCESS

To support fair and efficient processing of applications, we have introduced separate application timelines for international and home candidates.

International applicants can apply from 1 October to 30 November.

Home applicants can apply from 2 November to 4 January.

This change reflects the high volume of international applications we receive and our commitment to ensuring that all applications are fully processed and prepared before they are reviewed. Separate timelines allow us to undertake the additional eligibility and documentation checks often required for international applications, helping to ensure a fair and consistent assessment process for all candidates.

Home and international candidates applying for the NorthWestBio programme, have to complete the online application through the UofG application portal first.

  1. CREATE AN ACCOUNT. All candidates must go on the UofG Admissions portal and create an account. You will be sent an immediate email confirming that you have now set up an account showing user id(email). Please note at this stage there is no application – only a user account.
  2. CREATE AN APPLICATION. At this point you will be sent a notification that you have started a new application. Fill this in (you don't need to do it all in one sitting). When you save the application, you will be able to see the application number (see below highlighted in yellow). This is required for the next part of the application process. 

Screenshot of admissions portal

 

3. RECRUITMENT INFORMATION FORM. Complete our Recruitment Information Form. 

International Candidate Recruitment Information Form

Home Candidate Recruitment Information Form.

It is IMPERATIVE that you complete the correct form and note the application number (above), which is an 8-digit number. Put the application number from your admissions portal application where it asks for 'Application Number'. Please note you cannot save this form therefore it does need to be completed in full. 

PLEASE NOTE, if a Recruitment Information Form is not completed applications will not be progressed to the shortlisting.

If you require any assistance with your application or the application process, the first port of call is northwestbio@glasgow.ac.uk. Where your enquiry is in relation to the admissions system, we may have to refer you to our admissions colleagues. Please take a note of your login information so that you are able to edit your application and upload supporting documentation, some of which is mandatory.

SHORTLISTING

Project supervisory teams will be the primary reviewers at initial shortlisting (which is completely blind as you will see from recruitment forms) and, following initial shortlisting, they will asked to put forward their top choice candidates and reserve candidates. Please note this does not mean supervisors have approval of applying candidates. There is no need to approach supervisors ahead of applying unless you wish to, and we would advise that you do.

Please note that applications will be considered for the programme in general and not for individual projects, with all applicants being in open competition for programme entry. 

If applicants are shortlisted for more than one project, they will be asked to indicate which project they prefer and will then be interviewed for that project.

Applicants meeting eligible criteria should complete the UofG Admissions portal and BBSRC NorthWestBio Recruitment Form

International Candidate Recruitment Information Form

Home Candidate Recruitment Information Form.

Application Timeline for International Candidates - 1st October  - 30th November

Application Timeline for Home Candidates - 2nd November - 4th January (to account for Christmas Holidays). 

Application deadline

The closing date for applications is:

International candidates - 30th November

Home candidates - 4th January

Candidates who are successfully shortlisted will be invited for interview around the end of February 2027. Interviews will take place around mid March 2027.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)

Email northwestbio@glasgow.ac.uk

Application Instructions

APPLICATION PROCESS

When applying for the NorthWestBio programme, all candidates (home and international) have to complete the online application through the UofG application portal first.

  1. CREATE AN ACCOUNT. Candidates much go on the UofG Admissions portal and create an account. You will be sent an immediate email confirming that you have now set up an account showing user id(email). Please note at this stage there is no application – only a user account.
  2. CREATE AN APPLICATION. At this point you will be sent a notification that you have started a new application. Fill this in (you don't need to do it all in one sitting). When you save the application, you will be able to see the application number (see below highlighted in yellow). This is required for the next part of the application process. 

Screenshot of admissions portal

3. RECRUITMENT INFORMATION FORM. Complete our Recruitment Information Form. 

International Candidate Recruitment Information Form

Home Candidate Recruitment Information Form.

It is IMPERATIVE that you complete the correct form and note the application number (above), which is an 8-digit number. Put the application number from your admissions portal application where it asks for 'Application Number'. Please note you cannot save this form therefore it does need to be completed in full. 

PLEASE NOTE, if a Recruitment Information Form is not completed applications will not be progressed to the shortlisting.

If you require any assistance with your application or the application process, the first port of call is northwestbio@glasgow.ac.uk. Where your enquiry is in relation to the admissions system, we may have to refer you to our admissions colleagues.Please take a note of your login information so that you are able to edit your application and upload supporting documentation, some of which is mandatory.

