STFC PhD Funding

The Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC) funds PhD students in fields like astronomy, physics, and space science. For 2025/2026, STFC covers tuition fees up to £5,006 per year and offers a stipend of £20,780 (£22,780 in London), plus £1,000 annually for research costs. Application deadlines vary by programme, typically between October and January—check with your university for details.

Thinking about a PhD in astronomy, physics, or space science? STFC funding can help cover your costs so you can focus on your research. But with high competition, a well-prepared application is essential.

That’s why this guide is here! I’ll break down STFC funding, the support available, and key tips to help you secure a spot. You can also browse STFC-funded PhDs right here on FindAPhD.

The STFC is one of seven Research Councils under UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), each responsible for handing out government funding in different research areas—including PhD studentships.

Unlike the others, STFC isn’t just about funding research—it’s also in the business of running massive, expensive scientific facilities. Think particle accelerators, space telescopes, and other cutting-edge kit that both academics and industry rely on. In short, if your PhD needs big machines, big data, or just big thinking, STFC has you covered.

Which PhD subjects does the STFC fund?

Although their facilities assist a wide range of research areas, the STFC remit focuses primarily on Physical Sciences and provides PhD funding in the following areas:

• Accelerator Science
• Astronomy and Astrophysics
• Nuclear Physics
• Particle Physics
• Solar and Planetary Science

The STFC may also fund interdisciplinary studentships with the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC).

The STFC funds around 800 PhD students each year. A full STFC studentship provides the following:

• A fee payment of £5,006 per year
• A doctoral stipend of £20,780 per year to cover living costs (£22,780 in London)
• A Research Training Support Grant (RTSG) of £1,000 to cover the cost of research training

The STFC may also provide a contribution of £230 to go towards the cost of conference fees and UK fieldwork, as well as Disabled Student’s Allowance (DSA).

Do take note that, these values increase annually in line with inflation and you’ll receive the new amount each year.

How is funding allocated?

STFC gives funding to universities and research institutes, which then offer PhD studentships—you don’t apply directly to STFC.

These projects are usually advertised through Doctoral Training Partnerships (DTPs), Centres for Doctoral Training (CDTs), or CASE studentships (which involve industry collaboration).

Most STFC funding goes through Doctoral Training Partnerships (DTPs), run by universities or groups of universities. Funding is handed out based on a mysterious algorithm that considers things like the number of researchers and past publications—so don’t ask for the exact formula!

As a PhD student in a DTP, you’ll be based at a university but get access to world-class STFC facilities, like the Diamond Light Source. Many are free to use (as long as your research justifies it).

Need to go abroad for research? STFC offers Long Term Attachments (LTAs), letting you spend 120 to 365 days at international facilities like CERN or on fieldwork somewhere exciting.

PhDs last 3 to 4 years, depending on the project, and while you can technically start anytime, most kick off in October—so don’t miss the boat!

Information on current DTP allocations is available on the UKRI website. You can also use FindAPhD to search for individual STFC-funded PhD projects.

If you fancy mixing academia with industry, iCASE studentships let you work with a non-academic partner on STFC-related research (think space, physics, and smashing particles together).

• You’ll have two supervisors—one from your university, one from the industry partner.
• You get the same funding as other STFC PhDs, plus up to £1,615 extra for travel and placements.
• You’ll spend 9 to 18 months working at the industry partner’s location—whether all at once or in smaller chunks.

Great if you’re thinking about an industry career but still want a PhD on your CV.

You can use FindAPhD to search for current STFC iCASE projects.

iCASE-Plus

An iCASE-Plus studentship is very similar to an iCASE studentship: you will spend the first 3.5 years working towards your iCASE PhD studentship, however, this is followed by a year working full-time for the industry partner as an employee. During this year, you will receive a salary similar to an STFC postdoctoral fellow.

STFC funds four-year PhDs through Centres for Doctoral Training (CDTs), run by universities and sometimes industry partners. They focus on specific topics—right now, Data Intensive Science—and offer the same funding as Doctoral Training Partnerships (DTPs). STFC also helps part-fund some CDTs with EPSRC and NERC when research areas overlap.

Alongside your research, you’ll get extra training in data analysis, machine learning, and visualisation—helpful for working with big data. CDTs are a good choice if you want more structure in your PhD.

You’ll also do a six-month industry placement, either all at once or split between two places. This gives you real-world experience, new contacts, and career options outside academia.

Current STFC CDTs:

STFC PhD funding follows UKRI rules, so here’s what you need to know:

• UK students who’ve lived in the UK for at least three years are eligible for a full studentship (fees + stipend).
• International students can get full funding, but only 30% of awards at a university can go to non-UK students.
• EU students can get funding like UK students if they have settled status or applied to the EU Settlement Scheme before 30 June 2021. After that, they apply as international students.
• Irish students are treated the same as UK students thanks to the Common Travel Area.

In terms of academic qualifications, STFC usually expects you to have a 2.1 degree in a relevant subject. If you have a 2.2, a Masters could help your application. English language tests (IELTS or TOEFL) might be required if English isn’t your first language. Tailor your application to the project and make sure you meet the requirements.

STFC projects are usually advertised with pre-defined questions, goals and aims. There may be some freedom to respond to new directions that emerge from your research, but the STFC doesn't normally fund completely self-proposed PhDs.

To apply for STFC funding, start by finding a project that interests you. Once you’ve found one, read the project description and prepare the materials they ask for.

These usually include:

• Personal statement (your academic background and research interests)
• Cover letter (why you're interested in the project and why you’re a good fit)
• CV with references.

If you’re shortlisted, you’ll likely be invited for a PhD interview to discuss your application in more detail.

Application Deadlines

Some projects are open year-round, while others have set deadlines. Keep an eye on the STFC websites or sign up to our newsletter to stay on top of new PhD opportunities in your field.

Applying for STFC PhD funding can feel like a tough challenge, but don’t worry—I’ve got some handy tips to help you stay on track and give you a better shot at success:

• Get in touch with potential supervisors – Reach out to the supervisor of the project you like. It shows initiative, and you’ll get a clearer picture of the project. Plus, it never hurts to make a good first impression!
• Tailor your application materials – Ensure your CV and cover letter are up-to-date, relevant, and tailored for each application. Generic applications won’t cut it.
• Highlight your passion – Don’t just list your qualifications—show your enthusiasm for the project and why it’s a perfect fit for you. Passion is contagious, and the committee will notice!
• Prepare to be organised – A PhD application is no small task, so give yourself plenty of time to get everything in order. Make a checklist and stick to it!