SENSS Student‑Led Competition 2026

Eligibility Criteria for SENSS Student‑Led Competition 2026:

Applicants must:

• Be accepted or seeking acceptance as a doctoral researcher at a SENSS partner university in the UK. 
• Have a self‑designed research project that you will carry out for your PhD. 
• Identify and agree to work with a proposed academic supervisor at a SENSS partner university before applying. 
• Ensure your research topic fits within one of the six interdisciplinary SENSS themes. 
• Meet any additional eligibility and equality, diversity, and inclusivity criteria as outlined by SENSS. 
• For Home vs International status and specific residency requirements, follow the UKRI guidelines and indicate this in your application.

Value of SENSS Student‑Led Competition 2026:

Successful applicants receive a fully funded studentship covering their doctoral research.

Application Process:

• Secure a proposed supervisor at a SENSS university whose interests match your project. 
• Apply for a place to study at your chosen SENSS partner university. 
• Once you have a supervisor and university, submit your application for SENSS funding via the HEIApply online portal by the competition deadline.