We welcome applications for PhDs for October 2026 entry from talented individuals who share our passion for research in the biosciences and biotechnology.
Projects accepting applications can be found on our 2026 projects page, where you will also find the form to express your interest.
YBDTP PhDs are funded for 4 years and you must complete your PhD within this timeframe.
Funding
Successful candidates will receive a tax-free annual stipend at the standard UKRI rate (£20,780 for 2025/26 entry), research costs and tuition fees at UK rate.
Eligibility
The YBDTP is open to International (including EU) and home (UK) students.
You can apply if you have, or are expecting to gain, at least an upper second-class honours degree or equivalent. Due to the interdisciplinary nature of this programme, we welcome applications if your background is in any biological, chemical or physical science or mathematics and are interested in using your skills in addressing biological questions.
International students should check if they meet the entry requirements for their country for the university at which the project is based.
We aim to support the most outstanding applicants from outside the UK and are able to offer a limited number of bursaries that will enable full studentships to be awarded to international (EU and non-EU) applicants. These full studentships will only be awarded to exceptional quality candidates, due to the competitive nature of this scheme.
The Yorkshire Bioscience DTP is committed to recruiting extraordinary future scientists regardless of age, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, disability, sexual orientation or career pathway to date. We understand that commitment and excellence can be shown in many ways and have built our recruitment process to reflect this. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds, particularly those underrepresented in science, who have curiosity, creativity and a drive to learn new skills.
Not all projects will be funded; a limited number of candidates will be appointed via a competitive process.
Where to apply
To submit your application, please visit 2026 projects and click on the link to the Expression of Interest form.
We also recommend that you read our advice on what we look for in your application.
You can apply for up to 2 YBDTP projects (which can be at different institutions).
We would advise you to read the questions in the form before submitting your application. Inside the form there is a link to a document for you to see the questions in advance.
Application deadline
The deadline for applications is 7 January 2026 at 5pm.
- For questions about the application process, please email [email protected].
- For questions about the project you are interested in, please email the project supervisor (details of supervisors can be found on the 2026 projects page).
How places are allocated
Shortlisting will take place as soon as possible after the closing date and successful applicants will be notified promptly.
If you’re shortlisted, you’ll be invited for an interview on a date to be confirmed in February 2026.
You’ll be notified as soon as possible after the interview dates whether your application has been successful, placed on a reserve list or unsuccessful.
If you are successful, you’ll be required to confirm your intention to accept the studentship within 10 days.
Terms and conditions
The studentships are fully funded for four years, and you must complete your PhD in four years.
You’ll receive the UKRI minimum doctoral stipend per year for your living costs, which is paid to you in regular installments. The UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) stipend is tax free and does not need to be paid back.
International students will need to have sufficient funds to cover the costs of their student visa, NHS health surcharge, travel insurance and travel to the UK, as these are excluded from UKRI funding.