NIHR Doctoral Award (Cohort 3)

The National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) is now accepting applications for its Doctoral Award (Cohort 3) for the year 2026. This opportunity is designed to support early career researchers in undertaking a PhD by research.

📖 About the NIHR Doctoral Award (Cohort 3)

This is a single-stage, doctoral-level funding opportunity aimed at supporting the career development of health and social care professionals through PhD research. The award is a 3-year training program that provides comprehensive support for researchers.

🎁 Benefits of the NIHR Doctoral Award

The funding covers the following:

• Full salary of the award holder for the entire duration of the fellowship at the requested FTE, including the employer's contribution to National Insurance and superannuation.
• Costs for the approved research project.
• Conference fees up to £3,000.
• Costs for a training and development plan to support professional growth.
• Working with people and communities costs.
• Laptop or computer costs up to £1,000.

✅ Eligibility Criteria

To apply, you must meet the following requirements:

1. Research Experience:

   • Have prior research experience or training to prepare for a PhD.
   • Must not already hold a PhD by research.

2. Employment Proposal:

   • Propose substantive employment with a recognised higher education institution (HEI), NHS body, local authority, or other publicly or third-sector funded health or social care provider in England.
   • If applying to the Addictions Healthcare Goals Programme partnership award, you must have an equivalent UK-wide contracting organisation in the devolved nations.
   • If planning to undertake clinical/practice time as part of the award, or if your host organisation is not a HEI, a partner organisation must be listed in the application. Failure to include this will render your application ineligible.

3. PhD Enrollment:

   • If already registered for a PhD, you must not have been enrolled for more than 12 months full-time by the award start date.

4. Research Scope:

   • Your proposed research must fall within the remit for personal career development awards.

📅 Application Deadline

• Deadline: 23 June, 2026

📝 Application Process

• Visit the official NIHR website to view details and apply for the Doctoral Award (Cohort 3).

For more information, visit the official NIHR website or contact the relevant department for application guidance.

• Full salary of the award holder for the entire duration of the fellowship at the requested FTE, including employer's contribution to National Insurance and superannuation.
• Costs for the approved research project.
• Associated conference fees up to £3,000.
• Costs for a suitable training and development plan leading to further professional development.
• Working with people and communities costs.
• Laptop or computer costs up to £1,000.