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Politics and International Studies

Fees & Funding 25/26

We are well aware that finding a source of funding is an essential part of starting a PhD. Below are a selection of funding opportunities and further resources regarding funding for your research degree for 2025-26.  

You can find current information about fees and living costs on the university's Study pages. Please read the full details of each opportunity carefully before submitting your application.

In order to maximise your chances of securing funding, you should make contact with a potential supervisor to discuss your application as early as possible, and before you apply. The How to apply pages have more details about how to go about this.

You are strongly advised to submit your main PhD application at least 6 weeks before your earliest scholarship deadline. If you plan to apply to the main Warwick competitions, you should aim to submit your PhD application before Christmas.

In addition to the scholarship opportunities listed below, candidates living in England may be eligible for a Postgraduate Doctoral Loan from the UK government; you can read the full details, including eligibility criteria, on the Doctoral Loan website.

Please note that some of the awards listed below ran in previous years but have not yet been confirmed for 2025/26; we will update this page on an ongoing basis as scholarships and deadlines are confirmed.

Opportunity

Brief Description

Eligibility

Deadline
Doctoral College funding advice The Doctoral College offers further advice about where to find funding sources and has a regularly-updated list of potential opportunities for both Home and International students. Their information is updated regularly as new scholarships become available.    
International Office funding advice The International Office offers general funding advice for overseas students, as well as a listing of some country-specific awards and competitions.    
PAIS Departmental Scholarship

Opportunities funded by the PAIS department
Apply directly to the PAIS department.

Because women are underrepresented in this field, one departmental scholarship will be reserved for a female candidate.

Read full details

 Students starting in 2025 or students currently in their first year of study

Friday, 17 January 2025, 23:59 GMT, and all supporting documents (references and transcripts) must be uploaded by 17 January 2025, 23:59 GMT, at the latest.

  • Please note that you must apply to the PhD programme via the university application system before you submit your scholarship application. You are strongly advised to submit your main PhD application at least 6 weeks before the PAIS scholarship deadline (i.e. by 6 December 2024).

Chancellor's International Scholarship
  • University of Warwick funded studentships
  • Full overseas tuition fees plus maintenance grant
  • Apply through Admissions/Doctoral College form
  • All awarded Chancellor’s International Scholarship holders for 2025/26 will have the opportunity to apply for a Doctoral Access Bursary. The Doctoral Access Bursary provides a contribution towards the doctoral applicant’s visa application fees, NHS surcharge costs, and incoming travel for those who would otherwise struggle to join the PGR community at Warwick. Limited Doctoral Access Bursaries will be awarded.
Read full details		 Overseas students applying for a PhD to begin in October 2025

Scholarship application deadline 12 December 2024, 23:59 GMT.

  • Course applications should be submitted by 9 December 2024, 23:59 GMT.
  • All supporting documents (references and transcripts) must be uploaded by 7 January 2025, 23:59 GMT. Please consider this deadline when submitting your application and allow time to ensure all documents are submitted.

China Scholarship Council-University of Warwick Joint Awards
  • The University will cover the full payment of overseas tuition fees for the duration of the CSC funding period and a stipend enhancement;
  • China Scholarships Council will provide a maintenance stipend and return international airfare between the UK and China for successful applicants.

Read full details

 Meet the eligibility criteria set out by CSC and hold a Peoples Republic of China Passport (see full eligibility criteria)

Scholarship application deadline 16 January 2025, 23:59 GMT.

  • Course applications should be submitted by 13 January 2025, 23:59 GMT.
  • Unconditional offer and supporting documents deadline 24 January 2025, 23:59 GMT.

ESRC Doctoral Training Partnership 
  • You can apply for either the Area Studies or the Political Science and International Relations pathways through PAIS.
  • Award is for tuition fees at the home rate, and a maintenance stipend.
  • Also note: International students awarded funding through the MGS will not be required to cover the difference between home and international fees.

Read full details

Home and overseas. For students starting a PhD course in October 2025, or starting the MA portion of a 1+3.5 course in October 2025 (see full eligibility criteria)

2024-25 deadlines

  • Closing date for scholarship competition applications midday on Tuesday 21 January 2025, 12:00 GMT.
  • Course application deadline Wednesday, 8 January 2025, 23:59 GMT.

How to apply

Monash Warwick Alliance Joint PhD Scholarship
  • Funding opportunity provided by the Monash Warwick Alliance for applicants to the PhD Politics and International Studies Joint PhD with Monash University
  • Full tuition fees
  • Maintenance grant in line with RCUK norms
  • Separate application required

Read full details

Any new applicant to the Joint PhD with Monash University aiming for October 2025 entry

Scholarship application deadline 9 January 2025, 23:59 GMT.

  • Course applications should be submitted by 6 January 2025, 23:59 GMT.
  • All supporting documents (references and transcripts) must be uploaded by 16 January 2025, 23:59 GMT. Please consider this deadline when submitting your application and allow time to ensure all documents are submitted.