Our Community Studentship Scheme enables academics across the UK to access co-funded PhD studentships through the Fusion Engineering Centre for Doctoral Training (CDT).

Each year, we offer eight studentships for collaborative projects that align with the CDT’s mission to grow fusion engineering capability in the UK. The scheme allows academics from any UK university to participate — expanding access to our network, resources and mission.

• 4-years funding at 50% of the UKRI recommended postgraduate-researcher stipend and home tuition fee rate
• £12,500 Research Training Support Grant (RTSG) for the 4-year period.

Why apply?

A cost-effective way to grow your doctoral research in fusion engineering.

The Community Studentship Scheme opens up access to partial studentship funding for high-potential projects — provided match funding is secured. It’s ideal if you have access to industrial funding, university support, or other grant income and want to partner with the CDT to co-develop talent and impactful research.

Key benefits:

• Access to 4-year funding to support a PhD researcher
• Engagement with the CDT’s cohort training and events
• Collaboration with one of the UK’s leading doctoral training programmes in fusion.

By joining the CDT community, your student becomes part of a national cohort developing technical and professional skills tailored to the fusion sector.

What’s included in a Community Studentship?

Each studentship provides:

• 50% of the UKRI recommended PGR stipend and home tuition fee rate, funded over 4 years
• £12,500 Research Training Support Grant (RTSG) for the 4-year period
• A Collaboration Agreement issued by The University of Manchester to enable the fund transfer.

To access the award, academic supervisors must secure match funding of equal value, this may come from:

• Your university
• An industrial partner
• A UKRI or other research grant.

Match funders may also choose to top up the stipend or RTSG, depending on project needs.

Who can apply and how does it work?

Open to academics at any UK university.

We welcome applications from academics based at UK universities outside of the CDT’s four founding partners. Here’s how the process works:

1. Check your project fits the CDT scope.
   The CDT Management Group reviews all proposals to confirm alignment with our mission and research themes.
2. Secure match funding.
   Ensure you have a funding partner able to match the studentship award.
3. Submit an initial proposal.
   If your proposal is in scope and match funding is identified, you’ll be invited to complete a full application to confirm the award.