Applicants must meet Eligibility criteria to apply. 

 

 

Eligibility

Applicants must have obtained or be about to obtain a first or upper second class UK honours degree, or the international equivalent in an appropriate area of science.

We are able to accept applications from international students, with international student places making up 30% of our cohort each year.

To be classed as a home student, candidates must meet the following criteria:

  • Be a UK National (meeting residency requirements), or
  • Have settled status, or
  • Have pre-settled status (meeting residency requirements), or
  • Have indefinite leave to remain or enter

All other candidates will be classed as an International student.

All successful candidates (Home or International) will receive full tuition and stipend support. Please note that we are unable to provide supporting costs for visas or International Health Surcharge for any student. If selected, by attending the interview, candidates are confirming that they are able to cover these costs independently. 

Supporting Documentation

When completing the application on the UofG Admissions Portal, you will be asked to complete a full application as well as uploading the following documentation: 

  • CV/Resume
  • Degree certificate (if you have graduated prior to 1 July 2026)
  • Academic transcript
  • Passport (a scan of the photo page)
  • Personal statement. State your motivation for selecting this programme and explain how completion of the programme will aid the development of your career. The statement should include information relating to research projects in which you have been involved, along with any other relevant information you wish to emphasise (previous academic, professional or voluntary experience, projects, placements, etc.). The statement should be no longer than one A4 page. NOTE: if applying to more than one  project, please only submit one statement, outlining your motivation for applying to each project (if applicable).  

You are not required to upload a research proposal for this programme, despite the online application stating this.

  • Details of referee 1 (should be from an academic who has a knowledge of your academic ability from your most recent study/programme)
  • Details of referee 2 (should be from an academic who has a knowledge of your academic ability)

English language proficiency
All non-UK candidates whose first language is not English must provide a certificate of proficiency in the English Language.

University of Glasgow and institutional partners requires a minimum English language proficiency level. Ahead of application, applicants therefore must have achieved a minimum IELTS score of 6.5. You will be asked to upload evidence of this to our admissions portal. Please confirm below that you have sat this test and achieved a minimum score of 6.5. Exceptions to submitting IELTS are: 
  • You are from a majority English speaking country as defined by UK Visa and Immigration OR
  • You have a degree from majority-English speaking country (as defined by the UKVI including Canada if taught in English)
    • Candidates must have studied for a minimum of 2 years at undergraduate level, or 9 months at Master’s level and must have completed their degree in that majority-English speaking country within the last 6 years.
  • Undergraduate 2+2 degrees from majority-English speaking country (as defined above)
    • Candidates must have completed their final two years study in that majority-English speaking country within the last 6 years.

Note: it is only necessary to provide evidence of English language proficiency if you are offered a place on the Programme, in order to meet University of Glasgow matriculation requirements. Evidence of English language proficiency is not required at the point of application. However, we cannot confirm your place without this. 

Funding

The studentship provides funding for tuition fees, a stipend and laboratory expenses for both Home/*International applicants (see Eligibility section).

The BBSRC NWB grant provides tuition fees and stipend of £21,805. Successful candidates with a veterinary degree qualification will receive £30,488.

PLEASE NOTE THAT WE ARE UNABLE TO SUPPORT VISA AND INTERNATIONAL IMMIGRATION SURCHARGE COSTS AS A PROGRAMME OR AS AN INSTITUTION. International applicants must be able to cover these costs independently.

Programme Recruitment Timeline

PROGRAMME TIMELINE

1st October 2026: Recruitment for 2027 International candidates goes live.

2nd November 2026: Recruitment for 2027 HOME candidates goes live.

30th November 2026: Recruitment closes for International Students

4th January 2027: Recruitment closes for HOME Students

Late Feb 2027: Candidates invited for interview

March 2027: Candidates Interviews

Late March/Early April 2027: Confirmation of offers

Application

Apply Here 

Our recruitment window for international candidates is 1st October - 30th November 2026.

Our recruitment window for home candidates is 2nd November- 4th January 2027 (to account for Christmas holidays). 

FAQ's

 

Applicants can apply to projects based at any of our partner sites, but candidates must complete an application on UofG Admissions Portal and NWB Recruitment Form.