National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Doctoral Award 2027 in England | Fully Funded
The NIHR Doctoral Award 2027 is a fully funded PhD research training opportunity for early career researchers in health, social care, public health, and related disciplines in England. Offered by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR), the award supports professionals and researchers to undertake doctoral-level research that contributes to improving healthcare systems, patient outcomes, and public wellbeing.
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The three-year Doctoral Award provides comprehensive financial support including salary funding, research expenses, conference support, and career development training. The programme is open to applicants from a wide range of professional backgrounds, including clinicians, practitioners, local authority researchers, and social care professionals.
In this post, you will understand all the key details of the scholarship, including the steps you need to follow to apply successfully.
National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Doctoral Award 2027 in England Summary
- Host Country: United Kingdom (UK)
- Study Abroad: Study in UK
- Host Institution: National Institute for Health and Care Research
- Category: Postgraduate Scholarships | PhD Scholarships
- Eligibility: Early Career Researchers
- Reward: Fully Funded, full salary, laptop cost, etc
- Deadline: June 23, 2026
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NIHR Doctoral Award 2027 in England Details
The NIHR Doctoral Award is designed to support researchers undertaking a PhD by research in areas that improve health and social care outcomes. The award combines several former NIHR fellowship schemes into one simplified doctoral funding programme.
Applicants can conduct research across various scientific disciplines connected to healthcare, including:
- Public health
- Mental health
- Social care
- Health data science
- Oral and dental health
- Policing and local authority healthcare research
For clinicians, practitioners, and local authority applicants, up to 20% of the funded time can be dedicated to clinical or practice work.
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The award also includes opportunities to apply through partnership programmes with charities such as:
- Moorfields Eye Charity
- Diabetes UK
- Kidney Research UK
- Stroke Association
- Wellbeing of Women
- Epilepsy Research Institute
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Eligibility Requirements for the NIHR Doctoral Award 2027 in England
To be eligible for the NIHR Doctoral Award 2027, applicants must:
- Have prior research experience or training suitable for PhD study
- Not already hold a PhD in a relevant subject area
- Be employed or proposed for employment at an eligible organisation in England
- Propose research within NIHR’s remit for career development awards
- Be enrolled in a PhD for no more than 12 months full-time by the award start date if already registered
- Be based in the UK during the award period
Eligible host organisations include:
- Higher Education Institutions (HEIs)
- NHS bodies
- Local authorities
- Publicly funded healthcare or social care providers
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NIHR Doctoral Award 2027 in England Benefits
- Full salary funding for the duration of the award
- Funding for approved PhD research costs
- Conference funding up to £3,000
- Career development and professional training support
- Funding for public and community involvement activities
- Laptop or computer funding up to £1,000
- Support for research-related development activities
- Opportunity to undertake a fully funded PhD in England
Required Documents for the NIHR Doctoral Award 2027 in England
When applying for this scholarship, you’ll need to submit:
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- Narrative CV
- Detailed research plan
- Career development programme
- Gantt chart/project timeline
- References of cited works
- Letters of support from contracting and partner organisations
- Schedule of Events Cost Attribution Tool (SoECAT), if applicable:
Here is an easy-to-follow guide for starting your scholarship application and crafting a compelling personal statement:
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How to Apply for the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Doctoral Award 2027 in England (Step-by-Step)
- Create an account on the NIHR awards management system
- Complete the online application form
- Upload all required supporting documents
- Ensure your host organisation completes final signatory approval
- Submit your application before the deadline
Shortlisted applicants will be invited for virtual interviews in November 2026.
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Deadline
23 June 2026









