Apply for a Funded PhD in Economics at the University of Edinburgh

Application for Funded PhD Study in Economics

The School of Economics at the University of Edinburgh is offering a number of scholarships for PhD study starting in September 2026.

All of the scholarships listed below are awarded on academic merit. To be competitive for an award, applicants must have a distinction grade in graduate-level coursework equivalent to that taught in the SGPE Masters at Edinburgh, plus a research paper (typically a masters dissertation) that shows outstanding abilities in the area of their intended PhD research. Additionally, their research interests must fit with those of at least two academics at the School of Economics.

Scholarship Details

Each scholarship listed provides a stipend at UKRI rates (currently £20,780) for each year of study plus tuition fees and is awarded for four years, subject to satisfactory progress. Students on the PhD may also have opportunities to earn extra income for teaching while at the School.

Prospective applicants should first of all register their interest with our PGR office via email.

Available Scholarships

• Edinburgh Doctoral College Scholarship/College Research Awards
  These scholarships are for outstanding candidates from any part of the world. The closing date for applicants is 2nd February 2026.
• Minto Scholarships
  The Minto Scholarship has been established with a bequest from the estate of Mr. Brian Dickinson for the purpose of promoting PhD research in Economics. A number of scholarships are available for the 2026-2027 academic year to applicants who are residents of Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and Scandinavia (Finland, Norway, Sweden, and Denmark). The closing date for applicants is 2nd February 2026.
• China Scholarships Council
  These scholarships will be awarded to citizens and permanent residents of the People's Republic of China who at the time of application have received an offer of a PhD place from the University of Edinburgh. The closing date is 16th February 2026.

The University reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to amend or withdraw any of the advertised scholarships, without notice. It also reserves the right to issue a second call for applications.

For more information, please visit the University of Edinburgh's PhD Program page.

More Information