The 2026 Student-led Open Competition is now open for applications.
The application process for the Student-led Open Competition ESRC-funded PhD studentships is given below.
It is important to note that before making an application you must have the support of a supervisor who is aligned with an Eligible Unit of Assesment (UoA) for the university. The UoA is needed for the application and is used by SGSSS as part of their supervior eligibility criteria. If the first supervisor is not aligned with an eligible UoA for the university the application will be rejected by SGSSS.
SGSSS awards only cover the cost of home fees. The university is unable to waive the difference between home and international fees for SGSSS funded students starting in the academic year 27/28.
The length of a studentship is finalised through Development Needs Analysis (DNA) but a typical award would be either +3.5 FTE (3.5 years for PhD, including training opportunities such as a placement) or 1+3.5 FTE (Masters year plus 3.5 years for PhD including training opportunities such as a placement).
The approximate values of these awards are given below.
Estimates for 1+3.5 award (full-time basis):
| Full award | 2026/27* | 2027/28* | 2028/29* | 2029/30* | 2030/31* |
| Stipend | £21,805 | £22,437 | £23,088 | £23,758 | £12,223 |
| Fees | £5,238 | £5,348 | £5,460 | £5,575 | £2,846 |
| OFW | £450 | £450 | £450 | £450 | £225 |
| RTSG | £940 | £940 | £940 | £940 | £470 |
Estimates for 3.5 award (full-time basis):
| Full award | 2026/27* | 2027/28* | 2028/29* | 2029/30* |
| Stipend | £21,805 | £22,437 | £23,088 | £11,879 |
| Fees | £5,238 | £5,348 | £5,460 | £2,788 |
| OFW | £450 | £450 | £450 | £225 |
| RTSG | £940 | £940 | £940 | £470 |
*Assumed figures at a 2.9% increase for stipends and 2.1% for fees, year on year. Please note, the percentage increases are decided by UKRI annually who consider UK inflation rates (taking into account the UK Government’s annual GDP deflator index) and market conditions. Due to the current economic situation in the UK, we anticipate the annual percentage increases are likely to vary from those assumed above.
If you submit an application to the SGSSS student-led open competition please await the outcome of your application before applying for a PhD at Glasgow.
ESRC Funded Studentships - How To Apply
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Find a supervisor
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Read application guidance and apply
Scholarship financial support
- Annual stipend at UKRI rates - in the region of £21,805 for the year 2026 to 2027.
- Home tuition fee waiver (international students will need to pay the difference between Home and International fees).
- Access to a Research Training Support Grant of £940
Key Dates and Deadlines
Key dates for the 2026 competition are given below:
- 9 September 2026 - SGSSS Apply opens for applications.
- 24 November 2026 (5 p.m.) - Deadline for application and two (2) references to be uploaded onto SGSSS Apply.
- 17 November 2026 - 17 February 2027 - Stage 1/HEI review.
- 17 February 2027 - applicants informed of the outcomes of the HEI review stage. This will done be on a rolling basis in the 5 working days prior to the 17th.
- 17 February 2027 - Supervisory Support Statement & Disciplinary Support Statement need to be uploaded for applicants going onto the next stage.
- 18 February 2027 - 8 April 2027 - Stage 2 review.
- 8 April 2027 - applicants informed of the outcomes of the Stage 2 review
- 22 April 2027 - Deadline for applicants to request feedback from Stage 2 outcomes
- 9 April 2027 - 6 May 2027 - Stage 3/Global review.
- 6 May 2027 - applicants considered under Global review informed if they will be offered PhD funding.