Call for Applications: 2026 Fully Funded Dual-award PhD programme for postgraduate researchers the University of Manchester and Tsinghua

Ednah Carrick January 14, 2026

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Closing Date: 26 January 2026

Call for Applications: 2026 Fully Funded Dual-award PhD programme for postgraduate researchers the University of Manchester and Tsinghua

The University of Manchester and Tsinghua University have partnered to offer a dual-award PhD programme, providing postgraduate researchers with the opportunity to study, collaborate, and undertake research across two world-renowned institutions.

🔬 Why choose this programme?

Receive joint supervision from leading academics
Work on impactful, interdisciplinary research projects
Gain international experience and a global research perspective
Enhance your career prospects across academia and industry
Fully funded studentships available

Up to four fully funded studentships are available for September 2026 entry. These cover tuition fees, living allowances, and travel between Manchester and Beijing.

Take this opportunity to broaden your horizons and contribute to globally significant research in two dynamic academic environments

Dual-award PhD programme between The University of Manchester and Tsinghua University

The University of Manchester and China’s Tsinghua University have come together to offer a unique dual degree PhD programme, with successful applicants spending four life-changing years across Manchester and Beijing.

At Manchester and Tsinghua, you’ll benefit from the excellent research infrastructure and academic supervision of not one, but two world-leading institutions.

Why undertake the dual degree PhD programme?

Embrace the challenge of living abroad in one of the world’s most famous cities, in a country with the world’s fastest-growing economy.
Develop a global perspective and international fluency to benefit your future development, opening the door to exciting new job opportunities.
Boost your intercultural skills and become part of a talented pool of prospective employees for UK academia and industry.

About the programme

Admission for the seventh cohort of students for The University of Manchester and Tsinghua University Dual Award PhD programme is currently being rolled out.

The first-of-its-kind dual award PhD programme brings together two globally-renowned institutions at the forefront of research. This dual PhD programme will develop world-class research outputs, while at the same time providing PhD training and skills to support a transition from a fossil resource to a bio-based system.

Funding

Up to four fully funded scholarships are available to suitable candidates to commence on this four-year programme in September 2026.

Full tuition fees at both institutions are covered as part of the studentship. Additional financial support includes:

an annual stipend at the UKRI minimum rate (approximately £20,780 for 2025/26) while in Manchester,
a stipend provided via the China Link Scholarship, which will provide a commensurate standard of living with UKRI stipend, while based at Tsinghua University,
an annual Research Training Support Grant to contribute towards research project costs and consumables (up to £2,500 pa) during the time spent in Manchester,
Tsinghua University owned accommodation guaranteed to successful CLS applicants,
the flight allowance for students travelling to Beijing and visa costs.

Students are required to duly complete the necessary administrative procedures and facilitate their smooth transfer to Tsinghua.

Eligibility

Candidates may only apply for projects approved by the Joint Programme Board.
Entry via Manchester for the scheme is open to international students except for Chinese nationals (Mainland China, Taiwan, Macau, and Hong Kong).
All Chinese nationals (Mainland China, Taiwan, Macau, and Hong Kong) should apply via Tsinghua University.
Fulfil The University of Manchester entry requirements:
- Hold (or expect to achieve) an upper second-class (2:1) honours degree in a discipline directly relevant to the PhD (or international equivalent to be checked with The University of Manchester admissions team) OR any upper-second class (2:1) honours degree and a Master’s degree at merit in a discipline directly relevant to the PhD (or international equivalent to be checked with The University of Manchester admissions team). 
- All applicants will need to demonstrate competency in English language. Applicants who do not already possess an acceptable English Language qualification will need to take a recognised test and attain a minimum IELTS 6.5 overall with a minimum of 6 in writing and listening, and 5.5. in all other sub-tests or equivalent. Please note that a timely demonstrable minimum English language level is a requirement of the UK home office for the issue of student visas to the UK. For some projects an ATAS certificate may also be required by them.
Fulfil the Tsinghua University entry requirements:
- Hold a master’s-level degree certificate at merit or distinction, MPhys, MChem, or MEng degree (2:1 and above), or international equivalent to be checked with The University of Manchester admissions team.
Demonstrate willingness to travel to two partner institutions to complete the programme.
Fulfil the Faculty of Science and Engineering Postgraduate Researcher person specification.

How to apply

Candidates will need to meet all of the minimum entry requirements.

Applications will open for candidates to apply for approved projects at The University of Manchester during the week commencing 15 December 2025 and will close on 26 January 2026.