Applications for 2026 entry are now open Follow the steps below to guide you through the application process and find everything you need to get started. E5 Fostering Diversity and Inclusivity We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and actively encourage those from under-represented groups. Through our Widening Participation Scheme, applicants who choose to disclose relevant information will be offered tailored support during the recruitment process. Our commitment to diversity and inclusivity extends across the programme including mentoring, training opportunities, and a supportive community that values every student's contribution. Learn more below and on our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion page. 1. Choose your PhD project Explore a wide range of Supervisor-led PhD projects across diverse research themes, or propose your own project idea with the Student-led route. Before applying, we strongly recommend contacting your prospective supervisor to discuss the project, learn more about their research, and confirm that it's a good fit for your interests and experience. Visit the E5 DTP Projects page to browse our Supervisor-led projects 2. Download your application forms Required: E5 DTP Application Form Equality & Diversity Monitoring Form Optional Form: Widening Participation Form (for eligible applicants who wish to confidentially disclose additional information). 3. Contact your referees early All applications must be supported by two references (academic or professional). Project supervisors cannot act as referees. When you enter referee details in the portal, they will automatically receive a link to the complete the official E5 reference form.References must be submitted via an official institutional or company email address (e.g university domain). Personal email addresses such as Gmail or Yahoo are not accepted.We do not accept reference lettersWe recommend that you contact your referees early to ensure they can submit their reference before the deadline of 14th December 2025. It is the applicant's responsibility to ensure references are received on on time. 4. Prepare your documents Please upload documents as PDFs wherever possible. Documents to upload separately: Completed E5 DTP Application Form Equality and Diversity Monitoring form (EDI)Academic CV (maximum 2 pages)Documents to combine into one single PDF: All academic transcripts (undergraduate and postgraduate)All degree certificates (undergraduate and postgraduate) Interim transcripts if you are still studying (request these early as they may take several weeks to obtain)Official English translations (if applicable) Optional Documents (if applicable) Widening Participation Form Immigration Status evidence (for applicants with EU settled or Pre-Settled status, or non-EU applicants with UK Indefinite Leave to Remain - see UKRI Funding Eligibility Valid English Language test results (only required if invited to interview- See the University of Edinburgh's English Language requirements).5. Submit your Application Supervisor led projects: Click “Apply for this project" on your chosen project listing. Student led projects – You will receive a direct application link once once your proposed project has been approved. Download our student-led project guidance below. In the application portal, you can: Upload your documentsProvide referee detailsUpdate and track the status of your application until the deadline: 14th December 2025, midnight GMT Important: You may submit only one application (either supervisor-led or student-led). 6. Selection and Interviews All applications will be reviewed after the closing date. You will be notified of the outcome by 16th February 2026. Interview dates: In person - (Edinburgh, Kings Buildings Campus ) - 23 & 24th February 2026.Online (for applicants outside of the UK) - 25th February 2026. We can reimburse up to a maximum of £100 towards travel and subsistence costs (including accommodation where required) - receipts must be provided). Important reminders CVs must be no longer than 2 pagesApplication forms must stay within the word limitsExtra documents (e.g cover letters, publications, extra references) will not be consideredRequest transcripts early - they can take several weeks to arrive. Online Information and Q & A sessionsRegister here to attend one of our information sessions for 2026 entry: Thursday 30th October 2025: 15.00-16.00 hrs. GMT - Register hereThursday 20th November 2025: 15.30 - 16.30 hrs. GMT - Register here (look for Earth, Environmental and Ecological Sciences) Forms for dowloading Document E5 DTP application form (79.39 KB / DOCX) Document E5 EDI monitoring form (98.54 KB / DOCX) Document E5 Widening Participation form (60.71 KB / DOCX) Document E5 DTP reference form (101.54 KB / DOCX) More information UKRI Training Grant Terms and Conditions - TGC 5.2 Student Eligibility How to write an academic CV If your original degree certificate, academic transcript or other relevant documents are not in English you must provide an officially certified translation The University of Edinburgh English language entry requirements Information on applying to study at Edinburgh Document E5 DTP - Student-led project submission guidance (262.96 KB / PDF) This article was published on 2025-09-10