School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh

The application forms for PhD studentships to start on 1st October 2026 can be downloaded below. The deadline for receipt of applications is January 7th 2026.

Before completing the Darwin Trust application form you should consult the School of Biological Sciences' website for information on potential supervisors and projects. You should then contact the supervisor(s) whose research interests you to ask if she/he would consider offering you a place in her/his lab.

School of Biological Sciences website

You can only be awarded a Darwin Trust PhD Studentship if you have received the offer of a place as a postgraduate student by the University of Edinburgh.

You should apply to the University of Edinburgh using the online system

The University requires evidence of satisfactory English language proficiency for students whose first language is not English but completion of an English language test is not required at the time of application. 

English language requirement

Darwin Trust Postgraduate Studentships are competitive and are awarded based upon an applicant's academic record, referees' reports, and, if shortlisted, an interview. Evidence of the ability to carry out research successfully will be an advantage but this research does not have to be in the same area as your intended PhD project.