Funded PhD Study in Economics at the University of Edinburgh

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 are awarded on academic merit. To obtain 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.

Each scholarship - listed below - 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: EconPGR.Enquiries@ed.ac.uk

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 2^nd 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). Closing dates for applicants is 2^nd 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. Candidates should not be currently working outside of China at the time of application, and successful candidates must agree to return to China upon completion of their research degree at the University of Edinburgh. Candidates currently studying outside of China are eligible to apply, but not those who have already commenced a PhD programme of study prior to the 2025-2026 academic year. The closing date is February 16^th 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.

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