The PhD Excellence Scholarships offered by Leeds University Business School provide a major opportunity for aspiring researchers from all over the world. As of the 2026/27 academic cycle, this programme continues to support talented postgraduate students to pursue PhD study at one of Europe’s top business schools, helping to foster cutting-edge research, global collaboration, and academic excellence.
Why LUBS — Reputation & Research Strength
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Leeds University Business School is globally recognized for its excellence: in its latest assessment, 90% of the Business School’s submitted research was rated “world-leading” or “internationally excellent.
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The School is ranked 5th in the UK for “research power” in business and management studies — a strong signal of both quality and scale of research output. Leeds PHD+1
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With a vibrant community of postgraduate researchers (around 210 within the School) and multiple research centres, LUBS offers a stimulating, supportive environment for doctoral study.
If you aim to join a globally engaged academic community, LUBS stands out as a strong contender.
What the PhD Excellence Scholarships 2026/27 Offer
The 2026/27 PhD Excellence Scholarships provide generous funding support and cover a range of benefits for successful candidates. Key features:
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Full tuition fees — tuition is fully covered for the duration of the PhD programme.
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Maintenance stipend — a maintenance allowance at the UKRI rate (for 2025/26, this is £20,780) for 3.5 years for full-time students.
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Open to UK and international applicants — all nationalities are eligible, meaning students from around the world can apply.
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Wide range of departments and research topics — scholarships are available across all seven of LUBS’s departments: Accounting & Finance; Analytics, Technology & Operations; Economics; International Business; Management & Organisations; Marketing; People, Work & Employment.
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Access to a dynamic research community — opportunities to engage with other postgraduate researchers, get support for career development, network, and participate in academic and social events.
In short: this is a fully funded PhD opportunity — covering tuition and living support — at a globally respected business school.
Who Can Apply — Eligibility Criteria & Requirements
To be eligible for the PhD Excellence Scholarships, prospective applicants must meet several academic and procedural criteria:
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Must apply for a PhD place at Leeds University Business School.
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Must hold at minimum a UK First Class or Upper Second-Class Bachelor’s honours degree (or equivalent). A relevant Master’s degree (or equivalent professional qualification) is usually required.
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Department-specific entry thresholds:
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For Accounting & Finance and International Business: typically a 70% or above (or equivalent), though exceptional candidates with 65% may be considered.
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For Economics; Management & Organisations; Analytics, Technology & Operations; Marketing; People, Work & Employment: typically 60% or equivalent.
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For international candidates, a strong command of English is required (e.g. IELTS 7.0 overall, minimum 6.5 in each component, or equivalent) — in line with LUBS research-degree language requirements. Leeds PHD
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Applicants must not already be registered for a PhD — this is for new doctoral candidates only.
The scholarships are therefore competitive, and priority is given to academically strong applicants with clear research potential.
Research Themes & Scope — What You Could Study at LUBS
LUBS’s PhD Excellence Scholarships span a broad range of research areas relevant to modern business, society, and the global economy. Among the main themes:
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Governance, financial systems, and economic well-being — including corporate governance, financial markets, public finance, and economic development.
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Technology, innovation, and management practices — how digital transformation, innovation, and operational processes shape businesses and organizations.
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International business, global markets, and business networks — exploring global trade, multinational enterprises, international strategy, global value chains, and transnational business relations.
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People, work, employment, and organizational behaviour — covering topics like labor relations, workplace diversity and inclusion, human resource management, consumer behaviour, and organizational dynamics.
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Marketing, consumer behaviour and market dynamics — for those interested in market research, marketing strategy, consumer studies, digital marketing, and brand management.
This breadth allows prospective researchers to explore a wide variety of contemporary issues — from technology disruption to social inclusion, from global business strategy to financial systems.
Key Dates & Application Process for 2026/27
Here’s what you need to know about applying for the 2026/27 cycle: Leeds PHD+1
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PhD application (place of study) deadline: You should apply early — by Wednesday, 4 March 2026 — to allow time for the scholarship application.
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Scholarship application deadline: Wednesday, 11 March 2026 by 12:00 PM (UK time).
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Funding start date: 1 October 2026, if successful.
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Two-stage application process:
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Apply for a PhD place (study admission) — include all required documentation.
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Once you receive a student ID, complete the department-specific scholarship application form.
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Only complete applications submitted before the deadline will be considered. Selection is merit-based, focusing on academic excellence and research potential.
Why This Scholarship Matters — Benefits Beyond Funding
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Remove financial barriers: Full tuition + living stipend frees you to focus on research without financial stress.
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Access to a high-quality research environment: Collaboration with experienced scholars, exposure to cutting-edge research, and opportunities to attend conferences, seminars, and workshops.
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Global research networks & impact potential: Work on topics with international relevance, contribute to academic and real-world policy/business impact, and build a global academic profile.
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Enhanced career and professional prospects: A PhD from a top business school, supported by scholarship, can open doors in academia, consultancy, international organizations, industry research, and leadership roles.
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Supportive, inclusive community: LUBS encourages applications from under-represented groups — including ethnic minorities, LGBTQ+, and people with disabilities — aiming at diversity and inclusivity. Leeds PHD+1
For many students — especially international applicants — this scholarship is a life-changing opportunity.
Tips to Strengthen Your Application
If you plan to apply for the PhD Excellence Scholarship, consider these:
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Choose a compelling research proposal aligned with LUBS’s research themes — show relevance, originality, and potential for impact.
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Ensure academic qualifications meet department thresholds (e.g. Bachelor’s + Master’s with required grades).
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Demonstrate strong English proficiency, especially if you’re an international student.
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Prepare a clean, well-structured CV and research statement, emphasizing past achievements, research experience, and motivation.
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Apply early — submit your PhD study application well before the scholarship deadline to avoid delays.
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Consider department fit — pick a department matching your research interests (Accounting, Marketing, Economics, etc.), and tailor your proposal accordingly.
Conclusion
The Leeds University Business School PhD Excellence Scholarships 2026/27 represent one of the most generous and prestigious fully funded doctoral funding opportunities available globally. With full tuition coverage, an attractive maintenance stipend, access to a world-class research community, and support for both UK and international students — LUBS offers a powerful platform for emerging scholars to turn research aspirations into reality.
Whether you are interested in financial systems, organizational behavior, innovation management, global business, or employment studies — this scholarship could unlock your pathway to impactful doctoral work and a thriving academic or professional career.
