If you are an African or Asian student looking to begin a fully funded PhD in the United Kingdom in 2026, the University of Brighton is offering an excellent opportunity through its AHRC PhD Studentships, supported by the Arts and Humanities Research Council. For the October 2026 intake, three fully funded doctoral positions are available in the fields of arts, architecture, and humanities. Successful candidates will receive full tuition fee coverage and a generous annual stipend to support their research and professional growth.

Comprehensive Funding Package

Each awardee will benefit from a strong financial and training package, allowing them to focus fully on their doctoral studies. The studentships include:

- Full payment of Home (UK) tuition fees for the entire PhD period.
- An annual tax-free stipend at the current UKRI rate, around £20,780 per year.
- Extra funding for research activities, training, and professional development.
- Access to interdisciplinary doctoral training workshops and seminars.
- Opportunities to take part in collaborative and community-based research projects.
- Membership in a regional AHRC doctoral training hub, offering valuable networking opportunities.
- Structured career development support for both academic and industry careers.

This means recipients can focus on their research while building important skills and professional connections.

Research Themes and Collaboration

The studentships especially welcome creative and innovative proposals in areas such as creative disciplines, community-focused research, digital humanities, artificial intelligence and creative technologies, heritage studies, and visual storytelling. Scholars will join a lively interdisciplinary research community at Brighton, with opportunities for real-world partnerships. Candidates may also explore Collaborative Doctoral Awards with museums, archives, and heritage organisations, gaining practical experience and professional networks.

Eligibility Criteria
To apply for these funded PhD positions, you must:

- Normally hold a master’s degree or equivalent in a relevant subject.
- Meet the AHRC’s eligibility requirements for doctoral funding.
- Ensure your research proposal fits within arts, architecture, or humanities themes.
- Obtain written support from a confirmed University of Brighton academic supervisor before applying.
- Show English language proficiency with an overall IELTS score of 7.0, including at least 7.0 in writing.
- Be willing to live within a reasonable distance of the university during your PhD.
- Submit a strong research proposal, academic transcripts, references, and all required documents.

Application Process: Step by Step

To apply successfully, you should prepare early and contact potential supervisors directly. Follow these steps:

1. Identify a Supervisor: Look through University of Brighton staff profiles to find a supervisor whose expertise matches your research interests.
2. Make Contact: Email a short research summary (about 300 words) to your chosen supervisor, explaining your project and its relevance to the university.
3. Develop Your Proposal: If the supervisor is interested, work together to develop a detailed research proposal (up to 2000 words), including your research questions, methods, and timeline.
4. Gather Documents: Collect all necessary documents, such as transcripts, references, a copy of your passport, English test results, and your final proposal.
5. Submit Your Application: Complete the University of Brighton PhD application form online, making sure to include your confirmed supervisor’s name.
6. Prepare for Interview: Shortlisted candidates will be invited for interviews in early April 2026. Final decisions will be announced by the end of April.

How to Apply

Access the official application portal and detailed instructions here:

Click Here to Apply

Please note: Applications without confirmed supervisor support will not be considered.

Important Application Deadline
All applications must be submitted by 22 February 2026 at 11:59 PM UK time. Late submissions will not be accepted. Because there are only a few studentships and supervisor support is required, you should contact a supervisor and prepare your proposal as early as possible.

In summary, the University of Brighton AHRC PhD Studentships provide a life-changing opportunity for African and Asian students to pursue fully funded doctoral research in the arts and humanities. By securing supervisor support early and preparing a strong proposal, you can join a dynamic research community and advance your academic career with full financial support. Start your preparations now to meet the deadline.