Application Process

We offer 90 supervisor-led projects across a wide range of research themes, and we also welcome student-led project proposals. 

Visit the E5 DTP Projects page to view our current projects. 

Key notes for Applicants:

• You must contact the supervisory team before submitting your application.
• International applicants must be pre-nominated by their chosen supervisor before applying.
• You may submit one application only (either supervisor-led or student-led project).  

When our application portal opens, download and complete the following documents: 

Required: 

• E5 Application Form
• Equality & Diversity Monitoring Form 

Optional: 

• The Widening Participation Form (for eligible applicants who wish to disclose).  

Ask two referees (not part of the supervisory team) to complete the E5 DTP reference form. 

Our portal will automatically email your referees a link once you add in their details.  The automatic email will include the reference form as an attachment but you can also download a copy below and send it to them in advance, so they can prepare.  References must be uploaded to our portal from an official company email address (Gmail accounts will not be accepted) before the application deadline. We do not accept reference letters. 

Compile your documents into individual PDF files: 

• Completed E5 DTP application form
• Equality and Diversity Monitoring form
• Academic CV (Max 2 pages – see FAQ for guidance)

Compile the following into one single PDF file: 

• Academic transcripts and certificates (UG and PG)
• Include interim transcripts if you are still studying
• official English translations for documents not in English 

Optional Documents (if applicable)

• Widening Participation Form
• Immigration Status evidence – required for applicants with EU pre settled status or non-EU applicants with UK Indefinite Leave t Remain (check UKRI Funding Eligibility)
• Valid English Language test results (required if invited to interview)- See the University's requirements.

More information on applying to study at Edinburgh can be found here

Supervisor led projects:  Click “Apply for this project" on your chosen project listing. 

Student led projects – you’ll receive a separate link to apply once your project is approved. 

You will be guided to set up your personal account on our portal, where you can upload your application documents, provide referee details (Note: We can not accept references sent from personal email addresses such as Gmail. References must be sent from a company email such as a university account), and update and track the status of your application until the deadline: 06 January 2025, 12 noon GMT 

We will review your application after the closing date and will communicate to you any relevant information via the application portal.

You will receive your outcome by 16th February 2026 

Interviews will take place in person at the University of Edinburgh, Kings Buildings Campus on 23 & 24 February 2026.  

Candidates not resident in the UK at the time of interview will be offered an online interview on the 25^th February 2026. 

We are able to reimburse up to a maximum of £100 towards travel and subsistence costs (this includes travel and accommodation, where necessary- receipts required). 

Learn more about the selection process and timeline here.