The 2025 Student-led Open Competition closed for applications on 24 November 2025.  When the competion opens again in 2026 information will be shared on this page.

If you have submitted an application to the SGSSS student-led open competition please await the outcome of your application before applying for a PhD at Glasgow and you must have secured an unconditional offer by the time the studentship will start in October 2026.

Although the competition is now closed, you can find information about the application process for the Student-led Open Competition, for ESRC-funded PhD studentships below.

ESRC Funded Studentships - How To Apply

Step 1 >>>>>

Find a supervisor

Step 2 >>>>>

Check if you qualify for Home or International tuition fees

Step 3 >>>>>

Read application guidance and apply

Scholarship financial support

  • Annual stipend at UKRI rates - in the region of £20,780 for the year 2025 to 2026.
  • Full tuition fee waiver
  • Access to a Research Training Support Grant of £940

SGSSS New Logo 2015 - Thistle

Key Dates and Deadlines

Key dates for the 2025 competition are given below:

  • 12:00pm, 10 September 2025 - SGSSS Apply opens for applications.
  • 12:00pm - 1300pm, 30 September 2025 - SGSSS to hold online webinar for applicants, Starting Your Journey Towards a PhD: First Steps in the Application Process
  • 12:00pm - 1300pm, 7 November 2025 - SGSSS to hold online drop-in session for applicants with questions
  • 17:00pm, 24 November 2025 - Deadline for applicants to upload Stage 1 application documentation onto SGSSS Apply.
  • 17:00pm, 24 November 2025 - Deadline for referees to upload references onto SGSSS Apply.
  • 26 December 2025 – 16 February 2026 - HEI review stage during which successful applicants will be invited to submit their Supervisor Statement of Support and Disciplinary Statement templates.
  • 17:00pm, 19 February 2026 - Deadline to upload Supervisor Statement of Support and Disciplinary Statement templates onto SGSSS Apply.
  • 17:00pm, 9 April 2026 - SGSSS advise candidates the outcome of the Challenge Pathway Review Stage (successful and unsuccessful).
  • 17:00pm, 7 May 2026 - SGSSS advise candidates the final outcome of the competition (successful and unsuccessful).