Grant Linked studentships are designed to add value to the proposed research outlined in the grant application, whilst providing a clear opportunity for a distinct and independent course of enquiry for the student. Through being embedded with a high quality research team, they should offer the student an opportunity to both develop their substantive research skills, alongside broader professional development.
Grant linked studentships may be requested on any research application (with the exception of the Future Leaders scheme) as long as:
- the grant applied for is for 3 years or more
- the Principal or Co-Investigators are approved to act as primary supervisors for PhD students
- the student(s) will be located in an ESRC accredited Doctoral Training Centre (DTC) and they are studying on an accredited pathway.
Up to three studentships can be applied for on any single grant application. It must also be clear that the studentship is not a displacement for the normal research support required on the grant. The student must have a distinct, independent area of enquiry that will add value to the overall research objectives of the grant.
For further details on the application process for Grant Linked Studentships please read the information available within the Research Funding Guide.
More information on the details on the rules and regulations for Grant linked studentships can be found within the Postgraduate Funding Guidelines.
If you require further assistance please contact ptdenquiries@esrc.ac.uk
The RKE Operations team can help you with your application.











3C Online Social: Thursday 26 March 1–2pm – Research Culture, Community & Can you Guess Who?
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INRC book roundtable/presentation by Drs Jonathan Cole and Catherine Talbot, Wednesday 22/04/2026, 13:00h, P426
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ECR Funding Open Call: Research Culture & Community Grant – Apply now
ECR Funding Open Call: Research Culture & Community Grant – Application Deadline Friday 12 December
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ERC Advanced Grant 2025 Webinar
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