Biological Sciences

How to Apply – PhD Applicants with External Sponsorship or Self Funding

Guidance on how to apply with your own research proposal or for advertised PhD projects - applicants with external sponsorship or self-funding.

Industrial action

University and College Union (UCU) industrial action is taking place in many UK Universities, and may impact applicants receiving their final transcript and certificate for admission to further study.  Applicants in this position who are applying to one of our research programmes can request to be considered on their interim transcript. 

For more information please contact: grad.biol@ed.ac.uk

Latest information for students on industrial action at the University

We have PhD students funded by a variety of international government schemes and industry as well as those who self-fund. 

When Should I Apply?

Externally Sponsored Applicants - we recommend you apply at least a month in advance of your funding application deadline. Those applying for an advertised PhD project must meet the University Application deadline.

Self Funded Applicants - we welcome applications from self-funded PhD applicants with their own research proposal at any time of year. Those applying for an advertised PhD project must meet the University Application deadline.

How to Apply

Funding and scholarship opportunities

1.  You will need to meet the University's Postgraduate entry requirements. 

Postgraduate Entry Requirements 

2.  Contact your proposed supervisor to discuss your research proposal or the advertised project you are interested in.  Supervisors are based in one of our six Research Institutes

Academic Staff List 

3.  Submit an application for admission via the University's online application system - EUCLID. You need to select your research project or topic/institute from the list of research programmes.

 

Apply on EUCLID 

 

How to Write a Research Proposal

Whether you are limited to one page (as part of a University application or enquiry form) or are required to produce something more substantial for an external funder, the rules about writing a good research proposal are the same: you want to stand out from the crowd and have the best chance of being selected.

Our guide highlights the "golden rules" and provides tips on how to write a good research application.

How to write a good research proposal (1.44 MB PDF)