Research Councils
The seven UK Research Councils are publicly funded bodies that support research and studentships across range of subject areas. High numbers of awards are received by our graduates in recognition of the quality of the world-class research carried out at Oxford.
Some colleges also provide partnership awards linked to Research Council awards. Details are available on the Research Council college partnership award webpage.
Research Councils offer full scholarships (covering fees and living expenses) to UK nationals and to EU students who can satisfy UK residency requirements. EU nationals who do not meet the residency requirements may be eligible for a fees-only award.
For full details about eligibility requirements and how to apply, please use the individual Research Council links below. If you have any questions, contact details for the relevant University staff are also provided.
Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC)
The AHRC supports research into arts and humanities. It uses public funding of approximately £98 million per annum to fund research among one quarter of the UK's research population. Information about applying for AHRC scholarships at Oxford can be found on the Humanities Division website and questions about AHRC funding should also be sent to the Division's AHRC mailbox.
Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC)
The BBSRC supports the UK's world leading position in bioscience. It aims to promote and support high quality basic, strategic and applied research and postgraduate training relating to the understanding and exploitation of biological systems. Opportunities for BBSRC funding at Oxford are advertised on relevant departmental websites. Questions about BBSRC funding should also be referred to the relevant department.
Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC)
The EPSRC is the main UK government agency for funding research and training in engineering and the physical sciences. Opportunities for EPSRC funding at Oxford are advertised on relevant departmental websites. Questions about EPSRC funding should also be referred to the relevant department.
Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC)
The ESRC is the UK’s largest organisation for funding research on social and economic issues. The University is an ESRC accredited Doctoral Training Centre and part of a national network of 21 centres of excellence in research training. Information about ESRC scholarships at Oxford can be found on the Social Sciences Division website and questions about ESRC funding can be referred to the ESRC Admin Support Officer.
Medical Research Council (MRC)
The MRC promotes research into all areas of medical and related science with the aims of improving the health and quality of life of the UK public and contributing to the wealth of the nation. The University of Oxford receives a Doctoral Training Grant from the MRC each year from which studentships are created and awarded through departments and through the Medical Sciences Graduate School. There is no separate application process for MRC awards at Oxford; all eligible applicants are automatically considered. For further information, and if you have any questions about the process, please see the Medical Sciences Graduate School website.
In addition, the University bids in MRC competitions for Industrial CASE Awards and Capacity Building Studentships.
Natural Environment Research Council (NERC)
NERC is the UK's main agency for funding and managing research, training and knowledge exchange in the environmental sciences. Their work covers the full range of atmospheric, earth, biological, terrestrial and aquatic science. Opportunities for NERC funding at Oxford are advertised on relevant departmental websites. Questions about NERC funding should also be referred to the relevant department.
Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC)
The STFC support, promote and coordinate research into spheres ranging from particle and nuclear physics to space, laser and materials science. Opportunities for STFC funding at Oxford are advertised on relevant departmental websites. Questions about STFC funding should also be referred to the relevant department.