Entry and Eligibility criteria

We welcome applications to the E5 DTP from candidates of all nationalities. Applicants must meet the University of Edinburgh's PhD entry requirements and the E5 DTP eligibility criteria. 

E5 studentships include: 

• UKRI stipend to support living costs in the UK for up to a maximum of 4 years (currently £21,805 for the academic year 2026/27)
• Tuition fees at the Home Fees rate
• Basic research costs to support your project

The University of Edinburgh will cover the difference between Home and international fees, so international students will not need to cover the funding gap. 

UKRI limits the proportion of international students recruited to the DTP to 30% of the overall intake. We welcome international applications, but places are highly competitive.  

The University of Edinburgh covers the difference between Home and International tuition for E5 funded students. However, the studentship does not cover include visa application fees, the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), flights or any other costs associated with relocating to the UK. 

Students are expected to live within a reasonable commuting distance of Edinburgh for the duration of their PhD.   

Part-time study

Part-time study may be available to applicants who do not require a student visa to study in the UK.  Part time study is undertaken at 50% (0.5 FTE) of full time hours and extends  the duration of the PhD to seven years (6 years study plus one year writing up period). 

If you are interested in studying part time, please discuss this with your potential supervisor before applying. Approval is required.  

Entry Requirements

Academic eligibility

Applicants should hold a good Honours Degree (at least a 2.1) or an equivalent qualification. Relevant professional experience and postgraduate qualifications may also be considered as part of the assessment of an  applicant's suitability. 

The E5 DTP welcomes applicants from a range of academic and professional backgrounds. A Master's degree is  not a  requirement for applying for an E5 studentship. 

If your degree is from outside the UK, check the University of Edinburgh's Postgraduate Entry Requirements by Region directory to find the equivalent qualification for your country. 

English Language Requirements

All applicants must meet the University of Edinburgh's English Language requirements for postgraduate study, regardless of their nationality. 

You may be able to meet this requirement through a degree that was taught and assessed in English, an accepted English-language test or another qualification recognised by the university. 

Degrees taught and assessed in English

The university may accept a degree taught and assessed in English if it was completed: 

• In a majority English-speaking country or territory, as defined by UK Visas & Immigration (UKVI).
• At one of the approved universities in non-majority English-speaking countries.

If your are not a national of a majority English-speaking country or territory, your degree must be no more than five years old on the first day of the month in which your programme starts. 

English-language tests and qualifications

The University accepts a range of English-language tests and other qualifications. The required scores and validity periods vary depending on the qualification and programme.

Please check the University's English language requirements for the current list of accepted qualifications, test validity periods and any restrictions on individual tests. 

Providing evidence of English-language proficiency

You do not need to provide English-language test results when submitting your initial E5 application. However, if you are invited to interview and are subsequently made an offer, your offer may be conditional on providing acceptable evidence by the deadline specified by the University.

If you already hold a valid English-language qualification, you can upload the evidence with your application.