Bristol PhD Scholarships for Applicants of Black and mixed Black Heritage

As part of our commitment to the Black and mixed Black community, the University of Bristol has launched a number of postgraduate research scholarships exclusively for students of Black and mixed Black heritage for 2025/26 entry.

These scholarships are available in the Faculty of Arts, Law and Social Sciences, and in the Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, and are open to UK-domiciled, home fee applicants of Black African, Black Caribbean or other Black or mixed Black heritage.

Funding available

This scholarship covers four years of full-time study, and we also welcome applications for part-time study. Please check the faculty pages for full details.

The scholarship provides the same level of funding as the major Research Councils, which includes full-fee funding and a stipend to cover living costs. The stipend changes each year in line with national recommendations. For 2024-25 this is £19,237 annually for full-time study.

Tuition fees and research costs are fully supported by the studentship, as well as an allowance for paid sick leave and parental leave, in addition to 5 weeks of paid leave each year.

Our commitment to inclusion

These scholarships aim to address under-representation in postgraduate research. This supports our work to improve representation at the University of Bristol across all levels of study and academia and is aligned with the aims of our Black Bristol Scholarships Programme.

Successful applicants will be offered the opportunity to participate in the Pathways to Doctoral Success (PDS) programme, a dedicated support initiative designed to assist participants throughout their postgraduate journey.

In addition, we have a range of other support networks, and student societies open to Black and mixed Black postgraduate researchers. These include the Be More Empowered for Success PGR Programme which aims to influence positive change across the themes of access, belonging and empowerment.

How to apply

Detailed information about how to apply can be found through the faculty web pages below:

Faculty of Arts, Law and Social Sciences (Arts)

Faculty of Arts, Law and Social Sciences (Social Sciences and Law)

If you have questions about the application process, please contact the academic lead for your prospective faculty.

If you have any further queries on life as a postgraduate researcher at Bristol, or any issues with your application, please contact the Bristol Doctoral College at doctoral-college@bristol.ac.uk. Please feel free to contact us, however small your question.